Canada Student Visa 2026: Study Permit Rules, Funds and Fees
To study in Canada most foreign nationals need a study permit, which people usually call a student visa. A new table of required funds applies to applications made on or after 1 September 2026. This guide covers who can apply, the documents, the new funds table and the work rules, using Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) pages read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
You can get a Canadian study permit if you are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI), can pay your tuition, living costs and return travel, have no criminal record, are in good health and can show you will leave Canada when the permit expires. The permit costs CAD 150, plus CAD 85 for biometrics. If you apply on or after 1 September 2026, a single student must show CAD 23,448 for one year of living expenses, on top of tuition and travel, for every province and territory except Quebec. Most applicants also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter from their school. Once studying, you can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during regular terms.
Canada study permit at a glance
| Item | Rule in October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Document | Study permit, issued by IRCC |
| Fee | CAD 150 per person, including extensions |
| Biometrics | CAD 85 per person |
| Where you must be enrolled | A designated learning institution (DLI) |
| Living expenses to show, one student | CAD 23,448 a year, outside Quebec, if you apply on or after 1 September 2026 |
| Attestation letter | Needed in most cases; a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for Quebec |
| Work off campus | Up to 24 hours a week during regular school terms |
| Processing time | Varies by country |
Source: IRCC study permit pages and fee list, read on 13 October 2026.
Who can apply
According to IRCC, you can come to Canada to study if you:
- are enrolled at a designated learning institution;
- prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you, and return transportation for all of you;
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate if required;
- are in good health and get a medical exam if required;
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.
IRCC says you should apply before you travel to Canada.
How much money you must show
You must prove you have enough money, without working in Canada, to pay for three things: tuition, living expenses for you and any family members coming with you, and transportation to and from Canada. You show the funds for the first year. For a program longer than a year you also explain how you will pay for the rest, for example with a multi-year scholarship or proof that your parents are employed.
The living-expense amounts are updated each year. This is the table for applications made on or after 1 September 2026, for all provinces and territories except Quebec. It excludes tuition and transportation.
| Family members, including the student | Amount required per year (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 23,448 |
| 2 | 29,192 |
| 3 | 35,888 |
| 4 | 43,572 |
| 5 | 49,419 |
| 6 | 55,736 |
| 7 | 62,054 |
| Each additional family member | 6,318 |
IRCC's example: if you and 2 family members want to come to a province or territory other than Quebec for a year, you need CAD 35,888 for living expenses. Students going to Quebec must instead meet the amounts set by Quebec's immigration ministry to obtain the CAQ.
Documents you need
| Document | When |
|---|---|
| Letter of acceptance from your school | Always required |
| Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), or a CAQ for Quebec | Needed in most cases |
| Proof of identity: passport copy and 2 recent passport-size photos | Always required |
| Proof of funds | Always required |
| Letter of explanation | Recommended |
| Medical exam | Check if needed |
| Police certificate | Check if needed |
| Proof of care, for children under 17 not travelling with a parent or guardian | Check if needed |
The attestation letter
You get the provincial or territorial attestation letter from your school. In most cases you have to accept your offer and pay your tuition fees, in part or in full, before the school can issue it. If you will study in Quebec you need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate instead.
When you may need a medical exam
You may need one if you plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months, recently spent time in certain countries, or plan to work in jobs where public health must be protected.
Working while you study
During regular school terms or semesters you can work off campus up to 24 hours a week, and full-time during regular breaks, if your study permit carries the condition that allows it. If an older permit still says 20 hours a week, IRCC states you may work up to 24 hours as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. To get the social insurance number you need for this work, your permit must carry that condition.
Work cannot be counted towards the funds you must show: the proof of funds has to stand without it.
Your obligations as a student
While you study in Canada you must make progress towards completing your program, respect the conditions on your study permit, and stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements. A permit can name the specific school where you may study, so follow IRCC's instructions before changing schools at the post-secondary level.
How to apply, step by step
- Get accepted by a designated learning institution and receive your letter of acceptance.
- Accept the offer and pay tuition as your school requires, then get your attestation letter, or your CAQ for Quebec.
- Prepare proof of funds for tuition, living expenses and travel.
- Write a letter of explanation setting out why you want to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities.
- Apply online and pay CAD 150, plus CAD 85 for biometrics.
- Give biometrics and complete a medical exam or police certificate if asked.
- Wait for the decision. Processing time varies by country; IRCC's online tool shows the current figure.
Staying after graduation
You may be able to stay and work in Canada after you graduate with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Eligibility depends on several requirements, including when you submitted your study permit application, so IRCC advises checking the PGWP rules, and whether your school offers PGWP-eligible programs, before you apply for the study permit. Our Canada work permit guide explains how open work permits like the PGWP differ from employer-specific ones.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit in 2026?
If you apply on or after 1 September 2026, a single student must show CAD 23,448 for one year of living expenses, in every province and territory except Quebec. Tuition and transportation are on top. With one family member the amount is CAD 29,192, and with two it is CAD 35,888.
How much does a Canadian study permit cost?
CAD 150 per person, including extensions. Biometrics cost CAD 85 per person.
How many hours can international students work in Canada?
Up to 24 hours a week off campus during regular school terms or semesters, and full-time during regular breaks, if your study permit includes the condition allowing off-campus work.
What is a provincial attestation letter?
A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) is a document you get from your school and include in your study permit application. It is needed in most cases, and you usually have to accept your offer and pay some or all of your tuition first. Students going to Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate instead.
How long does a Canadian study permit take?
It varies by country. IRCC publishes current processing times in its online tool, so check the figure for the country you apply from.
Can I stay in Canada after I graduate?
Possibly, with a post-graduation work permit. Eligibility depends on several requirements, including your program, your school and when you applied for your study permit, so check them before you apply.
Do I need a medical exam for a Canadian study permit?
You may, if you plan to stay more than 6 months, recently spent time in certain countries, or plan to work in jobs where public health must be protected.
Sources (official only)
- IRCC — Study permit
- IRCC — Study permit: who can apply
- IRCC — Study permit: get the right documents
- IRCC — Proof of financial support
- IRCC — Work off campus as an international student
- IRCC — Citizenship and immigration application fees: fee list
All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. The funds table is updated each year, so check IRCC before you apply. Information, not legal advice.