Explore Top Degree and Diploma Programs in Canada

Step 1 – Letter of Acceptance

• If your academic application is successful, you will receive an official Letter of Acceptance from your designated institution.
• Review the Letter of Acceptance carefully before signing it. It details your program specifics, enrolment conditions, and exact tuition fees you must pay if you accept this official admission offer.
• Ensure that you fully comprehend your legal rights, especially institutional refund policies. If you cannot start or complete your program, this binding agreement dictates whether you are eligible to receive a financial refund on paid tuition fees.Do not accept the Letter of Acceptance if you are unsatisfied with any of its legal
• terms.

Always keep a copy of the Letter of Acceptance. You will need this document so you remain aware of your rights if you must file a claim against your designated Canadian learning institution.

Step 2 – Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

• A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document that will be issued by your provincial government that verifies your allocation for a specific program. The PAL will be sent to you after you have accepted your Letter of Acceptance and paid your deposit.

• You must include a copy of your PAL in your study permit application so that the Canadian Government has proof that you are allocated to your declared institution.

• Please note: Concurrent PALs will no longer be issued. If you choose to change your program from a higher education degree to a college diploma or certificate program you must meet all study permit requirements. You may be required to submit a new application based on your provincial allocation.

Step 3 – Proof of Language Proficiency

• Canadian academic programs are taught in English or French, so you must supply a certificate of results from an approved official language test. This essential document will prove to the Canadian Government that you meet the minimum proficiency levels needed to succeed in your course.

• There are only certain tests you can take that will be accepted by the Canadian Government, but all are easily accessible from around the world.

Step 4 – Statement of Purpose (SOP)

The online study permit application portal contains a letter of explanation. Your answers to these sections will give IRCC decision makers information about you and your reasons for wanting to study in Canada, which gives context to the documentary evidence that you provide in support of your application.

• The SOP sections cover:

• Details of your current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.

• Why you chose your program and why you chose Canada as your study destination.

• How you will benefit from studying your chosen program.

• Details of your study history in Canada (if any).

• If you are holding a document other than a study permit, you will need to give your reasons for applying for a study permit.

• Any other relevant information that you’d like to provide.

For more details on the SOP requirement, visit the official Canadian Government IRCC website.

Step 5 – Proof of Financial Support

• To meet the requirements for a study permit, you must prove that you have enough savings to cover the costs and expenses associated with your program, such as travel, tuition fees and rent. International study permit applicants must provide proof of at least $20,635 CAD.

• There are a range of options for you to prove your financial capacity. For more information, visit the official Government of Canada website, and navigate to ‘Proof of support’.

• Living costs vary throughout Canada and may be higher than what is needed for your permit application. We recommend you research the area you intend to live including the cost of living in that area

Step 6 – Mandatory Student Health Insurance

As an international student in Canada, you must have mandatory private or provincial health insurance for your entire academic stay. If you do not provide proof that you have this coverage, your study permit application faces refusal. This coverage helps you:

• pay for medical or hospital care while studying in Canada,

• pay for most prescription medications, and

• provide you with transport coverage in emergencies.

While organizing your health coverage, also make sure you secure a physical health card for use at clinic appointments while you are living in Canada. See our insurance page.

Step 7 – Medical Examination Requirement

• The Canadian Government requires all international students to be in good health before entering the country. As a result, you may need to undergo a health examination to meet the study permit health requirement.

• You can use the upfront medical exams process to complete any required health evaluations before submitting your permit application.

Step 8 – Criminal Admissibility Requirement

• There are also certain admissibility requirements that you must meet if you want to study in Canada.

• In your application, you must answer mandatory background questions regarding your criminal history and past conduct.

• In some cases, you may need to provide an official police certificate.

Step 9 – Apply via the IRCC Portal

• The official Government of Canada website outlines all requirements for a study permit. You apply using your IRCC portal.

• You do not need an agent to submit a study permit application. If you want professional immigration assistance with your permit application, use a registered legal representative or an authorized consultant.

• Only authorized professionals can provide immigration advice in Canada. Educational consultants can assist you with choices for studying in Canada, but an education agent who is not an authorized immigration consultant or a registered legal representative cannot lawfully give you regulated immigration advice for your Canadian permit applications.

More information on who can provide immigration assistance is on the official IRCC portal.

Step 10 – Review Travel Requirements

You can stay fully informed about the latest Canadian travel requirements by visiting our Preparing For Your Travels page.can stay up to date with the latest travel requirements by visiting our Preparing for your travels page.

Verify Current IRCC Requirements

This information may change. Check the official Government of Canada IRCC portal for the most up to date information on how to apply for a study permit.