Study Permit
Study at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — and open the door to a Post-Graduation Work Permit and Canadian permanent residence.
What is a Study Permit?
A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Most international students need a study permit to study in Canada, regardless of the length of their program. Canada is one of the world's top study destinations — and a Canadian study permit is often the first step toward a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and eventual permanent residence.
Who Needs a Study Permit?
You need a study permit if your course or program is longer than 6 months, or if you are studying at a post-secondary institution (college, university, trade school, or language school) even if the program is 6 months or less.
Exemptions — You May Not Need a Study Permit If:
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL / TAL)
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) is a document issued by a Canadian province or territory confirming that an international student has been allocated a spot within the national study permit cap. It is required for most study permit applications submitted to IRCC.
In 2024, Canada introduced a cap on international study permit applications to manage the volume of international students. The PAL system ensures provinces and territories control their share of the cap. Without a PAL (unless exempt), IRCC will return your study permit application and refund your fees.
How to Get Your PAL
After receiving your offer of admission from a DLI, you must accept your offer and typically pay a tuition deposit. Your institution will then request a PAL from the provincial/territorial government on your behalf. PALs are typically available within 3–10 business days of the deposit being processed.
Studying in Quebec?
If you plan to study in Quebec, you need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec — CAQ) issued by the Quebec government, instead of a PAL/TAL. Contact your institution to begin the CAQ process.
Who Does NOT Need a PAL/TAL
2026If you are exempt, you must provide proof of your exemption with your study permit application.
Do You Need a New PAL for Extensions or Changes?
| Situation | New PAL Required? |
|---|---|
| Extending at the same DLI and same level of study | No new PAL required |
| Extending at a different DLI | New PAL required |
| Changing level of study (e.g., undergrad to graduate diploma) | New PAL required |
| Moving from post-secondary to Master's or PhD at a public DLI (from Jan 1, 2026) | PAL exempt as of Jan 1, 2026 |
| Study permit was refused and reapplying | New PAL required |
| Changing schools (as of January 22, 2025) | New PAL required |
A PAL is only valid for the year it was issued (PALs issued in 2025 expired December 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM UTC). You cannot use a PAL from a previous year. If your study permit is refused and you reapply, you must obtain a new PAL. Having a PAL does not guarantee study permit approval — you must still meet all study permit requirements.
How to Apply — Choose Your Situation
New students applying before arriving
Generally, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. Applications must be submitted online through your IRCC secure account.
If you need an eTA or visitor visa, IRCC will issue it automatically at the same time as your study permit — you do not need to apply separately.
Working While Studying
Off-Campus Work
24 hours per week
Maximum off-campus work (updated 2024)
On-Campus Work
You can work on the campus of the DLI where you are a full-time student without needing a separate work permit. On-campus work includes working for the school, for a faculty member, for a student organization, or for a business located on campus that serves students.
No separate work permit required for on-campus work
Co-op / Internship: Co-op or internship work that is an essential part of your study program requires a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. Your letter of acceptance must confirm that the work component is mandatory for graduation.
Faster Processing for Doctoral Students
Doctoral (PhD) students and their accompanying family members may be eligible for faster study permit processing.
Extending Your Study Permit
If you want to continue studying in Canada after your current study permit expires, you must apply for a study permit extension before your current permit expires. You should apply at least 30 days before expiry — ideally earlier given processing times.
Maintained Status
If you apply to extend your study permit before it expires, you can continue studying under "maintained status" while your extension application is being processed. However, maintained status does not allow you to begin a new program or change institutions.
Changing Schools: As of January 22, 2025, you must get a new PAL before submitting a study permit extension application when changing schools. You cannot begin studying at your new institution until your new study permit is approved.
Restoration of Student Status
If your study permit has expired and you did not apply for an extension before it expired, you may apply to restore your status as a student. You must apply within 90 days of the expiry of your study permit.
Time-Sensitive — 90-Day Window
You cannot study while your restoration application is being processed. If you study after your permit expires and before your restoration is approved, you may be in violation of your conditions.
Eligibility Conditions
Government Fees: Restoration fee: $229 CAD + study permit processing fee: $150 CAD = $379 CAD total government fees
If restoration is approved, your status is restored from the date your original permit expired — not the date of approval. This means any period of study after expiry but before restoration approval could be considered unauthorized.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates of Canadian DLIs to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing their studies. PGWP eligibility is directly tied to the program and institution you study at — so choosing the right DLI and program is critical.
Choosing the wrong program or institution can make you ineligible for a PGWP — which affects your path to permanent residence. Consult our RCIC before making your enrollment decision.
Government Processing Fees
Government fees are set by IRCC and are subject to change without notice. Third-party fees (medical exams, police certificates, language testing, visa application centre fees) are not included and vary by country.
IRCC Government Fees — Study Permit
| Fee Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Study permit processing fee | $150 CAD |
| Biometrics (if required) | $85 CAD |
| Study permit extension | $150 CAD |
| Restoration of student status | $229 CAD + $150 CAD (study permit fee) |
Important: Government fees are payable directly to IRCC and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by IRCC at any time.
How Asteco Can Help
Study permit applications involve multiple moving parts — PAL requirements, DLI eligibility, PGWP implications, and strict deadlines for extensions and restorations. Our RCIC team manages every detail.
Disclaimer: Study permit requirements, PAL/TAL rules, work authorization rules, and processing times are established by IRCC and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information on this page reflects IRCC guidelines as of November 25, 2025, with PAL updates as of January 1, 2026. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration or enrollment decisions.
Quick Info
Disclaimer: Study permit rules and PAL requirements are subject to change by IRCC at any time.