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Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant · RCIC

Temporary residence: visit, study and work

Study Permits

A study plan and financial evidence that agree with each other, answering the two questions most refusals turn on.

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The short answer

A study permit lets you study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. You need an acceptance letter, in most cases a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), proof that you can pay tuition and living costs, and a convincing study plan showing the program fits your background and goals.

Reviewed by Gurvinder Singh, RCIC ·

Study permit (new applications and extensions)

First-time permits, extensions, and changes of school or program.

  • DLI acceptance letter
  • PAL/TAL in most cases
  • Proof of funds

About

A study permit is usually valid for the length of your program plus 90 days. Full-time students can work off campus within the limits IRCC sets. If you change schools or programs, or your studies run longer, you may need to update or extend your permit.

How I help

  • Program and study-plan review
  • Financial evidence organized and explained
  • Extensions, program changes and re-applications after a refusal
  • Students admitted to a DLI college or university
  • Students who can prove funds for tuition, living costs and travel
  • Students in Canada who need to extend or change programs
  • Applicants refused before who need a new strategy

What decides these files

Where applications go wrong, and how I prevent it

  • A program that fits your story

    Officers ask why this program, this school and Canada. A program that doesn’t fit your background needs a clear reason.

  • Funds with a clear source

    Large or recent deposits need an explanation of where the money came from.

  • Ties and plans after graduation

    You can plan to stay through legal pathways and still show you’ll leave if your status ends.

Fees and timelines change: check IRCC’s current processing times (opens in a new tab).

Questions

Study Permits: common questions

What makes a strong Canadian study permit application?

A program that logically follows your education and work history, a clear study plan, proof of funds with a documented source, a provincial attestation letter where required, and consistent information across every form and letter.

Why was my study permit refused?

The most common reasons are doubts that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, insufficient or unexplained funds, and a study plan that doesn’t fit your background. Ordering your GCMS notes shows exactly what the officer wrote.

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Most full-time students at eligible institutions can work off campus during academic sessions within the weekly limit IRCC sets, and full-time during scheduled breaks. Check your permit conditions and IRCC’s current rules.

Can my spouse come with me while I study?

Spouses can apply for a visitor visa, and spouses of students in eligible master’s, doctoral or certain professional programs may qualify for an open work permit.

Related services

Often part of the same plan

All services
Official sources (1)

General information only, not legal advice.

Talk to an RCIC about study permits.

Book a consultation with Gurvinder Singh, RCIC, by video, phone or in person in Surrey.

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