Canadian Study Permit Checklist

Check the institution’s admission requirements directly. This row is an admission reminder; use the DLI’s actual instructions for any language evidence.

Institution-specific admissionreminder; notanassertionofuniversalIRCClanguagetest

Some schools may require you to take a language test.

Prove tuition, travel and living costs without Canadian work: first-year funds and a plan for later years. Outside Quebec, one applicant needs CAD 23,448 living costs for applications from 1 September 2026; family-size and Quebec rules differ.

Tuition+living+travelwithoutCanadianemployment; firstyear/laterfundingplan; outsideQuebecSep 12026 familytable;Quebecrulesseparate

The official government website specifies that for study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single applicant must demonstrate CAD $23,448 for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.

Submit the DLI’s acceptance letter and follow validation instructions. The stated exception covers family members of a person whose study/work permit application was approved in writing before coming to Canada.

Submit the DLI’s acceptance letter and follow validation instructions. The stated exception covers family members of a person whose study/work permit application was approved in writing before coming to Canada.

LOA validation andapproved-study/work-permit-family exception

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An exam is conditional: stay over 6 months AND relevant 6-consecutive-month residence/travel in a listed country within the preceding year, or a public-health-sensitive job. Follow IRCC’s current country list and exemption instructions.

An exam is conditional: stay over 6 months AND relevant 6-consecutive-month residence/travel in a listed country within the preceding year, or a public-health-sensitive job. Follow IRCC’s current country list and exemption instructions.

Morethan 6 monthstay AND6 consecutivemonthslistedcountryinprecedingyear ORpublic-health-sensitivejob; followactualIME exemptions

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Provide identity/passport or acceptable travel-document evidence and photos for yourself and accompanying family, following IRCC’s upload and nationality-specific instructions.

Identitydocuments/photos,acceptedtravel/nationality exceptions anduploadinstructions

Outside Quebec, include a valid PAL/TAL unless an IRCC exemption applies; include exemption evidence. Public-DLI master’s/doctoral degrees are exempt from 1 January 2026. Check current cap-year validity and reapplication rules.

Outside Quebec, include a valid PAL/TAL unless an IRCC exemption applies; include exemption evidence. Public-DLI master’s/doctoral degrees are exempt from 1 January 2026. Check current cap-year validity and reapplication rules.

PAL/TALoutsideQuebec,proofacceptedexemption,publicDLIdegreegrantingmastersdoctorateJan 12026

For Quebec study, obtain a valid CAQ issuance attestation unless a Quebec exception applies. PAL/TAL exemption does not by itself waive CAQ. Follow the required attestation wording and renewal rules.

For Quebec study, obtain a valid CAQ issuance attestation unless a Quebec exception applies. PAL/TAL exemption does not by itself waive CAQ. Follow the required attestation wording and renewal rules.

QuebecCAQissuanceattestation;PALexemptiondoesnotwaiveCAQ;Quebecexceptionsseparate

A letter explaining why you want to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities as a student.

LetterofexplanationmarkedRecommended; explainsstudyreasonandresponsibilities

You must write a letter of explanation that helps the visa officer understand your goals and responsibilities.