Canada
The Canadian study permit in 2026
A study permit is the document that lets you study in Canada for longer than six months. It is not a visa: depending on your nationality you will also receive a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorisation with it.
What you need before applying
- A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
- A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), unless you are exempt.
- Proof of funds for tuition, living costs and travel.
- For Quebec, a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
- A valid passport, and biometrics once IRCC asks for them.
Attestation letters
Since 2024, most study permit applicants have needed a PAL or TAL from the province where they will study. Your school usually requests it for you after you accept the offer. Each province receives a share of the national cap and issues letters up to that share.
From 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from the attestation requirement, according to IRCC. Primary and secondary school students are also exempt. Most college and undergraduate students still need one.
The 2026 cap
IRCC's 2026 figures set a national target of 408,000 study permits. That breaks down into about 180,000 for students who need an attestation letter, 49,000 for exempt master's and PhD students at public institutions, and 115,000 for K-12 students, with the rest covering extensions and other exempt groups. To reach those approvals, IRCC allocated 309,670 attestation-backed applications across provinces, with Ontario receiving the largest share at 104,780.
Proof of funds
Outside Quebec, a single student applying on or after 1 September 2026 must show CAD 23,448 for living costs, on top of first-year tuition and travel. Applications made before that date used the previous figure of CAD 22,895. The amount rises for each family member who comes with you.
Quebec sets its own figure. For 2026 it is CAD 24,617 for a single adult student, according to the Quebec immigration ministry.
Accepted evidence includes bank statements, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating Canadian bank, proof of a student loan, or a scholarship letter. IRCC looks for funds that have been in place for some time, so a large deposit made the week before applying can raise questions.
Fees
The study permit application fee is CAD 150 and biometrics cost CAD 85 per person. Check the IRCC fee list before paying, as fees change.
After approval
You receive a port of entry letter. The permit itself is issued by a border officer when you arrive. Check the conditions printed on it, including whether you may work off campus, before you leave the border desk.
Next: working while you study.