Canadian Study Permits

You generally need to demonstrate that you can cover your first-year tuition, living expenses at the rate published by IRCC, return transportation, and additional living expenses for accompanying family members. Quebec has its own financial requirements, which differ from those applicable to the rest of Canada.

The required living-expense amount is revised periodically, so applicants should always check the current IRCC requirements rather than relying on figures from older articles, forums, or social media.

The source and history of your funds are also important. A reasonable balance supported by several months of consistent financial history can be more persuasive than a large amount deposited shortly before applying. If a family member or another person is providing the funds, disclose the arrangement and provide appropriate evidence showing the source and availability of the funds.

A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) is issued by the province or territory where you intend to study. It confirms that you have been accounted for within that jurisdiction’s allocation of international students.

Most study permit applicants now require an attestation letter, although exemptions exist for certain categories. These exemptions and eligibility rules have changed over time, so applicants should verify the current requirements for their specific situation.

Because provincial and territorial allocations can be limited, timing can matter. Confirm whether you require a PAL/TAL before making major commitments such as paying tuition deposits.

Generally, eligible international students can work while studying if they meet the conditions of their study permit and remain actively enrolled and pursuing their studies.

Eligible students may generally work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and may work full time during scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays, when they meet the applicable requirements. Eligible students may also work on campus without a separate work permit.

If your programme includes a mandatory co-op or internship component, you may require a separate co-op work permit depending on the circumstances.

It is important to comply with the work restrictions attached to your status. Exceeding the permitted work hours can constitute a violation of your study permit conditions and may affect your immigration status and future applications.

Minor children accompanying an international student may generally attend primary or secondary school in Canada without obtaining their own study permit in certain circumstances. However, they must have appropriate immigration status, and provincial rules regarding school registration and fees can vary.

Spousal open work permit eligibility has also changed significantly. Spouses of international students are no longer automatically eligible simply because their partner holds a study permit. Eligibility generally depends on the student’s specific programme, level of study, and other applicable requirements.

If your financial plan depends on your spouse being able to work in Canada, verify your spouse’s eligibility before making your travel and financial arrangements.

Not necessarily. A programme being offered by a Canadian institution does not automatically mean that it qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

PGWP eligibility depends on several factors, including the eligibility of the institution, the type and length of the programme, and, for certain programmes, the field of study. Language proficiency requirements also apply to PGWP applicants under the current rules.

This is one of the most important issues to verify before enrolling. Students can complete a programme and later discover that it does not provide the PGWP eligibility they expected.

Do not rely on what was available when a friend or relative studied in Canada several years ago. Immigration rules can change, so verify the current eligibility of your specific institution and programme before accepting an offer.

You may be able to change schools or programmes, but specific conditions apply.

Post-secondary students who change their designated learning institution (DLI) must follow IRCC's requirements for changing institutions. Depending on the circumstances, additional immigration steps may be required.

Changing programmes can also affect your future immigration options. For example, moving to a programme that is shorter, at a different level, or otherwise not eligible for a PGWP could affect your eligibility after graduation.

Before changing your institution or programme, determine how the change could affect your study permit, status, and potential PGWP eligibility.

You should apply to extend your study permit before it expires if you need to continue studying in Canada. If you apply before expiry and meet the applicable requirements, you may benefit from maintained status while IRCC processes your application.

If your study permit has already expired, you generally lose your status and may need to apply for restoration. Restoration applications are generally available within 90 days of losing status, subject to the applicable requirements. During the restoration period, you generally cannot study or work until your status is restored and you receive the appropriate authorization.

Your study permit and temporary resident visa (TRV) are also separate documents. An expired TRV can affect your ability to return to Canada after travelling outside the country, even if your study permit remains valid.

Keep track of both expiry dates.

Not without first understanding why the application was refused.

Submitting essentially the same application again without addressing the immigration officer’s concerns can result in another refusal. A new application should respond directly to the weaknesses identified in the previous application and provide stronger evidence where appropriate.

The refusal letter may contain standardized reasons and may not provide the complete reasoning behind the decision. GCMS notes can sometimes provide additional information about the officer’s assessment and concerns.

A refusal should therefore be treated as an opportunity to identify what went wrong, obtain the appropriate records, and determine the best next step. Depending on the circumstances, a reconsideration request or another legal remedy may also be appropriate.