How to apply for Canada student visa?

Thinking about studying in Canada? You’re not alone. Canada’s universities and vibrant cities attract students from all over the world. The study permit process has, however, changed a lot over the last few years. This guide walks you through what’s new in 2025-26, what documents you need, how to apply, typical costs, timelines, and what happens after you arrive.

First things first, what is a study permit?

A study permit lets you study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It is not a visa or travel document. Depending on your citizenship, you may also need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to travel to Canada. If you apply for your first study permit from outside Canada, IRCC issues the TRV or eTA automatically once your permit is approved, so there’s no separate application or extra fee for that piece. (Source: IRCC Canada)

What changed in 2024–2025?

A few big updates to know before you start:

• Provincial attestation letter (PAL): Most new applicants must include a PAL or TAL from the province or territory where they’ll study. Canada has set a national cap on study permits, so the PAL confirms you have an allocated study space. Requirements now cover most applicants, including many graduate students. (Source: www.canada.ca)

• Proof of funds: For applications submitted on or after 1 September 2025, the minimum living expense requirement (outside Québec) has increased to CAD $22,895 for a single applicant, on top of tuition and travel. Applications submitted before that date follow the earlier threshold. The amount is indexed to Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off and may change annually. Always check the current figure before you apply.

• Off-campus work: Eligible students can work off campus up to 24 hours per week during term time.

• Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended: Canada ended the SDS fast-track route in November 2024. All students now use the regular study permit process.

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) updates:

• Graduates of master’s programmes can get a 3-year PGWP even if the programme is under 2 years, provided it’s at least 8 months.

• Graduates of programmes offered through public-private curriculum licensing partnerships are not eligible for a PGWP if they started on or after 15 May 2024.

• For many non-degree programmes, PGWP eligibility now depends on studying in an eligible field linked to long-term labour needs. Check the latest rules if this applies to you.

Spousal work permits

• Open work permits for spouses are now restricted, typically to spouses of students in master’s, PhD, or select professional programmes. Policies continue to evolve, so confirm eligibility before applying. (Source: Canada.ca and CIC News)

Eligibility at a glance

You’ll usually need to show that you:

• Have a letter of acceptance from a DLI (IRCC now verifies many letters directly with schools).

• Have a PAL or TAL if required for your province or programme.

• Can pay for tuition, living expenses, and travel without relying on Canadian employment.

• Meet any language, medical, and security requirements.

• Intend to leave Canada when your authorised stay ends.

(Source: Canada.ca)

Documents checklist

Each applicant’s list varies, but most students gather:

• Passport.

• Letter of acceptance from a DLI.

• Provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter if required.

• Proof of funds meeting the current requirement for your application date, plus tuition and travel.

• Completed online forms and biometrics (fingerprints and photo) where required.

• Medical exam results if IRCC requests them.

• Police certificate if IRCC requests one.

• Any additional items shown on your personalised IRCC checklist when you start your application online.

Please check the official website for the latest document requirements. 

Fees you can expect

Government fees are paid to IRCC:

• Study permit (including extensions): CAD $150 per person.

• Biometrics: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family.

• Medical exams and document translation fees vary by country and provider.

• You don’t pay a separate fee for a TRV or eTA if you’re applying for an initial permit from outside Canada, as they’re issued automatically with your approval. 

Tip: Fees and thresholds change. Always confirm the latest amounts on IRCC’s site before you pay or submit. (Source: IRCC Canada)

How to apply, step by step

1. Confirm your DLI admission and, if needed, request your PAL/TAL from the province or territory. Some provinces issue PALs through your institution.

2. Create your online IRCC account and start an application for a study permit. The system generates a personalised document checklist for you.

3. Upload documents and pay fees online.

4. Give biometrics, if required, at a Visa Application Centre.

5. Complete a medical exam if IRCC instructs you.

6. Watch for requests from IRCC for any extra information.

7. Decision and travel: If approved, you’ll receive a port of entry letter. Your TRV (if you need one) is placed in your passport, or an eTA is issued electronically. Bring your port of entry letter to Canada; your physical study permit is printed when you arrive.

When to apply and processing times

Apply as early as you can. Processing times vary by country and season and can change as caps and PAL allocations shift. Use IRCC’s online tool to check current processing times for study permits. 

Working while you study

If you meet the conditions on your study permit, you can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks. Always check your specific permit conditions and school policies. 

Can your family come with you?

Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to join you. Spousal open work permit rules are narrower than before and now focus on spouses of master’s, PhD, or select professional-degree students. Always review the latest IRCC guidance before making plans. 

After graduation: Work options

Many students plan to work in Canada after their studies through the post-graduation work permit (PGWP):

• Master’s graduates can qualify for a 3-year PGWP even when the programme is under 2 years, if it’s at least 8 months long.

• Programmes delivered via public-private curriculum licensing partnerships are PGWP-ineligible if started on or after 15 May 2024.

• Some non-degree programmes must be in eligible fields to qualify. Check the latest list and rules before committing to a course.

Financing your studies

International education is a big investment, and funding your degree can feel complex. Prodigy Finance can help eligible postgraduate students from 120+ countries access funding with a simple online application and direct-to-school disbursement when we send the funds to your school*. Repayments begin after your grace period (regular) so you can settle into your new city before payments start.

Check your eligibility

FAQs

Loan and promotion offers are subject to our eligibility, funding, and credit assessment criteria. Loan amounts are subject to the cost of attendance limits set by schools. Representative APR 12.49% variable. APR includes interest + mandatory fees (all-inclusive rate of borrowing).

This guide is for general guidance only and should not be regarded as official or legal information. We encourage you to consult the relevant government or official website for the most up-to-date information.