Canada Study Permit
Canada Study Permit: Application, PAL, Proof of Funds & Documents
A neutral, official-source guide to the Canada study permit for international students — what it is, how to apply through IRCC, the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), proof of funds and the GIC option, and the documents you need.
Most international students need a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to study in Canada. These guides explain the study permit in plain language — what it is and how it differs from a visa, the step-by-step application, the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) introduced in January 2024, proof-of-funds and the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), and a high-level documents checklist. Everything here is general information, not immigration advice: rules change frequently and the Student Direct Stream (SDS) was ended on 8 November 2024, so always verify the current requirements on the official Government of Canada source before you act.
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Guides for Canada
10 of 10 guides in this hub are for Canada.
Canada Study Permit Explained
What a Canada study permit is, who needs one and how it differs from a visa — an overview of the IRCC document that lets international students study in Canada.
Read guideHow to Apply for a Canada Study Permit
How to apply for a Canada study permit through IRCC — DLI acceptance, a Provincial Attestation Letter and proof of funds — with links to the official sources.
Read guideProvincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Explained
The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), introduced in January 2024: what it is, who issues it, who needs one and who is exempt, with official links.
Read guideProof of Funds and GIC for Canada
Proof of funds for a Canada study permit and the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) option, with links to the official source for the current amount.
Read guideCanada Study Permit Documents Checklist
Documents commonly needed for a Canada study permit — acceptance letter, PAL where required, proof of funds, passport and more — with official links.
Read guideDesignated Learning Institution (DLI) Explained
What a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is, why it matters for a Canadian study permit, what a DLI number is, and how to check whether your school is on the official Government of Canada list.
Read guideBiometrics and Medical Exam for Canada
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and the medical exam for a Canadian study permit — when they may be required, who collects them, and where to verify the current rules.
Read guideCanada Study Permit Processing Times
How Canadian study permit processing times work — why they vary by country and season, how to check the official IRCC processing-time tool, and how to plan your application timeline.
Read guideStudy Permit Refusal Reasons and Reapplying
Common official reasons a Canadian study permit can be refused, how to understand a refusal letter, and the general options for reapplying — with all specifics deferred to IRCC.
Read guideBringing Family on a Canada Study Permit
How a spouse, partner or dependent children may join an international student in Canada — open work permits, who may be eligible and what to verify with IRCC.
Read guideStudying in Canada
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