This guide breaks the real IRCC process into eight plain-language steps, then builds a personal document checklist and cost estimate from your own answers. No agent fees, no guesswork.
Canada is running a national cap on study permit applications again in 2026 (roughly 309,670 application spaces), and application fees are never refunded. Confirm you're eligible before you pay. Foreign nationals currently residing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda are temporarily unable to travel to Canada — check canada.ca for the latest status.
Answer three quick questions. This isn't a legal decision — it points you to the right starting page on canada.ca.
Follow this order. Skipping ahead — like applying before your attestation letter arrives — is the most common cause of delay.
Only schools on the official DLI list can host international students. Apply directly to the school, and once accepted, get your official letter of acceptance (LOA) on the institution's letterhead.
Most college, undergraduate, and diploma applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) confirming you have a spot within that province's yearly cap allocation. In Quebec, the equivalent document is the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Build your document package while you wait for your attestation letter, so you're ready to submit the moment it arrives.
Almost everyone must apply online now, whether applying from outside or inside Canada. You'll need a scanner or camera for your documents and a valid credit or debit card.
Fees are collected at the end of the online application. Pay the biometrics fee at the same time as your processing fee, using the same payment method, to avoid delays.
An officer reviews your file for completeness, then assesses your funds, ties to home, and genuine intent to study. Some applications are randomly selected for an interview to verify documents — you'll be notified in writing if this applies to you.
If you applied from outside Canada and are approved, you'll receive a port of entry (POE) letter of introduction, plus a travel visa or eTA linked to your passport if you need one.
Bring every original document a border services officer might ask for — your POE letter, LOA, proof of funds, and passport.
Answer these based on your own program. The panel on the right updates instantly with an estimated total and a note on your PAL/TAL requirement.
Fill in the form and select "Calculate my plan" to see your estimate.
This updates based on your answers above. Items marked Required are needed by nearly everyone in your situation; Conditional items depend on your country or personal circumstances.
IRCC checks that every required form and document is present. Incomplete applications are returned rather than queued for review.
You attend a biometrics collection appointment within 30 days of your instruction letter. Processing formally begins once these are on file.
An officer assesses your funds, ties to your home country, and genuine intent to study. A small share of applications are chosen for an interview.
If approved from outside Canada, you receive a port of entry letter and, if needed, an eTA or travel visa — issued automatically, with no extra fee.
A border services officer verifies your documents and identity, then issues your physical study permit at the port of entry.
Many international students can work on or off campus, up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session, if their permit allows it. Some programs also include co-op or internship placements. Your specific eligibility is printed on your study permit.
Canada limits the number of study permit applications it accepts each year, and each province receives a fixed share of attestation letters. Once a province's allocation is used up, it stops issuing PALs for the rest of the year — so applying as early as possible in the cycle matters, especially for college and undergraduate programs.
No. Since November 8, 2024, you can no longer change institutions on the same permit. To switch schools you need to apply to extend your study permit for the new institution, which will require a new letter of acceptance and, in most cases, a new attestation letter.
Not always. If your program is 6 months or less and you won't continue into a longer program afterward, you may not need a study permit at all. But if there's any chance you'll continue studying in Canada afterward, apply for a permit before you travel — it's far simpler than trying to get one from inside Canada later.
Application fees are not refunded on refusal. IRCC's refusal letter explains the reason, which commonly relates to insufficient funds, unclear study plans, or incomplete documents. You can reapply once you've addressed the specific concern raised.
No separate application is needed. If your approved study permit requires a travel visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), IRCC issues it automatically alongside your permit approval, at no extra fee.