Key facts
- A study permit is the document that authorizes eligible foreign nationals to study in Canada; it is not itself a travel visa.
- Applicants generally need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
- A provincial or territorial attestation letter may be required unless an exception applies.
- The applicant must follow the current financial-support and document requirements for the application date.
- Most applicants from outside Canada apply online and may need biometrics or a medical examination.
Student visa and study permit: understand the terms
“Canada student visa” is a common search phrase, but the main authorization for a longer course is normally a study permit. If the permit application is approved, IRCC also handles the travel document needed to travel to Canada when applicable. A permit does not guarantee entry; the traveller must still meet the requirements at the border.
Documents and study plan
A complete application may include the required school acceptance, any applicable PAL or TAL, identity documents, proof of financial support and a clear explanation of why the program makes sense for the applicant. The forms, education history, employment history, finances and study plan should be accurate and consistent.
Documents not in English or French may need translation under the current instructions. Use the personalized checklist rather than copying another student’s file.
How Sifton can help
Sifton can review the proposed program and available evidence, identify gaps or inconsistencies, explain the current process and assist with preparation within the agreed professional scope. Admission to a school does not guarantee a study permit, and no representative can guarantee approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is a study permit the same as a student visa?
No. A study permit authorizes study. A visitor visa or eTA is a travel document, and IRCC handles the applicable travel document when approving an outside-Canada permit application.
Do all students need a PAL or TAL?
No. Many applicants need one, but exceptions exist. Check the current IRCC rules for your level and situation.
Does a university acceptance guarantee a permit?
No. The acceptance is important, but IRCC assesses the complete study-permit application and the applicant’s circumstances.
Official sources
- Study permit: how to apply — Government of Canada / IRCC
- Biometrics information — Government of Canada / IRCC