How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada (IMM 1294)

Why You Need a Study Permit

If you want to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for a program longer than six months, you need a study permit. A study permit is not a visa, but it allows you to stay in Canada as a student for the length of your program. For newcomers to Canada, understanding this process early is essential to a smooth transition.

You must apply for your study permit before you travel to Canada. In most cases, you apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. The main application form is called IMM 1294.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you apply, you need to make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements set by IRCC. These requirements are straightforward, but missing any one of them can result in a refused application.

Acceptance at a Designated Learning Institution

You must have a valid letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. A DLI is a school that has been approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You can check the list of designated learning institutions on the IRCC website.

Your letter of acceptance must include your full legal name, the name of the program, the start date, and the DLI number. Without a valid letter, your application will be refused.

Proof of Financial Support

You need to prove that you can support yourself and any family members who come with you during your time in Canada. As of 2024, IRCC requires you to show at least $20,635 CAD for 12 months of living expenses, in addition to your tuition fees and travel costs.

Acceptable proof of funds includes:

• Canadian bank account statements showing the money has been transferred in your name
• A bank statement from your home country
• A letter from a person or institution providing you with money (with proof of their funds)
• Proof of a scholarship or funding from a Canadian institution
• Proof of a student loan from your home country

If you are sponsored by a family member, they must provide a letter of support along with their own bank statements. IRCC will look carefully at these documents to confirm the funds are genuine and available.

Clean Criminal Record

You must have no criminal record. IRCC may ask you to provide a police clearance certificate from every country you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18. Some countries take several weeks to issue these certificates, so plan ahead.

Good Health

You may need to complete a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician. This is required if you plan to study for more than six months and have lived in certain countries. The medical exam includes a physical examination, blood tests, a chest X-ray, and a urinalysis. The cost is typically between $200 and $450 CAD depending on the physician.

How to Apply Online

Most applicants apply online through the IRCC online portal. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process.

Step 1: Create an IRCC Online Account

Go to the IRCC website and create a secure account. You can sign in using GCKey or a Sign-In Partner such as your bank. Once logged in, you will answer a series of questions that will determine your eligibility and generate your personalized document checklist.

Step 2: Complete Form IMM 1294

Form IMM 1294 is the official Application to Study in Canada. You fill it out digitally as part of your online application. The form asks for personal details, education history, travel history, family information, and details about your planned studies in Canada.

Take your time filling out this form. Any errors or inconsistencies can lead to delays or refusals. Double-check all names, dates, and passport numbers.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Based on your answers, IRCC will generate a checklist of required documents. Common documents include:

• Letter of acceptance from your DLI
• Valid passport or travel document
• Proof of financial support
• Passport-size digital photos meeting IRCC specifications
• Immigration medical exam results (if required)
• Police clearance certificates (if required)
• A statement of purpose or study plan
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or TEF scores)

Upload all documents as clear, legible scans in PDF or JPEG format. Each file must be under 4 MB.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

The study permit application fee is $150 CAD. If biometrics are required, there is an additional fee of $85 CAD. You pay online using a credit card or prepaid card. The total for most applicants is $235 CAD.

Step 5: Submit and Wait

After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation number. You can check the status of your application online. Processing times vary by country and time of year.

Biometrics

Most study permit applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide biometrics. Biometrics include your fingerprints and a photograph. After you submit your application and pay the biometrics fee, you will receive a biometrics instruction letter.

You must visit a designated biometrics collection point within 30 days of receiving this letter. In many countries, biometrics are collected at visa application centres (VACs) operated by VFS Global or similar providers. Your biometrics are valid for 10 years, so if you provided them for a previous Canadian immigration application, you may not need to give them again.

Processing Times

Processing times for study permits depend on the country where you apply and the volume of applications IRCC is handling. As of early 2026, typical processing times range from 4 weeks to 16 weeks. Some countries have faster processing through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

The Student Direct Stream is available to legal residents of certain countries including India, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, and several others. If you qualify for SDS, processing can take as little as 20 calendar days. To use SDS, you need a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of $20,635 CAD, proof of your first year of tuition paid, and a qualifying language test score.

You can check current processing times on the IRCC processing times page.

After You Receive Your Study Permit

Port of Entry

If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction. This is not your study permit. You present this letter to the border services officer when you arrive in Canada, and they will issue your actual study permit. Make sure to check the details on your permit carefully, including the expiry date and any conditions listed.

Maintaining Your Status

Once in Canada, you must follow the conditions on your study permit. You must be enrolled full-time at your DLI, make progress toward completing your program, and not work more hours than allowed. If you stop studying or change your program without authorization, you could lose your status.

Working While Studying

Many Canadian newcomers studying in Canada need to work to support themselves. The good news is that most study permit holders are allowed to work.

On-Campus Work

You can work on the campus of the DLI where you are studying without a separate work permit. There is no limit on the number of hours you can work on campus.

Off-Campus Work

If your study permit includes a condition that allows off-campus work, you can work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. You do not need a separate work permit for off-campus work if your study permit authorizes it.

To be eligible for off-campus work, you must be a full-time student at a DLI, be enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, and your program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Co-op and Internship Work Permits

If your program includes a mandatory co-op or internship component, you will need a separate co-op work permit. You apply for this at the same time as your study permit. There is no additional government fee for a co-op work permit when applied with your study permit.

Extending Your Study Permit

If your program takes longer than expected, or if you want to start a new program, you need to extend your study permit before it expires. You should apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

You apply online through your IRCC account. You will need a new letter of acceptance if you are changing programs, updated proof of funds, and copies of your current study permit and passport. The extension fee is $150 CAD.

If you apply before your permit expires, you can continue studying under implied status until a decision is made on your extension application. If your permit has already expired, you may need to apply for restoration of status, which costs an additional $229 CAD and is not guaranteed.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

After you complete your studies, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. The PGWP allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. The length of the PGWP depends on the length of your study program. Programs of eight months to two years receive a PGWP equal to the length of the program. Programs of two years or more receive a three-year PGWP.

You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from your DLI that you have completed your program. The fee is $255 CAD. The PGWP can be an important step on the path to permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many study permit applications are refused because of avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes:

• Insufficient proof of funds or funds that appear recently deposited
• Inconsistencies between your study plan and your education or work background
• Missing documents or unclear scans
• Not explaining gaps in your education or employment history
• Applying to a program that does not match your career goals
• Failing to demonstrate ties to your home country (IRCC wants to see you plan to leave Canada after your studies if required)

How WelcomeAide Can Help

WelcomeAide's programs are designed to support newcomers to Canada at every stage of their journey, including students. Our AI-powered chat assistant can answer your questions about the study permit process in multiple languages, 24 hours a day.

If you are already in Canada and need help with your studies, finding housing, or connecting with community resources, visit our about page to learn more about our mission. You can also explore our blog for more guides on settlement topics, or see the impact we are making in newcomer communities.

Applying for a study permit is a big step. With the right preparation and accurate information, you can navigate the process successfully and begin your educational journey in Canada.