A study permit lets you study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada — the colleges, universities, and schools the government has approved to host international students. The defining feature of the process is its order: the acceptance letter comes first. You apply to the school, the school admits you, and only then do you apply for the study permit with that letter in hand.
This guide explains the study permit in general terms — DLIs, the acceptance letter, what officers look for, and the post-graduation work route. Fees, processing times, and financial requirements change often, so this guide points you to the official pages wherever a number matters. Always confirm current requirements on the official Government of Canada websites named in the Sources line before you make plans.
Key routes and visa types
From the acceptance letter to the post-graduation work route.
Designated learning institutions (DLIs). You can only get a study permit for a school on the DLI list. Before applying anywhere, check that the institution is designated — time spent at a non-designated school does not count toward a study permit or toward post-graduation work rights. The official DLI list is published on the Government of Canada website.
The acceptance letter comes first. Apply to DLIs, receive an offer of admission, and accept it. The school then issues the acceptance letter you attach to your study permit application. Some provinces add a further step — an attestation letter confirming the province supports your application — so check the current rules for your province and school.
What officers look for. The study permit application is assessed on genuine student intent (a credible study plan that fits your background), proof that you can pay tuition and support yourself while in Canada, and ties suggesting you will respect the conditions of your stay. A scattered story — say, a study plan that does not connect to anything you have done before — is the most common weakness, so make the logic of your application obvious.
The permit is not a travel document. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada — the study permit itself authorizes the study, and the visa or eTA authorizes the travel. Check the official pages for which combination applies to your passport.
Working while you study, in general terms. Study permit holders at DLIs may work within defined limits during their studies — the rules distinguish between on-campus and off-campus work and set conditions on hours and eligibility. Check the official pages for the current limits before making work plans.
The PGWP — the post-graduation work route. The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets graduates of eligible DLIs and programs obtain an open work permit and work in Canada after finishing their studies, without needing a job offer first. It is one of the main bridges from studying in Canada to working there, and Canadian work experience gained this way can later support a permanent residence application through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program. Eligibility turns on the details — the school, the program length, and the timing of the application — so check the official pages for the current rules.
For current fees, processing times, financial requirements, and PGWP rules, check the official pages — these change, and an old number can mislead. The Sources line below names the official starting point.
How AlfaCareers jobs connect
From student jobs to post-graduation careers.
International students use AlfaCareers to find part-time and internship roles during their studies and — after graduation — full-time roles that build on a PGWP. When browsing:
- Browse Jobs in Canada — Canadian vacancies, including roles that mention visa sponsorship.
- Search all jobs — every live listing across all countries on AlfaCareers.
- Browse all visa guides — compare Canada’s routes with the USA and UK.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general guidance only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always confirm current requirements on the official government websites linked below, or consult a qualified immigration adviser.
Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — canada.ca.