Study permit (outside Canada)

A study permit lets you study in Canada at a designated learning institution (DLI). You apply from outside Canada once you have a letter of acceptance. It is not a visa: if you need one to enter Canada, it is issued with the study permit approval.

Who qualifies

• You are accepted at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• You have a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) where one is required.
• You can show money for tuition, living costs for you and any family coming with you, and return travel.
• You have no criminal record (police certificate if asked) and are in good health (medical exam if asked).
• You can show an officer you will leave Canada when your permit ends.

Documents usually needed

• Letter of acceptance and PAL/TAL
• Proof of funds (bank statements, sponsor letters, GIC, scholarship letters)
• Passport and identity documents
• A clear study plan explaining your choice of program and how it fits your background
• Language test results if your school or program needs them

What often goes wrong

• Funds that are new, unexplained or not clearly available.
• A program that does not fit your education or work history, with no explanation.
• Weak ties to your home country or an unclear reason to return.
• Missing documents or answers that do not match between forms.

How RAE helps

• A consultation with a licensed RCIC to confirm you qualify and the best route.
• A personalised document checklist in your secure client portal.
• Every document reviewed before submission, with explanation letters where needed.
• Weekly updates until IRCC decides, and IRCC letters explained when they arrive.

Official sources (checked 2026-11-10): Study permit: who can apply (IRCC), Proof of funds amounts (RAE tool, from IRCC).

General information only, not legal advice. Every case is different: book a consultation with a licensed RCIC to discuss yours.