CANADA · CHAPTER 4
From applicationto study permit.
Get a letter of acceptance from a DLI, then a provincial attestation letter (PAL) unless you are exempt — master's and doctoral students at public institutions have been exempt since 1 January 2026. Apply online for the study permit with proof of funds and give biometrics.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
Source review: · How to use our guides
The steps
- 01
Letter of acceptance
From a designated learning institution.
- 02
PAL / TAL if required
Issued by the province through your institution; letters are valid only for the cap year they were issued in.
- 03
Gather documents
Funds, passport, transcripts, test scores, study plan.
- 04
Apply online
Pay CAD 150 permit fee plus CAD 85 biometrics.
- 05
Biometrics and medical
At a VFS centre; medical exam where required.
- 06
Port of entry letter
The permit is issued when you land.
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
Provincial attestation letter (PAL / TAL)
Most study permit applicants need a letter from the province or territory showing they fit within the national cap. Your institution requests it after you accept the offer. Master's and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from 2025. Apply only after you have the PAL if it is required — applications without it are returned.
Study permit steps
- 01
Letter of acceptance from a DLI
Check the institution is on the designated learning institutions list.
- 02
PAL / TAL if required
Requested by your institution.
- 03
Proof of funds
First-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 living costs for one person (applications from 1 September 2026), plus travel.
- 04
Apply online
Pay CAD 150 and CAD 85 biometrics; give biometrics at VFS.
- 05
Medical exam
With an IRCC panel physician, if instructed.
- 06
Port of entry letter
Your study permit itself is issued at the border on arrival.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating Canadian bank, often used to show living funds. You deposit the amount before applying; it is released to you in instalments after arrival.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
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