Study Permit Applications
From shortlisting the right college or university to writing a strong SOP and filing a complete study permit application, we manage the whole process so your file gets approved the first time.
What Is a Canada Study Permit?
A study permit is the document IRCC issues that lets you study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for more than six months. On its own it does not let you enter Canada, so most applicants also need a temporary resident visa or an eTA depending on their passport.
Since 2024, most college and undergraduate study permit applicants also need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) with their application. As of 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are generally exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement — an important advantage for graduate applicants. Canada’s study permit intake cap remains active in 2026 (about 309,670 application spaces nationally), so complete, competitive files matter more than ever.
Getting a study permit approved is about proving three things clearly: acceptance at a genuine DLI, the ability to pay tuition and living costs, and a credible plan to leave Canada or transition properly once your program ends.
Since 2024, most college and undergraduate study permit applicants also need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) with their application. As of 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are generally exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement — an important advantage for graduate applicants. Canada’s study permit intake cap remains active in 2026 (about 309,670 application spaces nationally), so complete, competitive files matter more than ever.
Getting a study permit approved is about proving three things clearly: acceptance at a genuine DLI, the ability to pay tuition and living costs, and a credible plan to leave Canada or transition properly once your program ends.
Who Is Eligible?
| Factor | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Letter | Offer from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved to host international students |
| Proof of Funds | Tuition for one year plus living costs. For a single applicant outside Quebec, IRCC’s current living-cost figure is CAD $23,448 per year (plus tuition). |
| PAL / TAL | Most college and undergraduate applicants need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter. Master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are generally exempt in 2026. |
| Language Ability | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo score meeting the institution’s admission requirement |
| Academic Background | Transcripts and certificates showing a genuine progression toward the chosen program |
| Ties to Home Country | Evidence supporting a credible study plan and intent to return or transition properly after graduation |
| Medical / Police Checks | Medical exam and police clearance where the visa office asks for them |
What's Included in Our Service
- ✓ Shortlisting colleges and universities that genuinely match your academics, budget and career goals
- ✓ Help with the application, and where needed, the Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- ✓ Guidance on proof of funds, GIC, and education loan documentation
- ✓ Full study permit application preparation and filing
- ✓ Visa interview preparation where the country requires one
- ✓ Support after approval with pre-departure guidance and DLI enrollment steps
Our Process
01
Profile and Goal Review
We look at your academics, budget, preferred country/province and career plans before suggesting a single school.
02
College/University Shortlisting
We shortlist DLIs and programs that fit your profile and genuinely improve your admission and permit approval chances.
03
Application and SOP
We help you apply to your shortlisted institutions and put together an SOP that reflects your actual story, not a template.
04
Funds and Documentation
We guide you through proof of funds, GIC options and the full supporting document set the visa office expects.
05
Study Permit Filing
We prepare and file your complete study permit application and track it until a decision is issued.
Documents You'll Typically Need
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
- ✓ Proof of funds (bank statements, GIC certificate, or education loan sanction letter)
- ✓ Academic transcripts and certificates
- ✓ Language test scores (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo)
- ✓ Statement of Purpose
- ✓ Medical exam and police clearance certificate, where required
FAQS
Study Permit Questions
Is there a study permit cap in 2026?
+Yes. Canada continues to manage study permit volumes nationally in 2026 (about 309,670 application spaces). That does not replace eligibility rules, but it does mean incomplete or weak applications are more likely to lose out on timing and processing capacity.
Do I need a PAL or TAL for a Canada study permit?
+Since 2024, most college and undergraduate study permit applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL). As of 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are generally exempt. We confirm whether your program and province require one before you file.
How much money do I need to show for a Canada study permit?
+You need to show enough for one year of tuition plus living costs. For a single applicant outside Quebec, IRCC’s current living-cost requirement is CAD $23,448 per year, plus your tuition. Amounts differ for accompanying family members and for applicants destined to Quebec.
Do I need IELTS to get a Canada study permit?
+Not always. Some institutions accept PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo, and a few offer conditional admission with language support built in. What matters is meeting the specific institution’s requirement, not a fixed national cutoff.
Can my study permit application get refused even with a genuine offer letter?
+Yes. Most refusals are not about the offer letter at all, they come from weak proof of funds, a vague study plan, or an SOP that does not clearly explain why this program, this school, and this stage in your career. We focus heavily on getting these three right.
Can I work in Canada while studying?
+Most full-time students at a DLI can work off-campus up to the hours allowed under current IRCC rules during the academic year, and full-time during scheduled breaks, as long as it is listed on your study permit. We will confirm exactly what applies to your permit conditions.
What happens after I finish my studies?
+Many graduates become eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which can then support a Canadian Experience Class or PNP application later. We plan for this transition from the start rather than treating it as a separate, later decision.