Canada Study Permit 2026: Cap, PAL/TAL, Proof of Funds and How to Apply

A study permit is the document that lets you study in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues it. It is not a visa: if you are from a visa-required country, IRCC also issues a visitor visa with your study permit approval, and if you are from a visa-exempt country you get an eTA.

You need a study permit for most programs longer than 6 months. You don't need one for a course or program of 6 months or less, which you can take as a visitor.

You can only use a study permit at a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools are DLIs; for colleges and universities, check the DLI list on the IRCC site.

Canada has capped study permit applications since January 2024. For 2026, IRCC will accept up to about 309,670 study permit applications from students who need a provincial or territorial attestation letter. IRCC divides this number among the provinces and territories, and each one issues PAL/TALs to its schools. See our status page on the 2026 study permit cap.

A PAL (provincial attestation letter) or TAL (territorial attestation letter) confirms that your spot counts within the province's share of the cap. In most cases your school gives you the letter after you accept your offer and pay some or all of your tuition.

Without a PAL/TAL when you need one, IRCC will return your application without processing it.

To get a study permit you generally must:

• Have a letter of acceptance from a DLI. Since December 2023, schools must confirm each letter with IRCC, which helps block fake letters.
• Have a PAL/TAL, unless you are exempt
• Have a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if you will study in Quebec
• Show enough money for tuition, living costs, and return travel
• Be law-abiding and, if asked, get a police certificate
• Be in good health and get a medical exam if IRCC asks
• Convince the officer that you will leave Canada when your permit ends. You can still plan to apply for permanent residence later; this is called dual intent, and it is allowed as long as you will follow the rules if you are not accepted

IRCC does not set its own language test for study permits. Your school sets its language admission rules. Some later steps, such as the post-graduation work permit, do require a language test.

You must show you can pay your first year of tuition, your travel, and living costs. IRCC's living-cost table for students outside Quebec, for applications received on or after September 1, 2026:

These amounts don't include tuition or travel. IRCC updates them every year; for applications from January 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026, the amount for one person was $22,895. Quebec sets its own amounts for the CAQ.

Accepted proof includes a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank, bank statements for the last 6 months, proof of tuition paid, scholarships, and proof of a sponsor's income. Use our proof of funds tool and read the proof of funds guide for details.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS), a faster route for some countries, ended in November 2024. All students now apply through the regular process.

Most full-time students at post-secondary DLIs can work:

• Off campus: up to 24 hours a week during regular academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks such as winter and summer holidays
• On campus: without an hourly limit, if you meet the conditions

Your study permit must say you are allowed to work. Some programs, such as English or French language courses and general interest courses, don't give work rights. Co-op and internship placements that are part of your program need a separate co-op work permit.

After graduation, you may qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Not every program leads to one, so check PGWP rules before you choose a program.

Your spouse or common-law partner and children can apply to come with you, but their options are narrower than before.

Since January 21, 2025, your spouse or partner can get an open work permit only if you are in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or certain professional degree programs (such as medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, or engineering). Other students' spouses can usually come only as visitors. See the spousal open work permit page.

Your children can usually attend primary and secondary school in Canada while you study. Include family members in your proof of funds.

Fees as of September 2026, from the IRCC fee list:

Your school also charges application and tuition fees, and you may pay for a medical exam and document translations.

• No flagpoling. Since December 23, 2024, people already in Canada can no longer leave briefly for the US and come back to get a study permit at the border. Apply online instead. Limited exceptions exist, such as for US citizens and US permanent residents.
• Changing schools is no longer a simple online update for most students. Check IRCC's current rules before you transfer, because you may need a new study permit and a new PAL/TAL.
• Extending: apply before your permit expires. If you apply on time you keep maintained status while you wait. If your permit has already expired, you have 90 days to apply for restoration of status.