As Canada’s international student program evolves, understanding its current application requirements is really important. Before diving into some common do’s and don’ts when applying for a Canadian student visa, let’s define two key terms:

• A Study Permit is the document that allows you to stay and study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• A Student Visa (which is a type of Temporary Resident visa) is required for citizens of certain countries and is what allows you to legally enter Canada.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but each refers to specific things. Thankfully, you don’t need to apply for them separately. Once your study permit application is approved, you’ll be issued a visa automatically (if one is required for your nationality).

This post is provided as information and is not legal advice. Study permit guidelines and processes are subject to change. Please visit the Government of Canada’s website for the most up-to-date information, or contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant for guidance.

Application Document Update: PALs and TALs

Many study permit applicants must obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study before applying for a study permit. Your academic institution will provide your PAL/TAL once you’ve paid your tuition deposit. Check your program application portal and the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for more info.

Note: As of January 1, 2026, students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs at a public DLI will no longer need a PAL or TAL for their study permit application.

Things to Do when Applying for a Canadian Student Visa

1. Prove You Can Cover Your Expenses

To show you’re financially prepared to live and study in Canada, you must prove you have access to enough money for:

• Tuition fees (if your course is longer than a year, proof of payment of your first year’s tuition).
• Your travel costs to and from Canada for yourself and any family coming with you.
• The cost of living for yourself and any family members accompanying you. This is sometimes referred to as “proof of funds.”

The minimum proof of funds amount is measured against the current cost of living in Canada. On September 1, 2025, the minimum amount rose to C$22,895 for a single applicant studying outside of Quebec. It’s important to remember this doesn’t include your tuition or travel costs—you’ll provide separate proof of payment for these.

If you’re studying in Quebec, you may have to show a different financial capacity amount. (Starting on January 1, 2026, it will be C$24,617.) To get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec), which you’ll need for your study permit, follow the guidelines from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.

Tip: An easy way to show proof of financial support is by using a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from an eligible Canadian financial institution.

Sharing all your finances clearly is essential, as the perception of inadequate funds is a common reason study permits are rejected.

2. Apply for a Co-op Work Permit Simultaneously (If Needed)

If your program includes a mandatory co-op program, internship, or work placement term that takes up 50% or less of your total study program, you must apply for a co-op work permit at the same time as your study permit. This permit is separate from your study permit, but is typically free and allows you to gain valuable and often paid experience in your field of study. To apply for your co-op work permit, you’ll need a letter from your college or university confirming the mandatory work placement.

3. Include a Strong Letter of Explanation

While not always required, your Letter of Explanation (LOE) is your chance to directly address the visa officer and convince them you understand and will respect the terms of your study permit. For example, if you have missing documents, took a leave from your studies, or have a conditional offer of acceptance, you may need to submit an LOE.

When writing your LOE, talk about:

• Any Unusual Circumstances: LOEs are less about academic goals and more about explaining why your application or study path might look different. Use it to respond to specific concerns, like if you have any expired documents, or why you’re applying to study in Canada from outside your country of residence. You might also need to write an LOE if the immigration officer who initially reviewed your application has questions or concerns.
• Ties to Your Home Country: Discuss your strong ties to your home country, whether it’s family, property, employment, or financial assets. While IRCC acknowledges that some students plan to stay after graduation to work in Canada, it’s important that the primary reason you’re holding a student visa is so you can study.
• Financial Clarity: Briefly and clearly summarize your financial capacity.
• Your Post-Study Plan: Explain what you plan to do after your studies and how your Canadian education will benefit your career.

Learn what goes into Letters of Explanation and how you can write a great one.

4. Keep Organized Copies of Your Documentation

To avoid last-minute panic or issues upon arrival, keep a dedicated digital and physical folder for your application documents. You may need to show some or all of them when you first arrive in Canada. Documents to have on hand should include your:

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)
• Port of entry Letter of Introduction (sent by the visa office when they approved your study permit)
• Passport (valid for the entire study term)
• Proof of Funds
• English/French Language Test results
• Letter of Explanation (LOE)
• Reference letters, if requested
• Medical exam results, if needed
• Valid travel document (green card, electronic travel authorization, or visitor visa)

Travel Smart: Keep physical copies of essential documents (like your LOA, passport, and financial proof) in your carry-on baggage when travelling to Canada. You will need them to get your student visa at the port of entry.

Don’t Do These Things when Applying for a Canadian Student Visa

1. Don’t Submit Incomplete or Unofficial Documents

An incomplete study permit application is grounds for immediate rejection or significant delays. Create a checklist and double-check every requirement. All documents must be clear, official, and translated by a certified translator (if not in English or French) with an accompanying affidavit.

Key Documents Include:

• • Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) unless exempt
  • Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your DLI
  • Proof of Financial Support
  • Proof of Identity and travel history (all used passport pages)
  • Completed and validated application forms

2. Don’t Be Unprepared for the Interview at the Port of Entry

Even if you are approved for a study permit, the final decision to issue it is made by the immigration officer when you arrive in Canada. Be prepared to clearly and confidently share:

• Why you chose your specific program and institution
• How you will fund your entire stay
• What your test scores are
• Your plan to return home after graduation

Your primary purpose for coming to Canada must be to study. If you fail to convince the officer of your intent, you risk having your study permit denied, even with a previous approval.

Check out our guide on how to prepare for the Canadian student visa interview.

3. Don’t Focus on Permanent Residency at the Port of Entry

While Canada’s immigration system offers pathways like the Post-Graduation Work Permit program (PGWP) and Express Entry, the main purpose of your study permit is, well, to allow you to study. So, it’s best to state clearly that you plan to return to your home country after your studies. Leave exploring work visa options until after you’ve completed your studies and met the terms of your study permit.

Always verify your study program’s eligibility for programs like PGWP with your DLI and against the latest IRCC rules. PGWP eligibility is subject to change. 

4. Don’t Apply at the Last Minute

Canadian student visa processing times vary based on your country of residence, application volume, and the time of year (May and September are especially busy). Standard processing times can range from 4 weeks to over 16 weeks. 

It’s wise to apply as soon as you receive your LOA and PAL/TAL, ideally at least three to six months before your program’s start date. This extra time is helpful if extra documents are requested or if you need to submit a new application after a rejection.

We hope this will help you navigate the current Canadian student visa application process. By following the new requirements, especially around PALs/TALs and the updated proof of financial capacity, you’ll set yourself up for a successful study abroad experience. Best of luck!

Ready to search for study opportunities? Find programs from over 300 colleges and universities across Canada on the ApplyBoard platform.