A Canadian study permit is the legal document authorising international students to study full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Without it, you cannot enrol in any programme longer than six months. This step-by-step guide gives you everything you need to apply successfully in 2026, including the fastest processing routes and the most common mistakes to avoid. StudentBuddy is your complete platform for studying in Canada, from university research through to finding student accommodation in Canada before you arrive.
To get a Canadian study permit: receive a letter of acceptance from a DLI, apply online through IRCC with your acceptance letter, financial proof (CAD $20,635 per year), passport, and biometrics, pay the CAD $150 fee, and wait for processing. Standard processing takes 8–16 weeks; the Student Direct Stream (SDS) targets 20 business days for eligible countries including India, China, and the Philippines.
Who needs a Canadian study permit?
Any foreign national studying in Canada in a programme lasting more than six months needs a study permit. This covers virtually all university degrees. Citizens of some countries also need a separate visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, processed alongside the study permit.
Required documents checklist
Step-by-step application process
- Create your IRCC secure online account
Go to ircc.canada.ca. All submission, document upload, and status tracking happens here. Never pay a third party to create this for you.
- Complete the online eligibility questionnaire
IRCC's tool confirms exactly which forms you need based on your citizenship and situation, reducing the chance of incomplete submissions.
- Gather all documents in high-resolution digital format
PDF or JPG, maximum 4MB per file. Organise by document category before uploading.
- Submit your application and pay all fees
CAD $150 study permit + CAD $85 biometrics. Any inconsistency between your answers and supporting documents is the most common delay cause.
- Provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre within 30 days
Book immediately after receiving your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Delays in biometrics are among the most common avoidable timeline problems.
- Receive your Letter of Introduction
Once approved, IRCC issues a Letter of Introduction. Present this at the Canadian border to receive your physical study permit on arrival.
Why study permits get refused and how to avoid it
| Refusal reason | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Insufficient financial proof | Submit 6 months of bank statements + GIC certificate + scholarship confirmation. |
| Weak ties to home country | Include evidence of family, job, property, or assets that give reason to return home. |
| Vague study plan | Your letter of purpose must link your background to your Canadian programme and your post-study career plan. |
| Incomplete application | Missing any document pauses processing. Use IRCC's checklist rigorously. |
| Undisclosed prior refusals | Disclose all previous visa refusals to any country. Non-disclosure is misrepresentation. |
| Mismatch between background and programme | Explain clearly in your letter why you are studying this specific programme. |
Study permit approved? Find your Canadian accommodation now.
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Find student accommodation in Canada →Frequently asked questions
Standard processing: 8 to 16 weeks for most countries. SDS (Student Direct Stream) for eligible countries including India, China, and Philippines: approximately 3 to 6 weeks. Check current IRCC processing times at ircc.canada.ca as these change regularly based on application volumes.
No. The letter of acceptance from a DLI is mandatory. Apply for your study permit immediately after receiving and accepting your offer.
Yes. International students at a DLI can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. On-campus work is unlimited. No separate work permit is required.
Yes. Apply to extend online through IRCC at least 30 days before expiry. You enter maintained status and can continue studying while your renewal is processed.
Your family members are not included on your study permit — they apply separately. Spouses of eligible international students can apply for an open spousal work permit. Apply simultaneously for most efficient processing.
