Study Permits
Study Permit Services
Expert Guidance for Studying in Canada
A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. Canada hosts over 800,000 international students annually across universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. We provide comprehensive study permit consulting services to help you navigate application requirements, provincial attestation letters, financial documentation, and pathway planning for post-graduation opportunities.
As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, we stay current with evolving study permit policies, including 2026 changes affecting graduate students, financial requirements, and program eligibility standards.
Study Permit Overview
What is a Study Permit
A study permit is not a visa. It is a document issued by IRCC that allows you to study at a designated learning institution in Canada for the duration of your program. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. If you also need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Canada, IRCC issues it along with your study permit.
Designated Learning Institutions
You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution to qualify for a study permit. A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Each DLI has a unique DLI number assigned by IRCC. You will need to provide your DLI number when applying for your study permit.
DLIs include public post-secondary institutions such as colleges and universities, private post-secondary institutions operating under provincial regulations, and primary and secondary schools. You can verify whether your institution is a DLI and find its DLI number on the official IRCC website.
Duration and Validity
Your study permit is typically valid for the length of your study program plus an additional 90 days. The extra time allows you to prepare to leave Canada or apply for an extension if you plan to continue studying or transition to a work permit.
Eligibility Requirements
Acceptance at a Designated Learning Institution
You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution. You will receive a letter of acceptance from your school confirming your admission to a program of study.
Financial Requirements
You must prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and return transportation for yourself and any family members. As of September 1, 2025, financial requirements for the applicant are $22,895 (in addition to tuition and travel). The amount goes higher with the dependent family members. These amounts are in addition to your first-year tuition fees and travel expenses. You must provide proof of how you intend to pay for tuition fees at your designated learning institution. Acceptable proof of funds includes:
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Student or education loan from a bank
- Bank statements for the past four months
- Bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
- Proof of payment of tuition and housing fees
- Letter from the person or school providing you with money
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program
Language Proficiency
While not explicitly required for the study permit application itself, most designated learning institutions require proof of English or French language proficiency as part of their admission requirements. Accepted language tests typically include IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP for English, and TEF Canada for French.
Intention to Leave Canada
You must prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires. This includes demonstrating ties to your home country such as family relationships, employment prospects, property ownership, or other connections that support your intention to return.
No Criminal Record
You must obey the law, have no criminal record, and get a police certificate if required. Depending on your country of residence and travel history, you may need to provide police certificates from countries where you have lived for six months or more.
Good Health
You must be in good health and get a medical exam if required. Medical examinations are required for students from certain countries or for programs where you will work in specific fields such as health sciences, childcare, or primary and secondary education.
For an in-depth study permit checklist visit Initial Study Permit Checklist, Study Permit Renewal Checklist or DLI Admissions Checklist
How YCI Canada Helps
Assessment and Planning
We evaluate your academic background, financial situation, and study goals to determine your eligibility for a study permit. This includes reviewing your letter of acceptance and provincial attestation letter if required, assessing whether you meet current financial thresholds of $22,895 plus tuition and travel expenses, and identifying any documentation gaps. We develop a strategic approach tailored to your situation that demonstrates ties to your home country and genuine study intentions.
Preparation and Review
We provide a customized document checklist based on your program level, country of residence, and individual circumstances. Our review ensures all financial documentation meets IRCC thresholds, verifies your letter of acceptance and provincial attestation letter are valid and complete, and organizes supporting documents including academic transcripts, language test results, and police certificates. We ensure consistency across all materials and address potential concerns proactively.
Application Management
We manage the complete process from submission through decision, including completion of all forms and compilation of comprehensive documentation packages. We submit your application online through our Authorized Representative Portal (ARP). We will share instructions such as biometrics and medial letters as we receive from IRCC. Throughout processing, we monitor application status, respond promptly to IRCC requests, and keep you informed of progress.
Temporary Residence Fee Structure
All fees are discussed and confirmed in writing before we begin work on your file. You will receive a comprehensive service agreement outlining the exact scope of services, fees, payment schedule, and any potential additional costs. Below fees do not include IRCC fees and applicable taxes. There are no hidden charges.
File Review
From $150
Initial Status Applications
Initial Pro
$1199
Dependent Spouse: $500
Each Dependent Child: $100
Initial Pro Plus
$1599
Dependent Spouse: $500
Each Dependent Child: $100
Inside Canada Status Maintenance
Renewal Pro
$599
Dependent Spouse: $500
Each Dependent Child: $100
Renewal Pro Plus
$999
Dependent Spouse: $500
Each Dependent Child: $100
Please note, we may quote a higher fee for highly complex cases, such as military background, inadmissibility concerns, multiple refusals etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a provincial attestation letter for my study permit?
Starting January 1, 2026, students applying to degree-granting graduate programs at the master's or doctoral level at public designated learning institutions do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter. Undergraduate and college students still require a PAL or TAL unless they meet other specific exemptions such as studying at primary or secondary school.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes. Most full-time students at post-secondary designated learning institutions can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks without a separate work permit. Your study permit will indicate whether you are authorized to work off-campus.
How long is my study permit valid?
Your study permit is typically valid for the length of your study program plus an additional 90 days. The extra time allows you to prepare to leave Canada or apply for an extension if you plan to continue studying or transition to a work permit.
Can I extend my study permit if my program is longer than expected?
Yes. You must apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. If you are extending at the same designated learning institution and same level of study, you do not need a new provincial attestation letter.
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