Study permit
We did not confirm an open, paused or closed status on a government page on this date. Check IRCC before you apply. Last looked at November 9, 2026: IRCC’s page.
A study permit lets a foreign national study in Canada at a designated learning institution. It is for international students in programs longer than the short courses that don’t need one. The permit comes with conditions — stay enrolled at the school named on it and actively pursue your studies — and limits on off-campus work.
Who is eligible
- Acceptance by a designated learning institution, and for post-secondary schools, the school’s confirmation to IRCC (IRPR s 216(1)(e)).
- Enough money, without working in Canada, for tuition, living costs for you and accompanying family, and travel (IRPR s 220).
- The officer must be satisfied you will leave at the end of your authorized stay (IRPR s 216(1)(b)).
- For Quebec, a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec where Quebec law requires one (IRPR s 216(3)).
Steps
- Get a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (and any provincial attestation IRCC requires — check IRCC).
- Gather proof of funds and apply online.
- Give biometrics and, if asked, a medical exam.
- On arrival, check the conditions printed on your permit.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Letter of acceptance.
- Proof of financial support.
- Passport.
- Any provincial attestation letter IRCC requires.
What the law says
“A foreign national may not work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so under this Act.”
You may not study (or work) in Canada unless authorized.
“sufficient and available financial resources, without working in Canada”
The financial-resources test.
“they shall enroll at the designated learning institution that is named in their permit and remain enrolled there until they complete their studies”
Conditions: enroll at the school named in your permit, stay enrolled, and actively pursue your studies.
“they work no more than 24 hours per week during a regular academic session”
Off-campus work: up to 24 hours a week during regular academic sessions, full time during scheduled breaks, for eligible full-time students.
“the day that is 90 days after the day on which the permit holder completes their studies”
A study permit becomes invalid 90 days after you finish your studies (if it hasn’t expired earlier).
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
Common mistakes
- Changing schools without updating your permit — the condition now ties you to the school named in it.
- Working more off-campus hours than allowed during an academic session.
- Showing borrowed money as your funds without explaining its source.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours can international students work off campus?
Eligible full-time students can work up to 24 hours a week during a regular academic session and full time during scheduled breaks (IRPR s 186(v)).
Can I switch schools on my study permit?
The current condition requires you to enroll at the designated learning institution named in your permit (IRPR s 220.1(1)(a)). Check IRCC for how to change it before you transfer.
Policy analysis
- Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan: what changed, and what it means if you’re already here
The 2027–2029 plan holds permanent admissions at 380,000 a year and new temporary arrivals at 370,000, and adds a one-time 2027 measure for up to 200,000 people already in Canada.
Related streams
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) Check IRCC
An open work permit for some graduates of designated learning institutions.
- Open work permits (including spousal) Check IRCC
Work permits not tied to one employer — who can get one, including spouses in Canada.
- Canadian Experience Class Invitation-only
Permanent residence for people with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.