Study Permits

International students seeking to study in Canada must apply for and be issued study permits in order to study in Canada.

Precursor steps to applying include receiving a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution and a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL).

In Quebec, a precursor step to applying for a study permit is first applying to the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (the MIFI) for a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ). The CAQ for Studies takes the place of a PAL.

Minor children may require study permits to study in Canada depending on their age and their country of citizenship (where they are Visa-required). In some cases, minor children destined to Quebec may require a CAQ for Studies.

The applicant must demonstrate to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that they will leave Canada at the end of their temporary stay and will respect all conditions of that stay. Sufficient financial means are required and must be well-documented.