IMM 1294 Study Permit Form Guide: Common Fixes Before
By WelcomeAide Team
What Is Form IMM 1294?
Quick tip: download the official IMM1294 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download IMM1294 form (official IRCC).
Form IMM 1294 is the official Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada. If you have been accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and want to study for a program lasting more than six months, you need to apply for a study permit — and IMM 1294 is the core form in that application. This guide walks you through every section with practical advice for international students.
Download the form and guide: IMM 1294 — IRCC.
Who Needs a Study Permit?
You need a study permit if:
- Your program of study in Canada is longer than six months
- You are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
You do NOT need a study permit if your program is six months or shorter (though you still need a valid visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada).
Before You Start: Prerequisites
Before completing IMM 1294, ensure you have:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — verify your school is on the DLI list
- Valid passport — must be valid for the duration of your studies (ideally longer)
- Proof of financial support — you must demonstrate you can pay tuition plus living expenses. As of 2024, IRCC requires proof of $20,635 CAD per year for living expenses (in addition to tuition). Acceptable proof includes bank statements, GICs, scholarship letters, or a letter from a financial sponsor.
- Provincial attestation letter (PAL) — as of January 2024, most study permit applicants must include a PAL from the province/territory where they plan to study. This is part of Canada's cap on international student permits.
- Passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications
- Medical exam results (if required for your nationality)
- Police certificates (if required)
- Statement of purpose / letter of explanation explaining why you chose this program and school
Section-by-Section Guide
Section 1: Personal Details
Enter your full legal name as it appears on your passport. Include all given names and your family name. If you have previous names (due to marriage, legal name change, etc.), list them all. Your date of birth, country of birth, and citizenship must match your passport exactly.
Section 2: Marital Status and Family Information
Declare your current marital status and list all immediate family members — spouse, children, parents, and siblings — regardless of whether they are accompanying you to Canada. IRCC requires a complete family declaration for security and background purposes.
Section 3: Languages
Indicate your proficiency in English and/or French. While language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) are submitted as supporting documents, the form asks you to self-assess your language abilities.
Section 4: Passport Details
Enter your passport number, issuing authority, issue date, and expiry date. Your study permit cannot be issued beyond your passport's expiry date, so ensure your passport has sufficient validity.
Section 5: Contact Information
Provide your current residential address, email address, and phone number. If you have an immigration representative or consultant, their information goes here as well. All correspondence will go to the email address you provide.
Section 6: Education and Employment History
List your complete educational history (highest level achieved, institution names, dates, fields of study). Then provide your employment history for the past 10 years. Account for every period — employment, study, unemployment — with no gaps.
Section 7: Background Questions
Answer honestly about criminal history, immigration violations, military service, and health conditions. Dishonesty on these questions is grounds for permanent inadmissibility to Canada.
Section 8: Study Details
This section is specific to your study plans:
- DLI number: Found on your Letter of Acceptance and the DLI list
- Student ID or application number: From your LOA
- Program name and field of study
- Program start and end dates
- Estimated tuition cost per year
- Source of funds: How you will pay for tuition and living expenses
Proof of Financial Support — Critical for Approval
Insufficient financial proof is one of the top reasons study permit applications are refused. IRCC wants to see that you can afford:
- Full tuition fees for your first year (or the entire program if shorter)
- Living expenses: $20,635 CAD per year (as of 2024; check for updates) for the applicant, plus $4,025 for a spouse and $3,492 for each child
- Return transportation to your home country
Acceptable proof includes:
- Canadian bank account statement — if you opened a Canadian bank account and deposited funds
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) — a popular option where you deposit funds into a Canadian bank GIC specifically for study permit purposes. Major banks like Scotiabank, RBC, and BMO offer student GIC programs
- Bank statements from your home country — showing sufficient funds for at least 4-6 months
- Scholarship or funding letters
- Sponsor letter with financial documents — if a parent or family member is funding your studies
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Since January 2024, Canada introduced a cap on international student permits. As part of this, most applicants must obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where they plan to study. Each province has its own process:
- Ontario: Apply through the Ontario IRCC portal
- British Columbia: Apply through the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education
- Quebec: Quebec uses a CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec) instead of a PAL — Apply for CAQ
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, etc.: Check each province's official website
Your DLI should guide you through the PAL process. Contact your school's international student office for help.
Submitting Your Application
Most study permit applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal:
- Create an IRCC account at IRCC online portal
- Upload all required documents (IMM 1294, LOA, proof of funds, passport copy, photos, medical results, police certificates, PAL)
- Pay the fee — $150 CAD for the study permit application plus $85 for biometrics (if applicable)
- Submit and note your application number for tracking
Processing Times and Biometrics
Processing times vary significantly by country. Check current times: IRCC processing times.
After submitting, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) telling you to provide fingerprints and a photo at a designated collection point (usually a Visa Application Centre in your country). You have 30 days from receiving the BIL to complete biometrics.
After Approval — Coming to Canada
When approved, you receive:
- A Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction
- A visa (counterfoil/sticker) in your passport if you are from a visa-required country, OR an eTA linked to your passport if you are from a visa-exempt country
At the Canadian border, present your POE letter, passport, LOA, and proof of financial support. The border officer will issue your actual study permit document.
Working While Studying
Most study permits issued after June 2014 include a condition that allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Check the conditions printed on your study permit. You will also need a SIN — see our SIN application guide.
Key Takeaways
- IMM 1294 is required for study permits applied from outside Canada
- You need a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, proof of $20,635+ per year for living expenses, and a Provincial Attestation Letter
- Account for every month in the past 10 years in your employment/education history
- Financial proof is the #1 reason for refusals — use a GIC for the strongest proof
- Submit online, pay $150 + $85 biometrics, and complete biometrics within 30 days
- Your actual study permit is issued at the Canadian border upon arrival
Download This Form
Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download IMM1294 form (official IRCC). Always use the latest version.
Related internal guides
Official external resources
- Download IMM1294 form (official IRCC)
- IRCC forms and guides library
- IRCC document checklists
- CRA forms and publications
- IRCC processing times
After You Submit: What to Expect Next
Once you've meticulously completed and submitted your IMM 1294 study permit application, the waiting game begins. But "waiting" doesn't mean doing nothing! There are several crucial steps you might need to take, and understanding the process will help you stay prepared and reduce anxiety.
First, you'll receive a confirmation of submission. Keep this record safe. Soon after, you might receive instructions for biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if you haven't provided them in the last 10 years. This is a mandatory step for most applicants. You may also be asked to undergo a medical examination, especially if you've lived in certain countries or plan to work in specific fields (like healthcare) in Canada.
It's vital to respond to any requests from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) promptly. Delays in providing requested documents or completing biometrics/medical exams can significantly prolong your application processing time. You can monitor your application status online using the IRCC portal. For general questions about your application or the next steps, our AI Navigator is always available to provide guidance. Remember that processing times vary, so check the official IRCC website for current estimates at Canada.ca.
Preparing for Your Canadian Student Journey
Receiving your study permit approval is an exciting milestone! Now, it's time to shift your focus from application fixes to practical preparations for your new life in Canada. A smooth transition requires planning well in advance of your departure.
Pre-Arrival Essentials:
- Housing: Securing accommodation before you arrive is paramount. Explore options like on-campus residences, homestays, or off-campus rentals. Our Housing Guide offers valuable insights and tips specific to newcomers.
- Finances: Understand your living expenses. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to budget effectively for tuition, rent, food, and other necessities. Also, research Canadian banking options with our Banking Comparison tool to set up an account upon arrival.
- Documents: Organize all essential documents, including your Letter of Acceptance, passport, study permit approval letter, and financial proofs, in an easily accessible carry-on bag.
Upon Arrival & Settling In:
- Settlement Checklist: Don't miss any crucial steps. Our comprehensive Settlement Checklist will guide you through everything from getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to enrolling in provincial health insurance.
Related Resources
WelcomeAide Tools
- WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
- Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
- Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
- Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
- Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services
Related Guides
- IMM 1295 Work Permit Form Guide for Newcomers (2026)
- RC66 Walkthrough: Canada Child Benefit Form for Newcomer
- TD1 Form for Newcomers: What to Fill Before You Start a Job
Official Government Sources
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