Do I need a study permit? How do I apply?

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, then you might need a study permit to study in Canada

If you plan to study in a short-term program of 6 months or less, you do not need a study permit. However, you will still need a valid passport or travel document as well as a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization.

It may be a good idea to apply for a study permit if you think you might want to study in another program after you complete the first program. If you already have a valid study permit, you can apply to extend your study permit from inside Canada as long as you are still enrolled in school. However, if you do not have a study permit, you will need to follow the instructions for applying for a study permit from outside Canada.

If you plan to study in a program for more than 6 months, you need a study permit.

What do I need to apply?

To apply for a study permit, you will generally need:

An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution for the main applicant of the study permit application.
Digital copies of passports for you and any dependent family members who come with you to Canada;
Two (2) recent passport size photos for you and/or your dependents, with the name and date of birth of each person written on the back of each photo;
Proof that you have enough money, without working in Canada, to pay school fees and support yourself and any family members who come with you while you study. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and transportation to and from Canada; and,
To assure an immigration officer that you and any family members who come with you will leave Canada after you finish your studies.

In most cases, you will need:

Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from your school, unless you qualify for an exception or will be studying in Quebec. If you will be studying in Quebec, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate.

You might also need, if applicable to you and/or your accompanying dependents:

To pass a medical exam, and/or
To get a temporary resident visa (or "entry visa") or an electronic travel authorization, and/or
To get a police certificate, and/or
To get proof of care for children under the age of 17 in Canada.

It is recommended that you also have:

A letter of explanation explaining why you want to study in Canada, and that you understand your responsibilities as an international student.

Depending on the country you are applying from, document requirements may be different. Please check the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) website for details specific to your situation. In addition, if you have any criminal or medical issues or concerns, it is best to get legal advice to assess your options and admissibility to Canada.

Where do I apply?

You have to apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

For More Information

Studying in Canada - Information for people planning to come to Canada as international students. From IRCC.
Student Direct Stream – Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). From IRCC.
Study in Ontario - Information for international students interested in attending college or university in Ontario. From the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Produced in partnership with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC). First Published in 2025.