A Canadian Study Permit allows international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada for programs longer than 6 months. Apply online through your IRCC account.
- Letter of Acceptance from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
- Proof of financial support ($10,000/year in most provinces + tuition)
- Valid passport
- Biometrics (required for most nationalities)
- Statement of purpose (why you want to study in Canada)
Receive your Letter of Acceptance
You must be accepted by a DLI before applying. A full list of DLIs is at canada.ca/dli. Community colleges, universities, and some secondary schools are DLIs. Your acceptance letter must state that you are accepted to a specific program.
Create your IRCC account and start the application
Go to canada.ca/immigration-apply. Create an account with your email. Click “Apply for a Study Permit.” Answer the eligibility questions — the system determines whether to apply online or with a paper kit.
Complete the application forms
Key forms: IMM 1294 (Application for Study Permit), IMM 5645 (Family Information), Schedule 1 (Background/Declaration). Upload: acceptance letter, financial proof (6 months of bank statements), study plan, passport, and photos.
Pay the study permit fee and submit biometrics
The study permit fee is $150 CAD. Pay online by credit card. After paying, you receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) — visit a designated biometric collection site in your country within 30 days to give fingerprints and photo.
Track and prepare for arrival
Track your application in your IRCC account. Processing times vary 4–16 weeks. If approved, you receive a letter of introduction (not the permit itself). The actual permit is stamped at the Canadian port of entry when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — full-time students at DLIs can work on or off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. No separate work permit is needed if you are a full-time student.
After completing a program at a DLI, you may apply for an open work permit (PGWP) allowing you to work in Canada for up to 3 years. This is the main pathway many students use to gain Canadian work experience for Express Entry.