Studying in Canada: Your Guide to Study Permits and Beyond

If you’re dreaming of studying in Canada, you’re in for an exciting journey. Canada’s world-class education system, vibrant culture, and welcoming vibe make it a top destination for students worldwide. we’re covering the essentials of studying in Canada, from choosing a school (primary to post-secondary) to getting your study permit approved. We’ll explain requirements like proof of enrollment, financial support, and whether minors need a permit or custodian. You’ll also learn about DLIs, Provincial Attestation Letters, and the PGWP, which lets you work after graduation.

Choosing Your Program and School

In Canada, education is managed by each province and territory, so things like the starting age for school and grade structures can vary a bit. That said, the K–12 system, Kindergarten to Grade 12 is pretty standard across the country for primary and secondary schools. When it comes to post-secondary education, there are universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools, private career colleges, and language schools.

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

Here’s a critical point: if you need a study permit, your school must be a DLI. Provinces and territories designate which post-secondary schools can host international students. If your letter of acceptance comes from a non-DLI, your study permit application will be refused. The good news is all primary and secondary schools are automatically DLIs, but for post-secondary schools, make sure to double-check the list before applying.

How to Apply to a School

Once you’ve chosen a school, you’ll need to apply directly to it. Every school has its own rules, so contact them to get the details on:

Application fees and process.
Tuition costs.
Language test requirements (e.g., IELTS or TEF for English/French proficiency).
Health insurance (more on this below).
Living costs, including rent.

Timeline Tip: Apply at least six months in advance for primary or secondary schools and one year in advance for post-secondary programs to ensure you have enough time to secure your letter of acceptance and study permit.

When you’re accepted, the school will send you a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which you’ll need for your study permit application. Hang onto it—it’s a key piece of the puzzle!

Health Insurance

Canada doesn’t cover medical costs for international students, so you’ll need health insurance. Coverage varies by province or territory, so contact your school to learn about their requirements and options. Some provinces offer health plans for students, while others require private insurance. Don’t skip this—it’s essential for your stay.

What’s a Study Permit?

A study permit is your official ticket to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Think of it as a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that says, “Yep, you’re good to study here!” Most foreign nationals need one to enroll in programs longer than six months at a DLI, which is a school approved by the Canadian government to host international students.

Without a study permit, you might not be able to start your studies. Follow the steps when you apply for a study permit:

Step 1: Do You Qualify?

To apply for a study permit, you need to meet a few eligibility requirements. Here’s the checklist:

Enrollment at a DLI: You must be accepted into a program at a DLI. Pro tip: Double-check that your school is on the DLI list and, if you’re eyeing a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), confirm the program qualifies.
Financial Proof: Show you can cover tuition, living expenses (for yourself and any family members joining you), and return transportation. For example, a single student in most provinces (outside Quebec) needs about CAD 20,635 per year for living expenses, plus tuition. Quebec has its own financial requirements, so check those if you’re heading there.
Clean Record & Good Health: You need to obey Canadian laws, have no criminal record (a police certificate might be required), and be in good health (a medical exam may be needed, depending on your country).
Promise to Leave: You’ll need to convince an immigration officer that you’ll leave Canada when your study permit expires.

Once you’ve got these covered, you’re ready to move forward to the step 2.

Step 2: The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)

Here’s where things get a bit new. As of early 2024, most study permit applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where their DLI is located. This letter confirms that your study spot fits within the province’s allocation for international students. Without it, your application could be returned.

Who Needs a PAL/TAL?

Pretty much everyone applying for a study permit, unless you’re in one of these exceptions:

Studying at a preschool, primary, or secondary school (up to grade 12).
Enrolled in a vocational training program in Quebec (like a Diploma of Vocational Studies).
An exchange student not paying tuition to a Canadian DLI.
A family member of someone with an approved study or work permit.
Applying to extend your study permit at the same DLI and study level.

How to Get a PAL/TAL

Contact your DLI—they’ll guide you on how to apply for a PAL/TAL. If you’re studying in Quebec, you’ll also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), which has its own process. Your CAQ must include a specific line confirming your spot in Quebec’s study permit allocation (or an exemption). Make sure your PAL/TAL or CAQ is valid when you apply—it’s good until January 21, 2025, for the 2024 cap year, or December 31, 2025, for the 2025 cap year.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

You’ll need a few key documents to apply for your study permit:

Letter of Acceptance (LOA): Your DLI provides this. Attach the original or electronic copy to your application, and make sure it’s uploaded in the LOA-specific section of your online application.
PAL/TAL or CAQ: As mentioned, this is a must for most applicants.
Proof of Identity: A valid passport and two recent passport-sized photos.
Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), or proof of paid tuition/housing fees work here.
Optional Extras: Depending on your situation, you might need a letter of explanation, a medical exam, or a custodian declaration (for minors).

If you’re conditionally accepted (e.g., for prerequisite language courses), your study permit will cover those courses plus one year. You’ll need to apply for a new permit once you’re accepted into your main program.

Step 4: Apply for Your Study Permit

You can apply online or on paper, but online is usually faster and easier. Processing times vary by country, so check the IRCC website for estimates. You should apply before traveling to Canada. If your application is incomplete (like missing a PAL/TAL), it’ll likely be returned, so double-check everything.

Your Responsibilities as a Student

Once you’re in Canada, your study permit comes with responsibilities:

Make progress in your program.
Follow the conditions on your permit (e.g., studying at the DLI listed).
Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements.

If you want to change schools at the post-secondary level, you’ll need a new study permit as of November 8, 2024. Also, keep your contact info updated in your IRCC online account, and if you’re in a co-op program, you might need a separate work permit.

Who Doesn’t Need a Study Permit?

Some folks can study in Canada without a permit, like:

Short-term students (programs of six months or less).
Family or staff of foreign representatives accredited by Global Affairs Canada.
Members of foreign armed forces on official duties.
Registered Indians in Canada, regardless of citizenship.
Minor children in preschool, primary, or secondary school under certain conditions.

Even if you don’t need a permit, getting one can have perks, like access to on-campus or off-campus work opportunities (if your permit allows it) or social services in some provinces.

Studying in Canada as a Minor

If you’re a parent or guardian planning for a minor child (under the age of majority) to study in Canada, there are specific rules to ensure their safety and success.

Who Is a Minor Child?

The age of majority varies by province or territory:

18: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan
19: British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon

A child below this age is a “minor child” and needs extra care arrangements.

Caring for a Minor Child

Parents or legal guardians must prove the minor will have proper care and support in Canada. For minors under 17, they must either:

Come with a parent or legal guardian, or
Have a custodian in Canada—a responsible Canadian citizen or permanent resident who will care for and support them.

For minors 17 and older, a custodian is optional, but an immigration officer may request one. To appoint a custodian, include a Custodianship Declaration form with the study permit application:

Page 1: Signed by the custodian and notarized in Canada.
Page 2: Signed by the parents or legal guardians and notarized in their home country.

Does Your Child Need a Study Permit?

Whether a foreign minor needs a study permit to attend primary or secondary school in Canada depends on their circumstances.

Minors accompanied by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident parent doesn't need a study permit; Foreign nationals need a study permit if they’re coming to Canada with a parent who is a visitor without a work or study permit, or if they’re arriving with a parent who holds a study or work permit, or if they’re unaccompanied; in these cases, the child’s passport is required.
Foreign nationals already in Canada with a parent who has a study or work permit, or those in Canada alone, don’t need a permit but are recommended to get one, using the child’s passport, which may include a visitor record.
Refugee claimants or children of refugee claimants are exempt from needing a study permit, providing a Determination of Eligibility letter from IRCC, a passport, or other available travel or identity documents, possibly including expired IRCC documents.
Minors in Canada without status don’t require a permit, using a passport, their listing on a parent’s passport, or any available travel or identity documents, which may also include expired IRCC documents.

Why Get a Study Permit if Not Required?

A study permit allows minors to:

Continue school after reaching the age of majority.
Access a secondary school co-op work permit.
Use social services in some provinces or territories.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Want to stick around and work in Canada after graduation? The PGWP lets you do that, but eligibility depends on your program and DLI. Check if your program qualifies before applying for your study permit to avoid surprises. As of June 21, 2024, you can’t apply for a PGWP at a port of entry, so plan to submit your application online or from within Canada.

Tips for Success

Start Early: Processing times vary, so give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and apply.
Check Your DLI: Not all programs qualify for a PGWP, and some DLIs can lose their designated status.
Ask Your School: They can help with PAL/TAL or CAQ applications and confirm your LOA.
Plan for the Future: If you’re aiming for a PGWP, make sure your program and DLI are eligible from the get-go.

Studying in Canada is an incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and experience a new culture. With a bit of prep and the right documents, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running. Got questions? Book a consultation with us, and we’ll do our best to help!