Planning to study in Canada in 2026? The path is manageable — but only if you understand the rules before you start. Requirements have tightened significantly in recent years, and missing a step can delay or derail your plans.
What Is a Canada Study Permit?
A Canada study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes foreign nationals to pursue full-time studies at an approved Canadian institution. It is not an entry visa — most international students need both. In Quebec, a provincial authorization called the CAQ must also be obtained before applying for the federal permit.
Step 1: Get Accepted by a Designated Learning Institution
Every immigration step that follows depends on this one. You must first receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — a school officially approved by the Canadian government to enroll international students. Most students apply in the fall for entry the following January or September.
Step 2: Apply for Your Study Permit
The process varies depending on where you plan to study.
Studying in Quebec requires two separate steps:
- 01Apply for a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the provincial government (MIFI)
- 02Apply for your federal study permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Plan for significant lead time. Between CAQ processing and the federal study permit, you could be looking at several months combined. Apply as early as possible.
Studying elsewhere in Canada only requires the federal study permit. Since 2024, most applicants also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (LAP/LAT) confirming their allocated study space. Exceptions include master's and doctoral students at public institutions (effective January 1, 2026) and elementary or secondary school students.
Step 3: Prove You Can Cover Your Costs
Canada has raised the financial requirements significantly. You need to show that you can cover tuition, housing, food, transportation, and health insurance. The current thresholds are:
- Federal: approximately $22,895 CAD per year for living expenses (not including tuition or international travel)
- Quebec: $24,617 CAD per year for a single student (not including tuition). Applying from Cameroon? The same amounts in XAF, and how to prove the source of the funds.
Acceptable proof includes bank statements from the past six months, a student loan from a recognized institution, or a signed financial support declaration from a sponsor.
Working While You Study
On Campus
Full-time postsecondary students can work on campus without a separate work permit. Work is limited to campus buildings and is typically through the institution or a student association.
Off Campus
If your study permit includes off-campus work authorization, you can work:
- Up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions
- Full-time during scheduled breaks (summer, winter, reading weeks)
Requirements: full-time enrollment in an eligible program of at least 6 months, plus a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Part-time students may only work off campus during their final semester.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The PGWP is the bridge between your studies and a permanent residence application. It lets you build Canadian work experience — the same experience that unlocks programs like Express Entry and Quebec's PSTQ.
Eligibility:
- Completed at least 8 months of study (900 hours in Quebec)
- Maintained full-time enrollment throughout your program
- Applied within 180 days of completing your studies
Permit duration:
- Programs of 8 months to 2 years: PGWP matches program duration
- Programs of 2+ years (including most master's degrees): up to 3 years
Language requirements:
- University graduates: CLB/NCLC level 7 in French or English across all four skills
- College and non-university graduates: typically CLB/NCLC level 5
One important detail: the PGWP can only be obtained once. Choose your program carefully.
Bringing Your Spouse or Partner
Rules for accompanying partners have tightened considerably. Your spouse or common-law partner is only eligible for an open work permit if you are enrolled in:
- A master's degree lasting at least 16 months
- A doctoral program
- An eligible professional program (health, law, engineering, or education)
From Study Permit to Permanent Residence
The study permit is just the beginning. Most international students use their studies and post-graduation work experience to build toward permanent residence. The two main pathways available are:
- Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class): Federal program for candidates with at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience
- Quebec's PSTQ: Quebec's skilled worker selection program, which awards up to 200 points for French language proficiency alone
Studying in Quebec while building French language skills positions you strongly for both pathways simultaneously — a combination that few other immigration routes can match.
Key Steps to Take Now
- 01Choose your DLI and confirm your program qualifies for the PGWP
- 02If studying in Quebec, start your CAQ application immediately after receiving acceptance
- 03Prepare financial documentation that meets both federal and Quebec thresholds
- 04Confirm the work authorization conditions on your permit before accepting any job
- 05Research your permanent residence pathway before you graduate — not after
DOCERE guides international students through every stage of the Quebec immigration process, from study permit to permanent residence. Contact us to get started.