ImmigrationFebruary 17, 202613 min read

How to Complete IMM 1294: Application for Study Permit

By WelcomeAide Team

International student completing the IMM 1294 study permit application for Canada

What Is the IMM 1294?

Quick tip: download the official IMM1294 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download IMM1294 form (official IRCC).

The IMM 1294 is the official application form for a study permit in Canada. If you are an international student who has been accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and your program is longer than 6 months, you will almost certainly need to complete this form. The study permit allows you to study in Canada for the duration of your program and, in many cases, work part-time during your studies.

For newcomers and prospective international students, understanding the Canadian study permit system is essential. Unlike some countries where a student visa and a study permit are the same thing, Canada distinguishes between the two. The study permit is the document that authorizes you to study in Canada; a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) is what allows you to enter Canada. When you apply for a study permit, IRCC typically issues both.

Who Needs a Study Permit?

You need a study permit if:

You are a foreign national (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
You plan to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
Your program of study is longer than 6 months

You do not need a study permit if your program is 6 months or less, though you still need a valid TRV or eTA to enter Canada.

Before You Start: Gather Your Materials

Before filling out the IMM 1294, make sure you have:

Letter of Acceptance (LOA): From your DLI, including the school's DLI number
Valid passport: Must be valid for the duration of your studies (or as long as possible)
Proof of financial support: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or a letter from your sponsor showing you can pay tuition and living expenses
Passport-size photographs: Meeting IRCC specifications (35mm x 45mm)
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): As of 2024, most study permit applicants need a PAL from the province where their DLI is located. This was introduced to manage the volume of international student applications
Immigration medical exam results: If required for your country of origin
Police certificates: If required for your country of origin

Checklist of documents required for a Canadian study permit application

Step-by-Step Guide to the IMM 1294

Section 1: Personal Details

Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport:

Family name (surname): Your last name
Given name(s): Your first and middle names
Date of birth: YYYY-MM-DD
Place of birth: City and country
Citizenship: Your current citizenship(s)
Current country of residence: Where you are living now
Marital status: Single, married, common-law, divorced, etc.

If you have more than one name (for example, a name in your birth language and an English name), use the name on your passport as your primary name and list any other names in the "Other names" field.

Section 2: Study Details

This section captures information about your planned studies in Canada:

DLI number: This is a unique identifier assigned to your school by IRCC. It starts with "O" followed by numbers (e.g., O19876543210). You can find it on your Letter of Acceptance or by searching the DLI list at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html
Name of the institution: The full legal name of your school
Student ID number: The student number assigned by your school
Field of study: Your program (e.g., "Bachelor of Computer Science," "Diploma in Business Administration")
Level of study: Secondary, post-secondary, master's, doctoral, etc.
Expected start date: The start date of your program
Expected end date: When you anticipate completing your program
Cost of tuition: The annual or total tuition fee as stated in your LOA

Section 3: Financial Information

IRCC needs to know that you can financially support yourself in Canada. This section asks about your funds:

Available funds for your first year: Include tuition, living expenses, and return transportation. As a general guideline, IRCC expects you to have approximately $20,635 CAD per year for living expenses (for locations outside Quebec) in addition to your tuition. Check current figures at the IRCC website
Source of funds: Personal savings, family support, scholarship, government sponsorship, student loan, etc.
If a family member is supporting you: Provide their name, relationship, and evidence of their financial capacity

Tip for newcomers: IRCC takes financial proof very seriously. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian bank is one of the strongest ways to demonstrate funds. With a GIC, you deposit a set amount (e.g., $20,635 CAD) with a Canadian bank, and the funds are released to you in monthly installments after you arrive. Many applicants find that having a GIC significantly strengthens their application.

Section 4: Employment History

List your activities for the past 10 years, including:

Employment (employer name, title, dates)
Education (school name, program, dates)
Unemployment periods (you still need to account for these)

There should be no gaps. If you were unemployed for a period, list it as "Unemployed" with the dates. IRCC officers review this section carefully for any unexplained gaps.

Section 5: Background Questions

Answer yes or no to questions about:

Have you ever been refused a visa or permit to any country?
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Have you ever been diagnosed with tuberculosis or other specified diseases?
Have you ever been deported or removed from any country?

Answer these questions honestly. A previous visa refusal does not automatically disqualify you, but lying about it will almost certainly result in a refusal and a potential misrepresentation ban.

International students on a Canadian university campus

Applying Online vs. Paper Application

Most study permit applications are now submitted online through your IRCC online account at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html. The online system guides you through the application, tells you exactly which documents to upload, and allows you to track your application status.

Paper applications are still accepted in some circumstances (for example, if you cannot create an online account due to a disability or technical limitation), but online applications are generally processed faster.

To apply online:

Create an IRCC online account (or sign in with GCKey or a Sign-In Partner such as your bank)
Answer the eligibility questions to get your personalized document checklist
Fill out the IMM 1294 and other required forms
Upload all supporting documents
Pay the fees (study permit processing fee of $150 CAD, plus biometrics fee of $85 CAD if required)
Submit your application

Biometrics

Most study permit applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). After submitting your application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). You then have 30 days to visit a designated biometrics collection point. In many countries, this is a VFS Global or VAC (Visa Application Centre) office. Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so if you provided them recently for another Canadian application, you may not need to provide them again.

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Since 2024, Canada has required most study permit applicants to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) before applying. The PAL is issued by the province or territory where your DLI is located and confirms that your application falls within that province's allocation for international students.

How to obtain a PAL:

Your DLI usually initiates the PAL process on your behalf
The specific process varies by province — contact your school's international student office for guidance
Some programs are exempt from the PAL requirement (e.g., K-12 programs, master's and doctoral programs)

Make sure you have your PAL before submitting your study permit application, as applications without one (where required) will be returned.

Common Reasons for Study Permit Refusal

Understanding why applications are refused can help you avoid these pitfalls:

Insufficient financial proof: The most common reason. Ensure your bank statements show consistent funds, not a sudden large deposit right before applying
Weak ties to home country: IRCC needs to believe you will return home after your studies. Evidence of ties includes family, property, a job offer to return to, or ongoing obligations
Purpose of visit not clear: Your study plan should make sense. If you have a degree in engineering and are applying to study a basic diploma in an unrelated field, explain why in a cover letter
Previous immigration violations: Overstaying a previous visa in any country is a red flag
Incomplete application: Missing documents or unsigned forms will result in a return or refusal

Tips for International Students New to Canada

Apply early: Study permit processing times vary by country but can take several months. Apply as soon as you have your Letter of Acceptance
Know your work rights: With a valid study permit, you can typically work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Check current rules as they change frequently
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After completing an eligible program, you may qualify for a PGWP allowing you to work in Canada for up to 3 years. This is a key pathway to permanent residence
Get health insurance: Some provinces provide health coverage to international students; others do not. Check your province's rules and get private health insurance if needed
SIN number: Once you arrive in Canada with your study permit, apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada so you can work legally

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Yes, most study permit holders can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. You do not need a separate work permit for this. Your study permit will have a condition stating whether you are authorized to work.

What is a DLI and how do I know if my school is one?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You can check if your school is on the DLI list at the IRCC website. If your school is not a DLI, you cannot get a study permit to attend it.

How long does processing take?

Processing times vary by country of residence. Check the current estimated times at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html. Plan ahead and apply at least 3-4 months before your program start date.

The IMM 1294 is your gateway to studying in Canada. Take time to fill it out carefully, gather strong supporting documents, and submit a well-organized application. A successful study permit can be the first step toward building your future in Canada.

Download This Form

Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download IMM1294 form (official IRCC). Always use the latest version.

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