Study Abroad in Canada – Your Guide to Studying as an International Student
- Category:Student Visa
- Country:Canada
- View Counts:323
- Published on:14-Feb-2026
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students due to its high-quality education, safe environment, and excellent work and immigration opportunities. If you’re planning to study in Canada, this guide will walk you through everything from eligibility to study permits, documentation, application steps, and life as a student in Canada.
What Is a Study Permit?
A study permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Most international students planning to study in Canada for more than six months must have a valid study permit.
The permit also allows you to stay in Canada for the duration of your program and may let you work part-time during your studies and pursue work opportunities after graduation.
Processing Time
Study permit processing times vary by country. It depends on:
- Your country of residence
- Time of application (peak intake seasons may take longer)
- Completeness of your documents
👉 Always apply as early as possible to avoid delays.
Study Permit Fees
- Study Permit Fee: CAD $150
Additional costs may include:
- Biometrics fee
- Medical examination
- Visa application center service charges
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a study permit, you must:
- Be accepted by a DLI in Canada.
- Prove you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses and return travel.
- Be law-abiding and have no serious criminal record (a police certificate may be required).
- Be in good health and complete a medical exam if requested.
Convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your study period.
Documents You’ll Need to Apply
When applying for a study permit, you’ll typically need:
Primary documents:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your chosen Canadian institution.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of financial support for tuition, living costs, and travel.
- Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) (if required by your province/territory; in Quebec, this is replaced by a CAQ).
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required.
- Police clearance certificate and medical exam results, if requested.
Tips for documents:
- Submit as many required documents as possible with your initial application to reduce delays.
- Translations are needed for any non-English or non-French documents.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application
- Prepare your documents: Gather all required paperwork, including LOA and proof of funding.
- Apply online: Most applicants must apply online .
- Biometrics & Fees: Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and pay applicable fees, including the study permit processing fee.
- Submit your application: Complete your application and upload your documents.
- Wait for a decision: Immigration authorities will review and process your application.
- Receive your letter of introduction: If approved, you’ll receive a letter of introduction and a visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) if needed.
- Travel to Canada: Present your letter at a Canadian port of entry where you’ll be issued your actual study permit.
After You Apply
Once you’ve submitted your study permit application:
- Book your biometrics appointment as early as possible to prevent delays.
- Respond to any requests from immigration authorities for additional documents.
- Update contact or address information if it changes during processing.
- Monitor your application status through your online IRCC account.
- If you applied from outside Canada, you’ll be sent a letter of introduction to show at the port of entry.
If your application is refused, the immigration office will send a letter explaining the reason and next steps.
Preparing for Arrival in Canada
Before you travel, make sure to:
- Pack all official documents, including your letter of acceptance and letter of introduction.
- Have proof of funds ready to show at border control if asked.
- Arrange for housing and healthcare coverage (many provinces offer health plans to international students).
- Know your port of entry procedures, as officers will confirm your identity and permit status.
While You Study in Canada
Once your study permit is issued, you can:
- Stay in Canada for the duration of your program plus any additional time indicated on your permit.
- Work on-campus or off-campus part-time during study periods (if eligible) and full-time during scheduled breaks.
- Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing eligible programs, offering valuable work experience and potential immigration pathways.
Make sure you always:
- Remain enrolled at a DLI and make reasonable progress toward completing your program.
- Follow all conditions listed on your study permit.
- Apply to extend your study permit before it expires if your program is ongoing.
Studying in Canada is a life-changing opportunity that opens doors to world-class education and global career prospects. Preparing your study permit application carefully and understanding your responsibilities as an international student are keys to a smooth experience abroad.
Want personalized guidance or help with your Canadian study permit application? Our study abroad experts can assist you through every step!