Study in Canada

Why Study in Canada?

Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of international students each year. Students choose Canada not only for its high-quality education, but also for its safe, multicultural environment and opportunities to work and immigrate after graduation. International students enrich classrooms and campuses, making Canada’s education system even stronger.

Do You Need a Study Permit?

You generally need a study permit if your program is longer than six months.
You may not need one if:

• Your program is six months or less,

• You’re under 18 and in preschool, primary, or secondary school as a dependent of a temporary worker,

• You’re the family or staff of a diplomat,

• You’re a member of a military force covered under the Visiting Forces Act, or

• You have status as a Registered Indian in Canada.

Applying for a Study Permit

To apply, you must show that you:

• Have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI),

• Hold a valid passport or travel document,

• Have enough funds for tuition, living expenses, and return travel.

  • As of September 1, 2025, the cost-of-living requirement is $22,895 CAD for a single applicant (adjusted annually).

• Have no criminal record. A police certificate may be required,

• Complete a medical exam if needed, and

• Convince an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies, unless authorized to stay.

Maintaining and Extending Your Status

• Apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires, but not more than 150 days before).

• If you apply before expiry, you can continue studying under the same conditions until IRCC makes a decision (“maintained status”).

• If your permit expires, you may apply to restore your status within 90 days, but you cannot study until it is restored.

Important: If you finish your studies earlier than expected, your permit will expire 90 days after you complete your program, even if the document shows a later date.

Changing Your School or Program

Effective November 8, 2024, if you are studying at the post-secondary level, you must apply for a new study permit before transferring to another DLI. You can no longer simply update your account online.

• If changing schools or starting a new academic program, you may also need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL).

• Special rules apply in Quebec. You may also need a new CAQ.

• You can continue studying at your current DLI while IRCC processes your study permit extension, but if your new application is refused, you must stop studying immediately.

Working While Studying

On-Campus Work

You may work on campus with only your study permit if you are enrolled full-time in an eligible program.

Off-Campus Work

• As of November 8, 2024, eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions from one or multiple jobs without exceeding the limit.

• You may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (summer, winter, or reading week).

• You must have:

  • A valid study permit with work conditions listed,

  • Full-time status at a DLI (with some exceptions for your final semester), and

  • A Social Insurance Number (SIN).

⚠️ If you work more than 24 hours during study periods, you may lose your status and future immigration opportunities.

Co-op and Internship Work Permits

If your program requires a work placement or internship:

• You must apply for a Co-op Work Permit, in addition to your study permit.

• The placement must be an essential part of your program and cannot exceed 50% of your studies.

• You’ll need a letter from your school confirming the requirement.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

After completing eligible studies at a DLI, you may apply for a PGWP.

• Programs must be at least 8 months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• You must have studied full-time in most semesters.
• Apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion.
• Graduates can often use Canadian work experience gained on a PGWP to support future permanent residence applications.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

Canada offers various immigration programs for graduates, such as:

• Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class),
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and
• Other federal pilot programs.

Studying in Canada is often the first step toward building a long-term future here.

How We Can Help

Choosing the right school and program is an important decision. We can guide you through:

• Selecting a Designated Learning Institution (DLI),
• Understanding work and study options, and
• Planning your pathway to permanent residency.

✅ Note: This page is for general guidance. Immigration rules change, and official updates are always published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at www.cic.gc.ca