What a study permit application needs
- A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
- A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), unless exempt. Since January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions do not need one. Without a required PAL, the application is returned.
- Proof of funds: first-year tuition and travel, plus living costs of $23,448 for a single applicant (higher for family members) for applications from September 1, 2026, outside Quebec.
- A study plan that makes sense given your education, work history and goals.
- Ties and intent: the officer must be satisfied you will leave Canada if you do not obtain another status. Planning to apply for permanent residence later is allowed.
While you study
- Eligible students can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks.
- Changing schools generally requires a new study permit application.
- Spouses can get open work permits only in limited cases, mainly for certain graduate and professional programs.
Post-graduation work permits (PGWP)
A PGWP can be issued for up to three years depending on the length of the program, and only once in a lifetime. For study permit applications made on or after November 1, 2024, there are extra conditions:
- Language: CLB/NCLC 7 for university degree graduates and CLB/NCLC 5 for college programs, shown by an approved test.
- Field of study: non-degree college programs must be in an eligible field on IRCC’s list. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are exempt from this requirement.
You must apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your program, and you must have held valid study status at some point in that period.
How ATWORLD IMMIGRATION helps
We check that a program leads where you want to go before you pay deposits. We prepare study permit applications with clear financial evidence and study plans, and handle extensions, school changes, restorations, PGWPs and the next step to permanent residence.
Last reviewed November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law and IRB procedure change often; we confirm the current rules for your file at your consultation.