Study in Canada Student Visa 2026

This spoke covers the Canada student visa path. For the full country guide, see Study in Canada.

How Do I Apply for a Canadian Study Permit?

The study permit process runs through these stages:

1. Receive your Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
2. Secure a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) - required for most college and undergraduate applicants due to Canada's 2026 study permit cap; Master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt as of January 1, 2026
3. Gather your proof of funds - CAD 22,895 outside Quebec (CAD 24,617 in Quebec) in living costs, on top of first-year tuition and travel
4. Apply online through the IRCC portal - pay the study permit application fee and submit biometrics if required
5. Complete a medical exam if required based on your country of residence and program length
6. Await your decision - processing times vary significantly by country, so apply as early as possible

How Long Does the Canadian Study Permit Process Take?

Processing times vary widely by country and application volume - IRCC publishes live estimates rather than a fixed timeline. Given the 2026 cap on application spaces and the added PAL requirement for most applicants, it's wise to apply as early as your Letter of Acceptance allows, since provincial PAL allocations can be exhausted before the cap year ends.

What Are the Financial Requirements for a Canadian Study Permit?

Canada sets an annual cost-of-living threshold, reviewed and adjusted yearly:

• Living costs outside Quebec: CAD 22,895 for a single applicant (effective since September 2025)
• Living costs within Quebec: CAD 24,617 for a single applicant 18+ (effective January 2026)
• Additional family member: roughly CAD 7,000–8,500 for the first accompanying dependent, CAD 3,500 for each additional one
• Tuition: your first year's fees, as confirmed on your Letter of Acceptance

Acceptable proof: Canadian bank account with transferred funds, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC, commonly CAD 10,000+), an education loan, scholarship documentation, bank statements covering 4–6 months, or a sponsor letter.

Note that these are IRCC minimums, not realistic city budgets - actual living costs in Toronto or Vancouver typically run CAD 28,000–35,000/year, well above the official threshold.