Canada study permit
Canada offers excellent universities and colleges and a clear route from study to work, but the study permit cap, Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) and stricter proof-of-funds checks mean applications now need careful planning.
Canada study permit
Students with a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- A Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for most college and undergraduate programmes.
- Since 1 January 2026, Master's and PhD students at public institutions are exempt from the PAL.
- Funds for first-year tuition plus living costs must be shown, with a clear source of funds.
- The Student Direct Stream (SDS) has ended — all applicants use the regular stream.
Bringing your family
Partners can only get an open work permit if you study a Master's of 16+ months, a PhD or certain professional degrees.
- Extra funds are required for each family member (CAD 29,192 for two people).
- Dependent children can study in Canada on their own permits.
After you graduate
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates work in Canada.
- Up to 3 years depending on programme length.
- Language test required: CLB 7 for university graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates.
- College (non-degree) programmes must be in a field linked to labour shortages.
What has changed recently
- Proof of funds rose to CAD 23,448 for a single applicant from 1 September 2026.
- Master's and PhD students at public institutions no longer need a PAL (from 1 January 2026).
- The national study permit cap continues in 2026 and PALs issued for 2026 expire on 31 December 2026.
- IRCC is applying closer scrutiny to the source of funds and verifies acceptance letters directly with schools.
Document checklist
- Valid international passport
- Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
- Provincial Attestation Letter (unless exempt)
- Proof of funds: tuition receipt plus living costs (bank statements, GIC, loan or sponsor letter)
- Study plan / statement of purpose
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Language test result (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE or TOEFL where required)
- Medical exam from an IRCC panel physician (if requested)
Other study destinations
United Kingdom
Health surcharge (IHS): £776 per year
Australia
Living costs: AUD 29,710 / year + tuition + travel
New Zealand
Living costs (tertiary): NZD 20,000 / year (NZD 1,667 / month)
Fees and requirements change often and can depend on your nationality and circumstances. Always confirm on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website before paying or applying. Fabeny Consulting provides study abroad admissions support and student visa document preparation. We do not guarantee admission or visa approval — final decisions rest with institutions and with UKVI, IRCC, the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Immigration New Zealand. Where formal immigration advice or representation is required, we work with appropriately regulated advisers.