Canada study permit, step by step

The steps

1. Get a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution.
2. Get your Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) from your school if you need one. Diploma and bachelor's students do. Since 1 January 2026, master's and PhD students at public DLIs don't; private DLIs still require one.
3. Pay first-year tuition (recommended) and prepare proof of funds.
4. Do the immigration medical exam with an IRCC panel physician if required.
5. Create your IRCC account and complete the online application. Upload every document clearly labelled.
6. Pay the fees (study permit + biometrics).
7. Give biometrics at the VFS Global centre in Kathmandu after you receive the instruction letter.
8. Wait for a decision. If approved you'll get a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction and a visa in your passport.
9. Show your POE letter at the Canadian airport. The officer issues the actual study permit there.

Documents checklist

• Passport
• LOA, and PAL/TAL if required
• Proof of funds (see the proof-of-funds guide)
• Study plan / letter of explanation
• Academic documents and English test result
• Digital photo to IRCC specifications
• Translations of any documents not in English or French

Bringing a spouse or children

Since 21 January 2025, a spouse can get an open work permit only if you study in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or certain professional and pilot programs. Diploma and bachelor's students' spouses generally aren't eligible. Proof of funds also rises by CAD 6,318 for each family member.