Canadian Study Permits

A study permit is the document that lets you study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada — the colleges, universities, language schools, and trade schools approved by a provincial or territorial government. The institution must be on the official DLI list, and most programs beyond a short duration require a study permit.

The process has changed significantly in recent years, and two things now shape almost every application. First, most applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) — a document confirming you have a place within your province's allocation under Canada's international student cap. Certain applicants, such as some graduate students at public institutions, may be exempt. Second, that cap means timing matters: once a province's allocation fills, new applications may not be accepted until the next cycle. Getting the sequence and documentation right, early, is now the difference between a smooth application and a returned one.

For many international students, the bigger picture is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). After completing an eligible program, many graduates can work in Canada, and that Canadian work experience is one of the strongest pathways to permanent residence through Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class. Importantly, PGWP eligibility now depends on your institution and, for many programs, your field of study — so the program you choose is an immigration decision, not just an academic one. We help you plan with that end in mind.