Valid Admission
Provide a valid letter of acceptance. Post-secondary admission should be from a Designated Learning Institution, and the school may be required to validate the letter with IRCC.
Study in Canada
Canada Study Permit Support from Planning to Final Decision.
A strong study permit application connects the academic plan, institution, finances, personal history and temporary-residence obligations into one consistent record. Hesam Kazemi Immigration Inc. provides structured professional support from the initial assessment through submission and the final decision.
Led by an RCIC · Licence R707216
Support from Assessment through Decision
Serving Clients in Canada and Worldwide
Understanding the Permit
A Study Permit Is Not the Same as School Admission or a Visa
A Canadian school decides whether to admit a student. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada separately decides whether the applicant qualifies for a study permit. A letter of acceptance is essential, but it does not replace the immigration assessment.
The officer reviews whether the applicant has been accepted to the proper institution, can pay the required costs, is admissible to Canada, will respect the permit conditions and has presented a credible temporary study plan.
The study permit authorizes study in Canada. A temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization is the travel document used to seek entry, depending on the traveller’s nationality and travel document.
The application is assessed as one complete record.
Forms, study plan, financial evidence, family information, travel history and supporting documents should be accurate and consistent with one another.
More Than Admission
Program Choice Must Make Sense in the Applicant’s History
The institution, level of study, subject, cost and timing should form a credible progression from previous education and employment.
- Explain why this program is needed now
- Connect the program to education and work history
- Address study or employment gaps directly
- Support the plan with evidence, not generic claims
Eligibility Comes First
What a Study Permit Applicant Must Establish
Meeting one requirement does not compensate for missing evidence elsewhere. The officer considers legal eligibility and the credibility of the complete application.
PAL, TAL or Exemption
Include the required provincial or territorial attestation letter, or clear evidence that a published exemption applies to the application.
Sufficient Financial Support
Show the ability to pay tuition, living expenses for the applicant and accompanying family members, and transportation without relying on unauthorized work.
Credible Study Purpose
Explain why the program, institution, location and timing make sense in light of previous education, employment and reasonable future plans.
Admissibility
Address identity, immigration history, criminality, security and health requirements. Medical or police records may be required in the circumstances.
Temporary-Residence Compliance
Demonstrate that the applicant understands the temporary nature of the authorization and will leave Canada if no further legal status is obtained.
Application Roadmap
From Program Selection to the Final Decision
A strong application begins before the forms are completed. School selection, tuition deposits and financial planning can affect immigration requirements and later work options.
01
Assess the Study Plan
Review academic history, employment, gaps, immigration history, family circumstances and the purpose of the proposed program.
02
Confirm the Institution and Program
Check DLI status, program details, tuition, delivery model and possible PGWP implications before relying on the admission.
03
Obtain the Required Letters
Secure the LOA and, where required, the PAL, TAL or Quebec CAQ. Track validity dates and institutional deadlines.
04
Build the Evidence
Prepare financial records, source-of-funds documents, education and employment evidence, identity records and case-specific explanations.
05
Submit and Complete Requirements
File the correct application, pay the fees, give biometrics and complete any medical, police or additional-document request.
06
Prepare for Travel and Compliance
After approval, review the letter of introduction, travel document, permit conditions, school reporting duties and entry requirements.
Application Strategy
The Evidence Should Explain the Applicant, Not a Generic Student
A useful letter of explanation connects the facts already proved by the supporting documents. It does not replace missing evidence or rely on broad claims about Canada.
- Use accurate dates and a complete personal history
- Explain the source and continuing availability of funds
- Address earlier refusals or immigration concerns directly
- Keep forms, letters and financial records consistent
Evidence at Each Stage
Documents for a Complete Study Permit Record
The exact checklist depends on the country of residence, personal history, institution, program, finances and accompanying family members.
Letter of AcceptanceProvide the valid LOA and institutional details required for the application.
PAL, TAL, CAQ or ExemptionInclude the applicable attestation or clear evidence supporting a published exemption.
Passport and Civil StatusIdentity, names, dates and family information must remain consistent across the file.
Academic RecordsDegrees, diplomas, transcripts, certificates and evidence addressing gaps or progression.
Employment EvidenceLetters, business records or other documents supporting the work history relied on in the plan.
Proof of Financial SupportBank history, tuition receipts, sponsor evidence, scholarship, loan or GIC records as applicable.
Study Plan or ExplanationA tailored explanation linked to the applicant’s evidence and actual circumstances.
Medical and Police RecordsProvide examinations or certificates when required by the instructions or the circumstances.
BiometricsApplicants who require biometrics must follow the instruction letter within the deadline.
TranslationsDocuments not in English or French need compliant translations and any required affidavit.
Proof of Financial Support
How Much Money Is Required?
The application must show tuition, living expenses and transportation. The figures below cover living expenses only and are reviewed periodically by the governments.
Outside Quebec
Annual Living Expenses
For applications made on or after September 1, 2026. Tuition and transportation are additional.
| Family members | Minimum amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person | CAD $23,448 |
| 2 people | CAD $29,192 |
| 3 people | CAD $35,888 |
| 4 people | CAD $43,572 |
| 5 people | CAD $49,419 |
| 6 people | CAD $55,736 |
| 7 people | CAD $62,054 |
| Each additional person | CAD $6,318 |
Quebec
Annual Basic Needs
Quebec’s 2026 amounts. Tuition, transportation and CAQ requirements must be addressed separately.
| Family members | Minimum amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person | CAD $24,617 |
| 2 people | CAD $34,814 |
| 3 people | CAD $42,638 |
| 4 people | CAD $49,234 |
| 5 people | CAD $55,045 |
| 6 people | CAD $60,299 |
| Each additional person | CAD $5,254 |
01First-year tuition or tuition for a shorter program
02Living expenses for the applicant and accompanying family
03Transportation and other credible study-related costs
The required amount is only part of the financial analysis.
The officer may consider ownership, source, liquidity, transaction history, the sponsor’s capacity and whether the funds will remain available. Large recent deposits, borrowed funds or unexplained transfers can require additional evidence.
Provincial Requirements
PAL, TAL and Quebec CAQ Requirements
Most study permit applications need an attestation from the province or territory where the applicant will study. The institution normally explains how its students obtain the required document.
When a PAL or TAL Is Normally RequiredMost post-secondary applicants
Most post-secondary applicants must include a valid Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter with the study permit application.
- The school may require the applicant to accept the offer first.
- A tuition deposit may be required before the attestation process begins.
- The document must remain valid when the federal application is submitted.
Published ExemptionsEvidence of the exemption should still be included
Published exemptions include preschool, primary and secondary students and certain other groups. Starting January 1, 2026, students entering a degree-granting master’s or doctoral program at a public DLI do not need a PAL or TAL.
Studying in QuebecCAQ and federal requirements
Most applicants studying in Quebec require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate. A CAQ generally serves as the provincial attestation for the federal application, but Quebec’s admission, financial and CAQ requirements remain separate from the federal permit assessment.
Extensions and ChangesDLI, level and document validity matter
An extension at the same DLI and level may fall within a published exemption. A change of institution or level can trigger a new study permit and new attestation requirements. An old PAL, TAL or CAQ should not be assumed to remain usable after a material change.
Plan Beyond Admission
DLI Status Does Not Make Every Program PGWP-Eligible
Before paying a non-refundable deposit, verify the institution, specific program, delivery arrangement and the post-graduation work permit rules that apply.
- Program length and physical study location may matter
- Language requirements may apply at the PGWP stage
- Field-of-study rules affect many non-degree programs
- A study permit is not a promise of a future work permit or permanent residence
Family and Student Status
Family Applications, Work Rules and Maintaining Status
The principal student’s admission does not automatically give every accompanying family member work or study authorization. Each application requires its own eligibility assessment.
Spousal Open Work Permit
Current eligibility is limited to spouses or partners of students in qualifying programs, including doctoral programs, master’s programs of at least 16 months and specified professional or other eligible programs.
Minor Children
A minor child may need a study permit depending on where the child applies, the parent’s status and the level of study. Custodianship can be required for an unaccompanied child under 17.
Family Finances
Each accompanying family member increases the required amount. Housing, transportation, childcare, insurance and other realistic costs should also be addressed.
Hours During Regular Terms
Eligible students may work off campus for up to 24 hours per week while regular classes are in session.
Scheduled Academic Breaks
Eligible students may work unlimited hours during a scheduled break that meets the applicable requirements.
Before Studies Begin
Off-campus work authorization does not allow work before the study program begins.
Days After Early Completion
If studies finish early, the permit normally stops being valid 90 days after the school first confirms completion.
Accuracy and Consistency
Common Study Permit Problems That Require Careful Review
A refusal often reflects the officer’s assessment of the full record rather than one missing document in isolation.
Unclear Program Progression
The proposed program is not convincingly connected to prior education, employment or a reasonable future plan.
Weak or Untraceable Finances
The balance meets a minimum figure, but ownership, source, history or continuing availability is not demonstrated.
Generic Letter of Explanation
The letter repeats broad benefits of studying in Canada without explaining this applicant and this program.
Inconsistent Personal History
Dates, employment, refusals, travel or family information conflict across forms and documents.
Unsupported Family Assumptions
The plan depends on future work or other income that is not guaranteed or legally available.
Unaddressed Previous Refusal
A new application repeats the earlier record without responding to the concerns or providing meaningful new evidence.
Professional Support
From Assessment through the Final Decision
Hesam Kazemi Immigration Inc. organizes the process around accurate facts, relevant evidence and a coherent application strategy within the agreed scope of representation.
01
Eligibility and Risk Assessment
Review the study plan, immigration history, finances, family circumstances and material concerns.
02
Institution and Program Review
Examine the DLI, program details, immigration requirements and future planning issues.
03
Document and Evidence Plan
Identify the required records, explanation strategy and inconsistencies that need resolution.
04
Forms and Application Package
Prepare and review forms, supporting documents and representations for a consistent submission.
05
Submission and Requirements
Submit the application and address applicable biometrics, medical or document requirements.
06
Post-Submission Support
Assist with eligible requests, updates and communications through the final decision within the retained scope.
Detailed Study Permit FAQ
Questions About Funds, Documents and Student Status
The answer can change with the institution, program, country of application, family composition and immigration history.
How much money do I need for a Canada study permit?
You must show tuition, the applicable living-expense amount for yourself and accompanying family members, and transportation costs. For applications outside Quebec made on or after September 1, 2026, the living-expense amount begins at CAD $23,448 for one person, excluding tuition and transportation.
Is meeting the minimum bank balance enough?
Not necessarily. The officer may assess ownership, source, liquidity, transaction history, the sponsor’s capacity and whether the funds will remain available.
Do I need a PAL or TAL?
Most post-secondary applicants need a PAL or TAL unless a published exemption applies. Include either the valid attestation or clear evidence supporting the exemption.
Are public master’s and doctoral students exempt from PAL or TAL?
Starting January 1, 2026, applicants entering a degree-granting master’s or doctoral program at a public DLI are exempt. Quebec requirements, including the CAQ where applicable, still need to be addressed.
Do I need a CAQ to study in Quebec?
Most students who plan to study in Quebec require a valid CAQ. It generally serves as the provincial attestation for the federal application, but Quebec and federal requirements remain separate.
Does admission to a DLI guarantee study permit approval?
No. Admission is issued by the school. IRCC separately assesses study permit eligibility, finances, purpose of study, admissibility and the credibility of the complete record.
Can an international student work while studying?
An eligible student whose permit authorizes off-campus work may work up to 24 hours per week during regular terms and unlimited hours during qualifying scheduled breaks.
Can my spouse receive an open work permit?
Only spouses or partners of students in qualifying programs may be eligible. Current categories include doctoral programs, master’s programs of at least 16 months and specified professional or other eligible programs.
Does every DLI program qualify for a PGWP?
No. DLI status alone does not make every program PGWP-eligible. Program, delivery, length, field-of-study, language and physical-location requirements can affect eligibility.
Can I change schools after receiving a study permit?
Post-secondary students generally need to apply for and obtain a new study permit for the new DLI before beginning there, except in narrow published circumstances.
Can I reapply after a study permit refusal?
Yes, but repeating the same package may reproduce the same result. The refusal reasons, earlier evidence and any new documents should be assessed before reapplying.
Is a study permit the same as a Canadian visa?
No. A study permit authorizes study and sets conditions in Canada. A temporary resident visa or eTA is the travel document used to seek entry, depending on the applicant.
Discuss Your Study Permit Circumstances.
Contact Hesam Kazemi Immigration Inc. if you need professional assistance with planning, evidence, an initial application, an extension or a refusal review.
Information reviewed in November 2026. Immigration rules and financial amounts can change.