Studying in Canada remains one of the most pursued goals for international students around the world. Canada’s universities and colleges offer world-class education, and for many, a study permit is the first step toward building a future here permanently. But the process has changed significantly over the past two years, and what worked before may not result in success today. If you are considering coming to Canada to study, here is what you need to know before you apply.
What Is a Study Permit?
A study permit is the official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This allows a foreign national to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need one if their program is longer than six months. A study permit is not a visa on its own; depending on your country of citizenship, you will also need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Once in Canada, your study permit comes with a set of rules. You must remain enrolled full-time at your DLI, you must continue making progress toward completing your program, and you must leave Canada when your permit expires. Working off-campus is generally permitted up to 24 hours per week during the academic session, but only when your permit includes that condition.
For many years, Canada has been promoting student growth. Unfortunately, the approach has changed. IRCC has established a cap on study permits, with a target of 408,000 for 2026. This includes 155,000 new permits and 253,000 extensions for students already in Canada. That figure is 16% below the 2024 target and reflects the federal government’s push to reduce the overall number of temporary residents.
Financial Requirements
As of September 2025, Applicants must demonstrate that they have access to a minimum of CAD $23,000 (on top of the cost of their first year of tuition) to prove that they can support themselves while studying. Please consult your lawyer to confirm the specific amount, as these figures are adjusted annually.
Language Requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit
For many students, studying in Canada is simply the beginning of a longer road to permanent residency, and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a crucial step in that process. As of November 2024, most PGWP applicants must provide proof of language ability with their application. University graduates: CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language skills (English or French). College graduates applying for a PGWP now meet similar language benchmarks. If you are not sure how these requirements apply to your specific situation after graduation, it is strongly advised that you consult an immigration lawyer early.
The Path from Student to Worker to Permanent Resident
For a lot of students, it’s not just about graduating; it’s about wanting to build your life. The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for a duration that is linked to the length of their program – up to three years, depending on the length and type of program. That Canadian work experience, then, is used to apply for Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). This can be a lengthy process, as it can take up to 5 years or more to complete a full program of study, graduate, apply for a PGWP, accumulate enough work experience, and then apply for permanent residency, but your lawyer is here to help with the fastest possible path.
Spouses and Partners of International Students
If you are coming to Canada as a student and hope to bring a partner, the rules have tightened. Since January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits for partners of international students are only available in limited circumstances. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program of at least 16 months, or in certain professional programs such as medicine, law, nursing, or teaching. Spouses of students in undergraduate, diploma, or certificate programs are generally no longer eligible for open work permits. Families planning their move around studies need to account for this early in the process.
How can your lawyer help?
Given how quickly these rules are always changing, small errors in a study permit application can lead to delays, refusals, or complications that affect the entire immigration journey. An immigration lawyer can help you determine which category applies to your situation, whether your program qualifies for a PGWP, how to obtain your PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) and how to structure your path toward permanent residency from the very beginning.
If you are unaware of your next steps, please consult your lawyer for additional information. If you are planning to study in Canada, the time to start that preparation is now.