Student Immigration
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, with over 800,000 study permit holders. A study permit is required for programs longer than 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). International students can work up to 20 hours per week off campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks without a separate work permit.
After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates to work for up to 3 years, and this Canadian work experience can be used to qualify for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. This study-to-work-to-PR pathway is one of the most popular routes to Canadian immigration.
When does it apply?
This applies when:
- You want to study at a Canadian college or university for a program longer than 6 months
- You are an international student wanting to work during or after your studies
- You are a recent graduate looking to transition from study to work to permanent residence
Key requirements and programs:
- Study Permit: Required for programs over 6 months. Must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of financial support (approximately $20,635 CAD per year plus tuition), clean criminal record, medical exam (if required), and a valid passport. Application fee: $150 CAD. Biometrics: $85 CAD. Processing time: 4 to 16 weeks.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): As of January 2024, most study permit applications require a PAL from the province or territory. This is part of the study permit cap introduced to manage international student numbers. Exemptions include master's and doctoral students.
- Off-Campus Work: Students with valid study permits at DLIs can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (reading weeks, summer/winter breaks). No separate work permit is required under IRPR section 186(v).
- Co-op/Internship Work Permit: If your program has a mandatory co-op or internship component, you need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. Fee: $155 CAD. Must be applied for at the same time as or after the study permit.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Open work permit for graduates of eligible DLI programs of at least 8 months. Permit length matches program length (8 months to 2 years) or 3 years for programs of 2+ years. Must apply within 180 days of final marks. Fee: $255 CAD. Language requirement: CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 7 for university programs, CLB 5 for college programs (effective November 2024).
What should you do?
Step 1: Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and program. Verify the school is on the DLI list at canada.ca. Apply to the school and obtain a letter of acceptance.
Step 2: Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if required. Your DLI or province will issue this. Master's, doctoral, and some other students are exempt from the PAL requirement.
Step 3: Apply for a study permit through your IRCC online account. Include your letter of acceptance, PAL (if required), proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters showing at least $20,635 CAD per year plus tuition), police certificates, passport-size photos, and a medical exam (if required for your country).
Step 4: When working off campus, ensure you do not exceed 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions. Keep records of your work hours. You must be enrolled full-time and making satisfactory academic progress to maintain work eligibility.
Step 5: Apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks. You need your study permit (must be valid or you must have maintained status), a completion letter from your DLI, transcripts, and language test results meeting the minimum CLB requirements.
Step 6: During your PGWP, gain at least 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under the National Occupational Classification) to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry. Take an approved language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English; TEF for French) and get your credentials assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
What should you NOT do?
Don't work more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions. Exceeding the off-campus work limit is a violation of your study permit conditions and can result in loss of student status, a removal order, and ineligibility for a PGWP.
Don't drop below full-time enrollment without authorization. Your study permit requires full-time studies. Dropping to part-time or taking unauthorized leave can void your study permit and work eligibility. If you need to reduce your course load for medical or academic reasons, get written authorization from your DLI first.
Don't wait to apply for your PGWP. The 180-day deadline from final marks is strict. If you miss it, you lose PGWP eligibility permanently. Apply as early as possible. If your study permit expires before you apply, you may need to restore your status first ($229 restoration fee).
Don't attend a non-DLI school. Only Designated Learning Institutions can host international students. If your school loses its DLI status during your studies, your study permit remains valid, but you should transfer to another DLI.
Don't forget to plan for the PGWP language requirement. Since November 2024, PGWP applicants must submit language test results meeting minimum CLB levels. Take your language test before graduating so results are ready when you apply.
Common Questions
When does student immigration apply?
This applies when:You want to study at a Canadian college or university for a program longer than 6 monthsYou are an international student wanting to work during or after your studiesYou are a recent graduate looking to transition from study to work to permanent residenceKey requirements and programs:Study Permit: Required for programs over 6 months. Must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of financial support (approximately $20,635 CAD per year plus tuition), clean criminal record, medical exam (if required), and a valid passport. Application fee: $150 CAD. Biometrics: $85 CAD. Pro...
What should I do about student immigration?
Step 1: Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and program. Verify the school is on the DLI list at canada.ca. Apply to the school and obtain a letter of acceptance.Step 2: Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if required. Your DLI or province will issue this. Master's, doctoral, and some other students are exempt from the PAL requirement.Step 3: Apply for a study permit through your IRCC online account. Include your letter of acceptance, PAL (if required), proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters showing at least $20,635 CAD per year plus tuitio...
What mistakes should I avoid with student immigration?
Don't work more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions. Exceeding the off-campus work limit is a violation of your study permit conditions and can result in loss of student status, a removal order, and ineligibility for a PGWP.Don't drop below full-time enrollment without authorization. Your study permit requires full-time studies. Dropping to part-time or taking unauthorized leave can void your study permit and work eligibility. If you need to reduce your course load for medical or academic reasons, get written authorization from your DLI first.Don't wait to apply for your PGWP. The...
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