Your Gateway to Canadian Education

Pursuing education in Canada opens doors to world-class universities, diverse cultural experiences, and potential pathways to permanent residence. A Canadian study permit is your authorization to study at designated learning institutions and the foundation for an exciting educational journey.

Begin Your Educational Journey

International students in Canadian university

Understanding the Study Permit

A study permit is not a visa—it's a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most international students also need a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Canada; we guide you through both requirements simultaneously.

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

Not all Canadian schools can accept international students. You must receive an acceptance letter from a DLI—an institution approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Each Canadian province and territory maintains its own list of approved institutions.

Important: Before applying for a study permit, confirm your chosen school appears on the official DLI list. We verify this during our initial consultation to ensure your investment in education meets IRCC requirements.

Core Application Requirements

1. Letter of Acceptance

Your acceptance letter from a DLI serves as the cornerstone of your application. This letter must include:

Your full name and date of birth
The institution's name and DLI number
Program name and duration
Program start and end dates
Tuition fees and payment deadline
Conditions of acceptance (if any)

2. Proof of Financial Support

Demonstrating sufficient funds is critical. You must prove you can cover:

Tuition fees for your first year
Living expenses (approximately CAD $10,000 per year, or CAD $11,000 for Quebec)
Return transportation for yourself and accompanying family members

Acceptable proof includes bank statements, guaranteed investment certificates, proof of paid tuition and accommodation, scholarship letters, or financial support letters from parents or sponsors.

3. Letter of Explanation

This personal statement is your opportunity to convince immigration officers of your genuine intentions. Address these key points:

Why you chose this specific program and institution
How this education aligns with your career goals
Your ties to your home country
Your plans after graduation
Any gaps in your education or employment history

Our team helps craft compelling letters that authentically present your story while addressing potential concerns immigration officers might have.

4. Language Proficiency

While not always mandatory, demonstrating language proficiency strengthens your application significantly. Most programs require IELTS or CELPIP scores for English, or TEF for French. Even if your chosen institution doesn't require test scores, submitting them can bolster your application.

Additional Requirements for Specific Situations

Depending on your circumstances and country of origin, additional documents may be necessary:

Medical Examination: Required if studying for more than 6 months or if you've resided in certain countries
Police Certificates: May be requested depending on your country of residence and travel history
Custodianship Declaration: Mandatory for minors studying in Canada
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): Required before applying for a study permit if studying in Quebec

Work Opportunities While Studying

Many study permit holders can work while pursuing their education, providing valuable Canadian work experience and financial support.

On-Campus Employment

You can work on your institution's campus without a separate work permit if you're a full-time student at a public post-secondary institution or a Quebec private college-level institution, or a Quebec private or public university.

Off-Campus Employment

Full-time students may work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. This privilege is automatically included in study permits issued after June 2014.

After Graduation: Post-Graduation Work Permit

One of Canada's most attractive features for international students is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing your studies—experience that significantly benefits future permanent residence applications.

PGWP duration typically corresponds to your program length, up to a maximum of three years. This pathway has helped thousands of international students transition from temporary residents to permanent residents through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.

Our Comprehensive Study Permit Services

MTK Immigration Services provides end-to-end support for your study permit application:

DLI verification and program suitability assessment
Document checklist customized to your situation
Financial documentation review and preparation
Letter of explanation drafting and refinement
Application form completion and review
Biometrics appointment coordination
Medical examination guidance
Application submission and tracking
Study permit extension assistance
Post-graduation work permit consultation

Strategic Timing for Your Application

We recommend submitting study permit applications at least 3-4 months before your program start date. Processing times vary significantly by country, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Early application provides time to address any additional document requests without jeopardizing your enrollment.

For programs beginning in September, consider applying in May or June. For January intake programs, submit applications by October at the latest.

Schedule Your Study Permit Consultation