Canada Study Permit Documents Checklist for International Students

A Canadian study permit application needs more than an acceptance letter. This guide summarises the official IRCC and Government of Canada guidance on the documents you need, the proof of funds amounts, and the provincial attestation letter. Requirements change, so confirm on canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

Based on the Government of Canada "Prepare to study in Canada" page:

1. Choose a program and school.

2. Confirm the school is a designated learning institution (DLI). The page says that if it isn't, "we will refuse your application."

3. Apply to the school early: at least six months ahead for primary or secondary school, or one year ahead for a post-secondary program.

4. Ask the school about its document list, application cost, tuition, health insurance, living costs and language test requirements.

5. Receive your letter of acceptance from the school.

6. Arrange health insurance. The Government of Canada does not pay foreign students' medical costs.

Required documents

Letter of acceptance (always required)

Get it from your school and upload it in the letter-of-acceptance space of your online application. For post-secondary students, the school must validate it.

Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)

Needed in most cases. You get it from your school, and in most cases you need to accept your offer and pay tuition, in part or in full, to receive it. If you study in Quebec you need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.

You do not need a PAL/TAL if you are applying to:

Other exemptions apply, for example exchange students who pay no tuition to the DLI and holders of a Global Affairs Canada scholarship. If you are exempt but submit no PAL/TAL, you must provide proof that you meet the exemption.

Proof of identity (always required)

Proof of funds (always required)

You must show you can pay tuition, living costs and transportation for yourself and any accompanying family members. Official examples of proof include a receipt for first-year tuition and housing, a bank loan, a scholarship, a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from a Canadian institution, six months of bank statements, and a letter from the person giving you money. For programs longer than one year, you must also explain how you will pay for the full duration.

Living expenses (excluding tuition and transportation), CAN$, outside Quebec, for applications on or after September 1, 2026:

| Family members (incl. you) | Funds required |

|---|---|

| 1 | $23,448 |

| 2 | $29,192 |

| 3 | $35,888 |

| 4 | $43,572 |

| 5 | $49,419 |

| 6 | $55,736 |

| 7 | $62,054 |

| Each additional member | $6,318 |

The page says these amounts are updated each year. Quebec cost requirements are set by Quebec's immigration ministry and are not listed on the federal page.

Letter of explanation (recommended)

Explain why you want to study in Canada and confirm you understand your responsibilities as an international student.

Documents you may need

FAQ

Do I always need a provincial attestation letter?

No. It is usually required, but exemptions exist, such as master's and doctoral programs at public DLIs starting January 1, 2026. Quebec uses the CAQ instead.

Is a GIC mandatory?

The official page lists a GIC as one acceptable proof of funds; it does not describe it as required.

How much money must I show?

For one person outside Quebec, living expenses of $23,448 for applications on or after September 1, 2026, plus tuition and transportation. The page gives no fixed tuition or transportation amounts.

Is a letter of explanation required?

It is recommended, not listed as mandatory.