CANADA · CHAPTER 10
The Canadian study permit,step by step.
Apply online with your acceptance, PAL (unless exempt), proof of funds and study plan; pay CAD 150 plus CAD 85 biometrics. If approved you receive a port-of-entry letter and visitor visa; the permit itself is issued when you land.
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Documents
- Passport
- Letter of acceptance
- PAL/TAL or CAQ (Quebec) if required
- Proof of funds
- Study plan / letter of explanation
- Academic documents and test scores
- Medical exam if required
Spouses and family
Open work permits for spouses are limited to spouses of students in master's programmes of 16 months or more, doctoral and certain professional programmes.
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Common refusal reasons
- Not convinced you will leave Canada at the end of your stay
- Insufficient or unclear funds
- Purpose of visit or study plan not consistent with your background
- Missing PAL or documents
Quebec is different
For study in Quebec you first need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the provincial government, then the federal study permit. Living-cost amounts for Quebec are set by the province. Allow extra weeks.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Processing times change; check the IRCC processing-time tool before applying and apply as soon as you have your PAL and documents.
No. Wait for the approval letter (port of entry letter) and visitor visa or eTA, then travel.
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.
CANADA GUIDE
Proof of funds & loans
CAD 23,448 living funds from 1 September 2026, accepted documents, GIC option, education loans from India and TCS rules.
CANADA GUIDE
Pre-departure checklist
What to finish before flying to Canada: port-of-entry letter, documents, winter clothing, money, housing and health insurance.
FROM INDIA
Documents & attestation
Indian documents for study abroad: transcripts, degree certificates, MOI letters, gap explanations, MEA apostille, notarisation, WES/ECA and sworn translations.
FROM INDIA
Scams & emergencies abroad
Study abroad fraud warnings for Indian students: fake agents, offer letters and visas, forex and job scams, plus lost passports and emergencies abroad.
TOOL
Compare countries
Compare countries on fees, living costs, visa rules and post-study work, in one table.
FRANCE
Study in France
The full France guide: degrees, fees, Campus France, visa, housing and work, chapter by chapter.
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