Study Permit Canada 2026: Complete Guide for International Students

Last Updated: January 2026 | By Waymark Immigration, RCIC R1034253

Canada remains one of the world's top destinations for international students, with world-class universities, post-graduation work opportunities, and pathways to permanent residence. However, recent changes including the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement have made the application process more complex. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Canadian study permit in 2026.

What is a Study Permit?

A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It is NOT a visa – you may also need a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Study Permit Duration:

• Valid for length of study program plus 90 days
• Can be extended while in Canada
• Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during sessions)

New Requirements for 2026: Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

As of January 2024, most study permit applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study.

What is a PAL?

A Provincial Attestation Letter confirms that:

• Your application counts toward the province's study permit cap
• The province recognizes your acceptance at a DLI
• You have been allocated a spot in the provincial quota

How to Get a PAL:

Step 1: Get accepted by a DLI in Canada

Step 2: The DLI submits your information to the provincial government

Step 3: Province issues PAL (processing time varies)

Step 4: Include PAL with your study permit application

PAL Exemptions:

You do NOT need a PAL if you are:

• Applying for study at master's or doctoral level
• Applying from within Canada (extending or changing programs)
• In a provincial/territorial exchange program
• A family member of certain work or study permit holders
• Studying in primary or secondary school (K-12)

Study Permit Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a study permit, you must:

✅ Acceptance letter from a DLI ✅ Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if required ✅ Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses ✅ Clean criminal record (police certificate) ✅ Good health (medical exam may be required) ✅ Intent to leave Canada after studies

Proof of Funds Requirements 2026

You must prove you can afford:

Tuition: Full amount for first year (varies by program)

Living Expenses (outside Quebec):

• Single applicant: $20,635 per year
• First family member: +$4,024
• Each additional family member: +$2,411

Living Expenses (Quebec):

• Single applicant: ~$15,000 per year
• With family: Higher amounts apply

Acceptable Proof:

• Bank statements (past 4 months)
• GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from Canadian bank
• Scholarship or funding letters
• Proof of paid tuition
• Letter from sponsor with bank proof

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

You can only study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a study permit. Check the official DLI list before applying.

Popular DLIs in British Columbia:

• University of British Columbia (UBC)
• Simon Fraser University (SFU)
• British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
• University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
• Langara College
• Douglas College
• Vancouver Film School

How to Verify DLI Status:

• Check IRCC's official DLI list
• DLI number starts with "O" for public or "P" for private
• Only public DLIs qualify for PGWP (see below)

Study Permit Processing Time 2026

Processing times vary by country:

CountryProcessing TimeIndia8-12 weeksChina6-8 weeksPhilippines8-10 weeksNigeria12-16 weeksPakistan10-14 weeksBangladesh12-16 weeksUSA4-6 weeks

Apply at least 4-6 months before your program start date

How to Apply for a Study Permit: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Get Accepted by a DLI

Apply directly to Canadian schools and receive a Letter of Acceptance.

Step 2: Obtain Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Your DLI will guide you through the provincial PAL process.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Letter of Acceptance from DLI
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
• Proof of funds
• Passport-sized photos
• Statement of Purpose
• Police certificates
• Medical exam results (if required)

Step 4: Create IRCC Online Account

Register at the IRCC portal to submit your application online.

Step 5: Complete Application Forms

Fill out:

• IMM 1294 (Application for Study Permit)
• IMM 5645 (Family Information Form)
• IMM 5707 (Schedule 1)

Step 6: Pay Fees

• Study permit fee: $150 CAD
• Biometrics fee: $85 CAD

Step 7: Submit Biometrics

Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country for fingerprints and photo.

Step 8: Await Decision

Monitor your application status online. You may be asked for additional documents or an interview.

Working While Studying in Canada

During Academic Sessions:

• Up to 20 hours per week
• On or off campus
• No separate work permit needed

During Scheduled Breaks:

• Full-time work allowed (40+ hours)
• Summer, winter, spring breaks

Co-op or Internship:

• Requires Co-op Work Permit
• Must be essential part of program

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The PGWP allows international students to work in Canada after graduation, providing valuable Canadian work experience for permanent residence applications.

PGWP Eligibility:

• Studied full-time at eligible public DLI
• Program at least 8 months long
• Graduated and received transcript
• Valid study permit at time of application
• Applied within 180 days of graduation

PGWP Duration:

Program LengthPGWP Duration8 months to <2 yearsSame as program length2+ years3 years

PGWP Restrictions (2024 Changes):

• Private college graduates: May not be eligible
• Some public-private partnership programs: Restricted
• Field of study requirements may apply

Pathway to Permanent Residence

Study permit → PGWP → Permanent Residence

Popular PR Pathways for International Students:

1. Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
   • 1 year Canadian work experience
   • CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
   • BC PNP International Graduate stream
   • Ontario OINP International Student stream
   • Alberta AINP Alberta Graduate stream
3. Atlantic Immigration Program
   • For graduates from Atlantic Canada
   • Employer-driven program

Common Study Permit Refusal Reasons

1. Insufficient funds - Bank balance too low or inconsistent
2. Weak study plan - Purpose of study not clear
3. Ties to home country - Unable to prove intent to return
4. Document issues - Fraudulent or incomplete documents
5. Immigration history - Previous refusals or overstays
6. Program choice - Studying below current qualification level
7. DLI legitimacy - Concerns about institution

Tips for a Successful Study Permit Application

1. Choose the Right Program

Select a program that aligns with your career goals and past education.

2. Prepare Strong Financial Documents

• Show consistent bank balance over 4-6 months
• Avoid sudden large deposits
• Include income source explanation

3. Write a Compelling Statement of Purpose

Explain:

• Why you chose Canada
• Why this specific program and school
• How it relates to your career goals
• Your plans after graduation (returning home)

4. Demonstrate Ties to Home Country

Show reasons to return:

• Family obligations
• Property ownership
• Job prospects
• Professional commitments

5. Apply Early

Submit at least 4-6 months before program start date.

Study in the Fraser Valley, BC

University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in Abbotsford offers excellent programs for international students:

• Bachelor's degrees in Business, Science, Arts
• Diploma programs in various fields
• Small class sizes
• Beautiful campus
• More affordable than Vancouver
• Pathway to BC PNP

Why Choose Waymark Immigration for Study Permits?

At Waymark Immigration in Abbotsford, BC, we help international students navigate the complex study permit process:

✅ DLI selection guidance - Find the right program ✅ Document preparation - Complete applications ✅ Statement of Purpose review - Compelling narratives ✅ PAL assistance - Navigate provincial requirements ✅ Refusal response - Reapplication support ✅ Post-graduation planning - PGWP and PR pathways

Get Started Today

Ready to study in Canada?

1. Check your eligibility with our AI assessment
2. Get document checklist from our checklist tool
3. Book a consultation at Waymark Immigration

Waymark Immigration Unit 312, 34334 Forrest Terrace Abbotsford, BC V2S 1G7 Phone: 604-750-8846 | 778-317-7697

Helping International Students Achieve Their Canadian Dreams

Related Articles:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit Guide 2026
• Best Universities in BC for International Students
• Student to PR: Complete Pathway Guide

Disclaimer: Study permit requirements change frequently. This article is for informational purposes only. Consult with a licensed RCIC for current requirements.