Canada study permit 2026: the cap, attestation letters, proof of funds and work rights

The short answer

To study in Canada for more than 6 months, most international students need a study permit. You need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution, usually a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), and proof you can pay first year tuition plus living costs: CAD 23,448 for a single applicant outside Quebec for applications from September 1, 2026. Since January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at public institutions no longer need a PAL. Students can usually work off campus up to 24 hours a week during term.

Canada remains one of the most popular study destinations in the world, but the rules for international students changed more between 2024 and 2026 than in the previous decade. A national cap, attestation letters, higher proof of funds and new work rules all affect who can come and how. This guide explains the system as it applies to applications in late 2026.

What a study permit is

A study permit is the document that lets a foreign national study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It is not a visa. Depending on your nationality, you may also receive a temporary resident visa or an electronic travel authorization to enter Canada; IRCC issues these automatically with an approved study permit application.

You usually do not need a study permit for programs of 6 months or less, but you will not be able to work or extend your stay without one.

The national cap and attestation letters

The cap

Since 2024, IRCC has limited how many study permit applications it accepts into processing each year. For 2026, the government planned around 408,000 study permits in total, including about 155,000 for new students, and set 309,670 application spaces under the cap for students who need an attestation letter. The cap is divided among provinces and territories, which share it among their institutions.

The provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL)

Most applicants must include a PAL (from a province) or TAL (from a territory). It confirms that your application fits within that region's allocation. You do not apply to the province yourself: you usually request the letter through your institution after you accept your offer. Without a required PAL or TAL, IRCC returns the application unprocessed.

Who does not need a PAL or TAL

Always confirm with your institution, because exemptions are defined precisely.

Proof of funds

You must show you can pay for your first year of tuition, travel, and living costs for yourself and any family members who come with you. IRCC indexes the living cost amount each year.

Living cost amounts outside Quebec

These amounts are in addition to tuition and travel. Quebec sets its own financial requirements through the CAQ process.

How you can show your funds

• a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian bank;
• proof of a student or education loan from a financial institution;
• bank statements for the last 4 months;
• a bank draft in convertible currency;
• proof you have paid tuition and housing fees;
• a letter confirming a scholarship or funding from a recognized source.

A GIC remains a strong, easy to verify form of evidence, but since the Student Direct Stream closed it no longer gives faster processing.

Other requirements

You must also:

• have a letter of acceptance from a DLI;
• prove your identity with a valid passport;
• show you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay;
• be admissible: have no criminal record of concern, and provide a police certificate if asked;
• be in good health, and complete a medical exam if required for your nationality or program;
• give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) if required.

The study plan

A clear study plan or letter of explanation helps the officer understand why you chose this program, how it fits your education and career, and how you will pay. Explain gaps in study and any change of field. Refusals often cite doubt that the applicant is a genuine student.

Fees

Fees can change; confirm on the IRCC fee page before paying.

How to apply, step by step

Step 1: Choose a program at a designated learning institution

Check that the school is a DLI and, if you plan to work in Canada after graduation, that the program leads to a post-graduation work permit.

Step 2: Accept your offer and request your PAL or TAL

Your institution will tell you how to request the attestation letter, or confirm that you are exempt.

Step 3: Prepare your financial evidence

Gather tuition receipts, your GIC confirmation, loan letters or bank statements that clearly cover the full amounts.

Step 4: Write your study plan and gather documents

Include your passport, acceptance letter, PAL or TAL, proof of funds, study plan, and any required police or medical documents.

Step 5: Apply online through your IRCC account

Answer every question carefully and upload clear scans. Pay the fees.

Step 6: Give biometrics and complete any medical exam

You receive a biometric instruction letter after paying. Book an appointment quickly.

Step 7: Receive your decision and letter of introduction

If approved, you receive a port of entry letter of introduction, plus a visa or eTA if needed. The actual study permit is issued by a border officer when you arrive in Canada. Check every detail on it before leaving the border area.

Working while you study

To work off campus you must be a full time student at a post-secondary DLI in an eligible program of at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate, and your study permit must include the condition allowing off campus work.

After graduation: the post-graduation work permit

The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the length of their program. Since 2024, eligibility has depended more heavily on the program and level:

• graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs at universities remain broadly eligible;
• college program graduates generally need a program linked to an occupation in long term shortage;
• applicants must meet a language requirement.

Canadian work experience gained on a PGWP can help with permanent residence, for example through the Canadian Experience Class in Express Entry. Read our guide to Canada Express Entry.

Family members

• Spouses or partners: open work permits are limited mainly to spouses of master's and doctoral students and of students in certain eligible professional programs.
• Children: minor children can usually attend primary and secondary school in Canada.

Common reasons for refusal

1. Doubt about genuine student intent: a weak study plan or a program that does not fit your background.
2. Insufficient or unclear funds: amounts below the requirement or unexplained large deposits.
3. Missing PAL or TAL: the application is returned.
4. Ties to home country not shown: IRCC must be satisfied you will leave at the end of your stay.
5. Inconsistent documents: different names, dates or figures across documents.

Changing schools or programs

If you want to change schools while studying in Canada, you must update your DLI in your IRCC account. Depending on the change, you may need a new study permit and, in some cases, a new attestation letter. Moving from a master's program at a public institution to another level or to a private college can change your PAL position and your future PGWP eligibility, so check before you switch.

Keeping your status

Your study permit comes with conditions. To stay in status you must:

• remain enrolled at a DLI and make progress towards completing your program;
• respect any work limits on your permit;
• leave Canada, or apply to extend or change status, before your permit expires;
• tell IRCC if you change schools.

If your permit expires while you are still studying, apply for an extension before the expiry date. Applying in time generally lets you keep studying under the same conditions while IRCC decides, a protection often called maintained status.

Health insurance

Health coverage for international students depends on the province. Some provinces include international students in their public health plans after a waiting period; others require students to buy private insurance or join a plan arranged by the school. Budget for this, because it is rarely included in tuition.

Document checklist

Use this list to organise your application. Your country, program or IRCC's instructions may add items.

Studying in Quebec

Quebec runs its own selection for international students. Before applying to IRCC, students going to Quebec usually need a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Quebec immigration ministry. Quebec also sets its own living cost amounts, which are higher than the federal amount for a single person. Plan for the extra step, because a study permit application without a required CAQ cannot be approved.

From study to permanent residence

Many international students hope to stay in Canada after graduating. Common routes include:

• Canadian Experience Class through Express Entry, after at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada, usually gained on a PGWP;
• Provincial Nominee Programs, many of which have streams for international graduates of their own institutions;
• Quebec's programs, which have their own requirements, including French language skills.

Studying in Canada does not guarantee permanent residence. Choose programs and institutions with your long term plans in mind, and keep your status valid at every stage, because gaps can affect future applications.

An example timeline

Applying from inside Canada

Some people can apply for a study permit from inside Canada, for example certain visitors whose minor children are studying, people who already hold a study or work permit, and some family members of permit holders. If you are in Canada as a visitor and are not in one of the eligible groups, you usually must apply from outside Canada. Applying from the wrong place leads to refusal, so check IRCC's eligibility tool before you start, and never let your current status expire while you wait for a decision on a new application.

Canada study permit at a glance

Frequently asked questions

Do master's and PhD students need a provincial attestation letter in 2026?

No, if they are enrolled at a public designated learning institution. From January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from the PAL or TAL requirement and are not counted against provincial allocations.

How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?

First year tuition and travel, plus living costs. For applications from September 1, 2026, the living cost amount for one person outside Quebec is CAD 23,448 (it was CAD 22,895 for applications up to August 31, 2026). Quebec sets its own amounts.

How many hours can I work while studying in Canada?

Eligible full time students at post-secondary institutions can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during regular academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks, if their permit allows off campus work.

Is the Student Direct Stream still available?

No. The Student Direct Stream has closed, and all study permit applications now go through the regular process.

Can my spouse come with me and work?

Spouses of some students can get an open work permit, mainly spouses of master's and doctoral students and of students in certain eligible professional programs. Check IRCC's current list, because eligibility was narrowed in 2024.

Sources

1. IRCC: Study permit, who can apply and how (checked November 6, 2026)
2. IRCC: Proof of financial support for a study permit (checked November 6, 2026)
3. IRCC: Provincial or territorial attestation letter (checked November 6, 2026)
4. IRCC: Work off campus as an international student (checked November 6, 2026)
5. IRCC: Post-graduation work permit (checked November 6, 2026)
6. Immigration.ca: Canada international student population and proof of funds from September 1, 2026 (checked November 6, 2026)

Cite this page: Nika Kapanadze and Sofia Müller, "Canada study permit 2026: the cap, attestation letters, proof of funds and work rights", Immigrantset, last checked November 6, 2026, https://immigrantset.com/visas/canada-study-permit-guide/