Study permit applications
Program choice, study plan, funds and ties — prepared so an officer can see a genuine student with a clear plan.
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Study Permits & PGWP
Study in Canada — under the 2026 rules.
A study permit can open the door to a post-graduation work permit and, later, permanent residence. The rules changed a lot between 2024 and 2026. We keep your application current, consistent and complete.
PALStudy permitsPGWPExtensionsFamily
DLIschool must be designated
PALneeded by most applicants
PGWPafter eligible programs
2013guiding students since
How we help students
From acceptance letter to graduation.
Whether you're applying for the first time, already studying here, or recovering from a refusal, we make sure each application tells one consistent story.
Extensions & changes
Extending your permit, changing schools or programs, and keeping your status intact while you do.
Post-graduation work permit
We confirm PGWP eligibility before you enrol — not after you graduate — then file on time.
Bringing family
Spouse and children's permits. Spousal open work permit eligibility for students was narrowed in 2025 — we check yours.
Refused study permits
We review the refusal reasons and rebuild the application, or request reconsideration where it's justified.
Students under 18
Custodianship, parental consent and the extra documents minor students need.
The 2024–2026 changes
Old advice gets students refused. We apply today's rules.
Many applications still follow rules that no longer exist. We build yours on the current requirements.
- ✓ A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is needed in most cases. As of January 1, 2026, master's and PhD students at public institutions are exempt.
- ✓ The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024. Everyone now uses the standard process.
- ✓ A federal cap on study permits, with provincial PAL allocations.
- ✓ Higher proof of funds: at least $23,448 for one person (outside Quebec, for applications from September 1, 2026), plus tuition and travel.
After you graduate
From study permit to PGWP to permanent residence.
After an eligible program (generally 8 months or longer) at an eligible institution, you may qualify for an open post-graduation work permit. Canadian study and work experience can then support Express Entry or Alberta's streams.
- ✓ Field-of-study requirement for programs other than bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees (for study permits applied for on or after November 1, 2024).
- ✓ Language requirement: CLB 7 for graduates of any university program, CLB 5 for college and other non-university programs.
- ✓ PGWP holders with an eligible credential from an Alberta public institution need 6 months of related Alberta work experience (not 12) for the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
How it works
Your study permit, step by step.
Step
Choose program & school
We check that the school is a DLI and that the program keeps your PGWP options open.
Step
Acceptance & PAL
Your letter of acceptance and, unless you're exempt, a Provincial Attestation Letter.
Step
Build the application
Funds, ties, study plan and education history, all consistent with each other.
Step
Submit & decision
Biometrics, any medical exam, and we answer officer requests if they come.
Be prepared
What officers look for.
Documents you'll typically need
- Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
- Provincial Attestation Letter, unless you're exempt
- Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
- Valid passport
- Study plan explaining your program choice
- Transcripts and language test results
- Medical exam and police certificates, where required
Your exact checklist depends on your country, program and history.
Common reasons study permits are refused
- The officer isn't satisfied you'll leave Canada after your studies
- Funds are insufficient, unexplained or recently deposited
- The program doesn't fit your education or career path
- A study plan that's generic or inconsistent
- Missing or inconsistent documents
Each of these can be addressed before you apply.
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Study permit FAQs.
Every student's situation is different — we'll confirm what applies to you.
Ask a consultantDo I need a Provincial Attestation Letter?
Most applicants do. Some are exempt — for example, primary and secondary students and, as of January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at public institutions. We confirm for your case.
Can I work while studying?
Eligible full-time students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during regular academic sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Can my family come with me?
Children can usually accompany you. Spousal open work permits for students were narrowed in 2025 and now depend mainly on your level of study. We'll check your family's options.
Will my program qualify for a PGWP?
It depends on the program length, the institution and — for programs other than bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees — the field of study. Check before you enrol; changing later can cost you the permit.
Can I change schools?
Usually yes, but you must update your school with IRCC, and some changes affect PGWP eligibility. Talk to us before you switch.
I was refused. Can you help?
Yes. We review the refusal and build a stronger application or request reconsideration. See Refused or RFI?