Applying to study in Canada involves more than an acceptance letter: IRCC assesses your genuine-student case, finances, and your post-study plans. Our RCIC helps you build a complete, consistent application.
TL;DR
– Core requirements: letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of funds, and a genuine-student case.
– Recent IRCC changes (attestation letters, financial thresholds, PGWP field-of-study rules) make current official guidance essential.
– Study-permit decisions affect your post-graduation options (PGWP eligibility) — plan both together.
Core requirements
- Acceptance from a DLI — not every school qualifies; verify the DLI list for your province.
- Provincial attestation / letter of acceptance requirements — IRCC introduced provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) requirements for most applicants; verify current applicability.
- Proof of funds — IRCC raised minimum financial requirements; confirm the current threshold for your situation.
- Genuine student — a coherent study plan matching your background and goals.
- Admissibility — standard health/criminality/security screening.
What a consultant does for study applications
- Program and institution fit against PGWP eligibility (field-of-study and institution rules affect post-graduation work rights)
- Financial documentation that survives IRCC scrutiny
- Consistent narrative across acceptance, funds, ties and intent
- Handling of refusals and re-application strategy
After graduation
A study permit is often step one toward PR. Ontario graduates now reach PR through the Ontario Workforce Priority stream with an employer or federal programs like the Canadian Experience Class — see our graduates pathway guide.
FAQ
How much money do I need for a Canadian study permit?
IRCC sets minimum proof-of-funds amounts and updates them — check the official requirement for your case rather than older blog figures.
What is a PAL (provincial attestation letter)?
Most study-permit applicants need a province-issued attestation letter tied to allocation caps. Your institution typically coordinates it; verify current rules.
Can I work while studying?
Eligible students can work off-campus within IRCC’s limits during study — verify current hour limits on the official page.
Related
Official sources
- IRCC — Study permit: eligibility (accessed 2026-10-27)
- IRCC — Post-Graduation Work Permit