Application and visa reference
Official sources checked
CALast updated 24 August 2026

Canada

Choose a designated learning institution carefully because study permit and post graduation work eligibility depend on the school and programme.

Latest verified change1 January 2026

Master’s and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions became exempt from the provincial or territorial attestation letter requirement. Canada also reduced its 2026 study permit target.

Common intakes
September, January, and limited May entry
Study work limit
24 hours per week off campus during classes
Post study route
PGWP eligibility depends on the institution, programme, and applicant
01

Application route

  1. Check that the institution is a designated learning institution and confirm whether the exact programme is PGWP eligible.
  2. Apply to the institution and receive a letter of acceptance.
  3. Obtain a provincial or territorial attestation letter when required. Public master’s and doctoral programmes are exempt in 2026.
  4. Apply for the study permit with financial evidence, study plan, identity documents, and any local visa office requirements.
02

Visa essentials

  • You must show first year tuition, living expenses, and transportation without relying on work in Canada.
  • For a programme longer than one year, explain how the remaining years will be funded.
  • The living expense requirement is updated annually. IRCC has flagged another update for 1 September 2026, so check the live table before submitting.
  • Changing institutions generally requires a new study permit rather than only updating an online account.
03

Work and after study

  • Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
  • Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates do not have a PGWP field of study requirement, but they must meet the applicable language requirement.
  • Many non degree programmes must be in an eligible field of study. Canada froze the eligible field list for 2026.
04

What to double check

  • A school can be a DLI while a specific programme is still not PGWP eligible.
  • Private college partnership arrangements can have different post study outcomes.
  • PAL and TAL rules, financial thresholds, and PGWP fields can change between admission and permit filing.
Primary references

Official sources

This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.