Study permit
Study in Canada
Overview of Canada’s study permit for designated learning institutions. A study permit is not the same as a visitor visa.
Study permit versus visitor status
A study permit authorises study at a designated learning institution (DLI) under IRCC rules. Short tourist visits and “look around” trips use visitor status instead. Confusing the two — or starting a program without the documents IRCC currently requires — is a frequent refusal pattern Entryora sees in public guidance themes.
Acceptance, funds, and attestation letters
You normally need a letter of acceptance from a DLI and proof you can pay tuition plus living costs. Provincial or territorial attestation letters and other school paperwork may be mandatory depending on the program and IRCC’s latest instructions. Gather what the checklist for your country of application actually lists, not a generic blog pack.
Work conditions on the permit
On- and off-campus work is allowed only when the permit and IRCC conditions say so — and only while you remain a full-time student in good standing under those rules. A blank assumption that “students can always work 20 hours” is outdated whenever IRCC updates the policy page.
Apply after the school file is complete
Processing times vary by country. Biometrics and medicals follow IRCC requests. Apply when your acceptance and supporting letters match current IRCC requirements, then track the application only through official accounts.
Practical research path
Read this Study in Canada (Study permit) starter for orientation, then open the official apply or information URL linked from the page. Confirm whether your nationality, purpose, and travel dates still match the product family — study routes are easy to confuse with neighbouring permits that share marketing language. Use Entryora tools only as a second pass after you know which government page owns the live rules.
- Copy the official product name into your notes before you compare blogs.
- Re-check fees, biometrics, and appointment systems on the authority site.
- Do not treat this starter as a prediction of approval or boarding.
Eligibility snapshot
- Acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Proof you can pay tuition and living costs
- Intent to leave when your study period ends, unless another status applies
Documents
- Letter of acceptance
- Proof of funds
- Passport and biometrics if requested
- Provincial attestation or other letters when IRCC requires them
Fees, stay, and work
| Fees | Study permit and biometrics fees are set by IRCC. Verify on canada.ca. |
|---|---|
| Timeline | IRCC processing times vary by country. Apply only after you have the school documents IRCC currently requires. |
| Stay | Usually aligned with the study program, plus any extra time printed on the permit. |
| Work rights | On- and off-campus work is allowed only if the permit says so and you meet IRCC conditions. |
| Path to PR | Not a permanent residence route on its own. |
Apply on the official site Document checklist Back to Canada