Authorization for international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Required for study programs longer than 6 months. Covers degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Subject to a national intake cap since 2024.
International tuition varies: college diplomas CAD $8,000–$20,000/yr, undergraduate CAD $20,000–$55,000/yr, graduate CAD $10,000–$55,000/yr. Professional programs (MBA, law, medicine) can exceed CAD $60,000/yr.
Off-campus work up to 24 hours/week during academic sessions (increased from 20 hours in November 2024). Full-time work during scheduled breaks (winter/summer holidays). No separate work permit needed if studying at a DLI on a program of 6+ months leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. On-campus work is unrestricted hours.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Work permit | 36mo | Diploma | Unrestricted | Yes |
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.5 | Score varies by institution: 6.0–7.0 overall typical. For PGWP eligibility: CLB 7 equivalent required for university graduates. |
| TOEFL iBT | Admission | English | 86 | Score varies by institution: 70–100+ typical range. |
| PTE Academic | Admission | English | 60 | Increasingly accepted by Canadian institutions. |
| TEF Canada / TCF Canada | Admission | French | — | Required for French-language programs. Also used for PGWP language requirement. |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Permit Application Fee | Application | $110 | One time |
| Biometrics Fee | Biometrics | $62 | One time |
National study permit intake cap introduced in 2024, set at 408,000 for 2026. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) required for most programs, with 2026 exemptions for master's and doctoral students at public DLIs. Student Direct Stream (SDS) discontinued November 2024 — all applicants now use regular stream. PGWP eligibility now has field-of-study and language requirements added in 2024.
- Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (investor visa)
Last verified: May 3, 2026. Source