CA Study → work Temporary

Study Permit (with Provincial Attestation Letter)

Authorization for international students at a Designated Learning Institution - the study-work-PR entry point.

Who this route is for

Foreign nationals accepted into a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) who plan to study temporarily, with a possible path to work and PR.

Eligibility requirements

A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
A Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) - required for most applicants under the national cap
Proof of funds: CAD $22,895 in living costs (single, outside Quebec) plus first-year tuition and travel
Show intent to leave at the end of the authorized stay; provide biometrics; the application is subject to the annual national cap
Some applicants (e.g., certain master's/doctoral and exempt categories) may not need a PAL/TAL - check current rules

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

Canada visa requirements on VisaGlance — Before the points test, check whether you need a visa just to enter Canada — and which one fits your passport — on our companion site VisaGlance.

Other Canada routes

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Temporary

An open work permit after graduation - the bridge from studying to Canadian experience and PR.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)

Permanent

Classic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.

Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)

Permanent

The fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)

Permanent

PR for experienced tradespeople - no education or selection-grid pass mark needed.

All Canada immigration routes