Study Permit — Canada

A Canada Study Permit allows you to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.

You must apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and receive approval before you travel.

If you apply from outside Canada, you must complete Form IMM 1294 (Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada).

Each person who requires a study permit must submit their own application.

Key requirements include:

• Complete IMM 1294 in full
• Answer all questions unless instructed otherwise
• Obey Canadian law
• Have no criminal record

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Application Basics

Download the most current version of the study permit form and instructions directly from IRCC before filing.

A study permit is typically connected to entry authorization, such as a Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your situation.

After completing your studies, you may explore options such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), an Employer-Specific Work Permit, or immigration pathways like Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), if you qualify under those programs.

You must submit your study permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Complete all required forms, including Form IMM 1294, and submit them together at the same time and place as instructed by IRCC.

If you leave out a required signature, IRCC will return your application.

Review every page before submission and confirm that you have signed where required.

Application Steps

1. Complete IMM 1294 and any additional required forms.

2. Review each form carefully and sign where indicated.

3. Submit all required forms together, at the same time and place, as directed by IRCC.

4. Keep copies of everything you submit.

If you plan to apply later for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a Work Permit (Employer-Specific), or permanent residence through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), keep copies of your study permit application and approval.

You may need this information for future applications.

For current processing times and fees in CAD (CA$), consult the official IRCC website.

You must hold a valid study permit and stay enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to keep any work authorization tied to your status.

IRCC issues your study permit after reviewing your application, including Form IMM 1294.

Standard processing for a study permit is 2 to 4 months (as of March 2026), but timelines vary based on volume and whether your case is routine.

If you plan to work after graduation, you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

A PGWP can help you gain Canadian work experience.

That experience may later support an application through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) if you pursue permanent residence.

In some cases, you may need a separate Work Permit (Employer-Specific) instead of relying on student-based work authorization.

IRCC reviews these applications separately, and processing times depend on the type of application and overall intake levels.

Keep your status valid at all times.

If your study permit expires or you stop meeting conditions, your work authorization may also end.

You must apply to extend your study permit before it expires.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) starts processing the day it receives your complete application and ends processing when it makes a decision on your application.

Submit your extension application carefully.

Errors or missing information delay review.

Key form requirement

Complete every section with accurate personal and contact information.

Review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before you start.

Include proof that you can cover required expenses, such as return transportation for yourself and any accompanying family members, if applicable.

Follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility instructions that apply to your situation.

2. Complete IMM 1294 electronically and validate it.

3. Confirm all personal details are correct.

4. Submit a complete application to IRCC.

If you plan to apply later for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a Work Permit (Employer-Specific), or permanent residence through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), keep copies of your study permit records and extension approvals.

Accurate documentation supports future applications.

IRCC only begins processing once it receives a complete application.

Incomplete submissions can delay a decision.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to meet specific criteria before it will issue a Canada study permit.

You must submit a complete application and supporting documents.

You apply using Form IMM 1294 and include all required evidence at the time of filing.

Core Requirements

You must provide:

• Proof of financial resources available for your studies
• Documents that show how you will support yourself
• A completed IMM 1294 application form
• Supporting civil documents, such as a photocopy of your marriage licence if you are married
• Evidence of financial support from a sponsor, if someone else will fund your education

IRCC reviews your financial documentation closely.

You must demonstrate that you have access to sufficient funds for your period of study.

Financial Documentation Overview

Incomplete or missing financial documents can delay or prevent approval.

A study permit may later affect your eligibility for programs such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), an employer-specific Work Permit (Employer-Specific), or permanent residence pathways like Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker).

You must first meet IRCC’s study permit eligibility requirements before pursuing those options.