A study permit is more than an admission letter. IRCC assesses eligibility, finances, identity, admissibility and whether the applicant will respect temporary-resident conditions.
Core documents
IRCC’s current guidance identifies a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, proof of identity and proof of funds as core documents. A provincial or territorial attestation letter is required in most cases; Quebec applicants generally use a Quebec Acceptance Certificate. Medical examinations, police certificates and local visa-office documents may also apply.
Build a transparent financial record
You must show enough money for tuition, living expenses and transportation without relying on work in Canada. For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC lists $23,448 in first-year living expenses for one person outside Quebec, excluding tuition and transportation. The figure rises with accompanying family members and is updated periodically, so verify it on the official page before filing.
Bank balances alone may not explain availability. IRCC may assess the source, history and accessibility of funds, as well as the plan for later years of a multi-year program.
Free study permit checklist
- Valid passport and required identity documents.
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
- PAL/TAL or CAQ, unless a current exemption applies.
- Tuition payment evidence and education-cost breakdown.
- Bank records and clear evidence of the source of funds.
- Sponsor support letter and sponsor financial evidence, if applicable.
- Study plan connecting the program to your history and goals.
- Education records, transcripts and employment history.
- Evidence relevant to temporary intent and return plans.
- Medical, biometrics, police and local visa-office requirements.
What a useful study plan should explain
Explain why this specific program and institution make sense, how the program builds on your background, how it supports credible career goals, and how the costs will be funded. Address gaps, changes in field, previous refusals and family circumstances honestly. Generic praise of Canada does not substitute for a fact-based plan.
Run a consistency review
Compare the forms against the résumé, admission application, bank evidence, travel history and any previous immigration application. Dates, employment, family details and purpose should not conflict. Never hide a refusal or other material fact.
Use the live checklist
This guide is a planning aid, not the application package. Use IRCC’s current online instructions and the visa-office requirements for your location immediately before submission.
Official sources
Use these government pages to confirm the rules in effect when you apply.
This free guide is educational and does not determine eligibility, predict an invitation or approval, or replace advice based on your complete facts. Immigration requirements and procedures can change without notice.