Quick answer: most study permit applicants need a letter of acceptance, a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), a valid passport, proof of funds and a letter of explanation. Depending on your situation, you may also need a medical exam, police certificate, Quebec CAQ or custodian documents.
A complete application is the single biggest thing you control in the study permit process. Missing or unclear documents are a common reason for delays and refusals. Use this checklist to prepare before you start the online application.
This guide is general information based on official sources. Your own requirements depend on your situation, and IRCC makes every decision, so check the official pages before you apply.
Study permit document checklist
| Document | Who needs it | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Letter of acceptance (LOA) | Almost all applicants | Must come from a designated learning institution. Schools now verify LOAs with IRCC, so use the original you received. |
| Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) | Most applicants | Issued through your school, often after you accept your offer and pay a deposit. Master’s and PhD students at public institutions are exempt. |
| Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) | Students going to Quebec | Replaces the PAL for Quebec. Apply to Quebec first. |
| Passport or travel document | You and every family member coming with you | Check it’s valid for your whole program if possible. You’ll also need recent photos. |
| Proof of financial support | You and accompanying family members | First-year tuition plus living costs: CA$23,448 for one person for applications from September 1, 2026. See cost of studying in Canada. |
| Letter of explanation | Recommended for everyone | Explains why you chose this program and Canada. See how to write one. |
| Medical exam | Many applicants staying over 6 months, or from certain countries, or working in health-related settings | Use an IRCC-approved panel physician. |
| Police certificate | If IRCC asks | Request early; some countries take weeks. |
| Custodian documents | Minors under 17 travelling without a parent or guardian | A custodian must be appointed in Canada. |
| Visa office documents | Depends on your country | Check the instructions for the visa office serving your country. |
Fees and biometrics
- Study permit fee: CA$150 per person.
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo): CA$85 per person, or CA$170 maximum for a family applying together. Most applicants aged 14 to 79 need them, usually once every 10 years.
- After IRCC asks for biometrics, you have 30 days to give them.
How to avoid common document mistakes
- Upload each document in the space meant for it. IRCC asks that only the letter of acceptance go in the LOA upload space.
- Make funds easy to follow: label bank statements, explain large deposits and include letters from sponsors.
- Translate any document that isn’t in English or French and include the translator’s declaration where required.
- Keep your story consistent across your LOA, study plan, financial documents and education history.
- Never submit fake or altered documents. Misrepresentation can lead to a five-year ban from applying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a study permit without a PAL?
Only if you’re in an exempt group, such as master’s and doctoral students at public institutions or K-12 students. You must explain the exemption in your application.
Do I need a GIC for a Canadian study permit?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate is one accepted way to show funds, but it’s not the only one. Bank statements, loans, scholarships and sponsor letters can also work.
Do I need to upload my IELTS results?
IRCC doesn’t set a general language test requirement for study permits, but your school usually does. See do I need IELTS to study in Canada.