If you plan to study in Canada for more than six months, you’ll need to have a study permit that remains valid for the entire duration of your program. This page explains how to apply for your study permit from outside Canada, which documents you’ll need, and what happens after you apply.



On this page

How to apply for a study permit

Before you start preparing your application, check the information on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to learn what a study permit is, who needs to apply for one, and other important considerations. 

We have created a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a study permit from outside Canada. It includes detailed information on creating your secure IRCC account and filling out the application form.

Bringing your family to Canada

Your spouse or common-law partner and/or your dependent children might be able to live with you in Canada during your studies. In most cases, they should apply at the same time as you for their own temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization.

Your spouse might also be eligible to apply for an open work permit while you’re studying. Learn more about open work permits for spouses.

When to apply for a study permit

You must apply for your study permit before coming to Canada, and it must be approved while you are outside the country. Submit your application as soon as you receive both your Letter of Admission and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (if required).

Note: As of January 1, 2026, master’s and PhD students will be exempt from the provincial attestation letter (PAL) requirement.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or a resident of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you may apply for your study permit upon entry into Canada, either at a Canada–U.S. border crossing or at a Canadian airport upon arrival. 

In order to generate this list of additional documents:

  • Visit the IRCC webpage for paper applications and select your country/territory from the drop-down menu.
  • Then select Get documents. This will give you access to the application package for applicants from your country.
  • Click Visa office instructions. This will launch a document checklist in pdf format, specifying the requirements from your visa office.

Any additional country-specific documents must be uploaded into the “Client Information” section of the document checklist for your study permit application.

Provincial attestation letter (PAL)

Unless you are exempt, you must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) when applying to IRCC for a study permit.

A provincial attestation letter is an official document issued by the government of a Canadian province to confirm that an international student has been accepted for admission to a post-secondary institution in that province.

Note: Study permit applications for master’s and PhD programs submitted on or after January 1, 2026, will not require a PAL.

Proof of funds

When you apply for a study permit, you must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada. You must show proof of financial support, which includes a minimum amount of funds per year, along with funding for your tuition fees for your first year of studies and travel expenses.

Generally, you should show that you have liquid assets or readily accessible funds. While you are only required to prove you have sufficient funds for your first year of studies (including your tuition fees and living costs), the visa officer will also assess whether you are likely to have adequate financial resources for the remaining years of your studies.

Study plan

We recommend including a study plan in your application. This helps the visa officer understand why you want to pursue post-secondary studies in Canada and how these studies align with your personal and professional goals.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) / Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Your study permit is the document that authorizes you to study and work in Canada. You will also require a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on your country of nationality, which will allow you to travel to Canada.

Note: U.S. citizens are visa exempt and will not require an entry visa or an eTA to travel to Canada.

When you apply for a study permit from outside Canada, you won’t need to apply separately for a TRV or an eTA. If your study permit application is approved, IRCC will automatically issue you an entry visa or an eTA. 

If your study permit is approved

If your application is approved, IRCC will send you an electronic Letter of Introduction (also called Port of Entry letter). This is not your study permit. You will need to present this letter to the border officer when you arrive in Canada to receive your study permit. 

If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), you will be asked to submit your passport so that the visa officer can place the visa into it. The passport will then be mailed back to you. Please note that this step takes place before you receive your Letter of Introduction. 

If you require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you will not need to submit your passport. The eTA will be issued electronically and linked to your passport number. Your eTA number and its expiry date will be included in your Letter of Introduction.

Important: Do not enter Canada with only your entry visa or eTA. You must present your Letter of Introduction to a border services officer upon arrival to receive your study permit. If you do not do this, obtaining your study permit once in Canada will be much more complicated and could significantly delay the start of your studies. You must have a valid study permit to be authorized to study in Canada.

For detailed instructions on the steps you need to take upon arrival in Canada to receive your study permit, please see our Travelling to Canada webpage.

Keep your study permit valid

When you receive your study permit, make note of its expiry date. You must always hold a valid study permit and apply for an extension before it expires if you need more time to complete your studies. It is your responsibility to maintain valid status in Canada.

If your study permit is refused

There is no guarantee that IRCC will approve your study permit application. If your application is refused, you will receive a letter from IRCC explaining the reasons for the refusal. Here are your options:

Reapply for a study permit

  • Carefully read the reasons for refusal provided by IRCC. If you believe you can address these, you may submit a new application.
  • Prepare a new Letter of Explanation and a Study Plan that addresses the refusal reasons and explains your academic goals, ties to your home country, and future plans.
  • Request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if applicable, by emailing [email protected] and include proof of your refusal. Please note that the requirement to provide a PAL does not apply to master’s and PhD applicants.

Drop courses before the reimbursement deadline
If you receive a refusal before the deadline to withdraw from courses and receive a financial credit (minus administrative fees), you can drop your courses and request a refund.

Important: Your admission deposit is non-refundable except if your study permit application is rejected by IRCC. To qualify for a refund, you must provide proof of refusal and request the refund by the last day to enrol for the term in which you were scheduled to start. 

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Still have questions?

Speak to our expert immigration advisors during weekly virtual Q&A sessions.

Information on this page could change

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs). While we aim to keep it accurate, it could change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.

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