Canadian Study Permit (Study Permit): process and notes

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

A Canadian Study Permit is a document that allows international students to study in Canada, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In recent years, Canada has changed its policies quite a lot: applying application limits, requiring provincial confirmation letters (PAL/TAL), raising the level of financial proof and adjusting overtime hours. This article summarizes the process and notes for you to prepare properly.

How is a Study Permit different from a visa?

Many people confuse these two concepts. Study Permit is a permit that allows you to study in Canada and states the conditions (school, term, right to work part-time). A travel visa (TRV) is a stamp in your passport that allows you to enter Canada. Vietnamese citizens, when their study abroad application is approved, will receive a letter of introduction to the port of entry (POE Letter) and TRV; Study Permit is officially issued at the border when you arrive in Canada.

You can only study at schools on the list DLI (Designated Learning Institution). Check out the school and program before applying, especially if you're interested in post-graduation work opportunities. See more articles scholarships to study in Canada.

Application for Canadian study permit

PAL/TAL: who needs it, who is exempt?

According to IRCC, the majority of applicants studying outside Quebec need PAL/TAL. Some cases are exempt, such as preschool, elementary, and high school students; and according to the announcement, from January 1, 2026, students in master's and doctoral degree programs at public DLI schools are also exempt. PAL/TAL must be current when submitted and each submitter needs a separate letter. Normally, the school will assist in applying for PAL/TAL after you receive your acceptance letter.

Financial proof

IRCC publishes the minimum living expenses for one person (outside of Quebec, excluding tuition and travel fees) and periodically adjusts them; For applications submitted from September 1, 2026, this rate is 23,448 CAD/year. Documents may include tuition receipts, 6-month bank statements, GIC at a Canadian bank, letter of guarantee with proof of income. Read more Proof of finances for studying abroad.

Submission process from Vietnam

1. Receive acceptance letter from DLI school and pay deposit if required by school.
2. Apply for PAL/TAL (if applicable) through the school.
3. Prepare documents: finance, education, explanation letter, translation documents. See Translation and notarization of study abroad documents.
4. Submit your application online via your IRCC account, pay the permit application fee and biometric fee.
5. Get biometrics at VAC upon request; health examination If required (see article Medical examination for student visa application).
6. Receive results: if approved, send passport to have TRV affixed, receive POE Letter.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) express submission program ended in November 2024, so currently applications from Vietnam follow the normal stream. Review times vary by season; Please see the article Study visa processing time to plan.

Important note after being issued

• Bring with you when flying: passport with TRV, POE Letter, letter of acceptance, proof of finances, PAL/TAL (if any) in carry-on baggage to present at the border gate.
• Check your Study Permit right at the border gate: full name, school, deadline, conditions for part-time work. Errors should be corrected soon.
• Part-time work: according to IRCC, students are eligible to work off-campus for up to 24 hours/week during the semester.
• Maintain status: registration, study progress; Changing schools requires notification according to regulations.
• Extension before your Study Permit expires if you continue studying. See Extend student visa and post-graduation work visa.

Vé Du Học có đội ngũ hơn 30 Booker săn vé đa hãng sang Canada, kiểm tra visa quá cảnh cho từng hành trình, tối ưu hành lý 40kg hoặc 2 kiện 23kg cho mùa đông lạnh cần nhiều đồ, hỗ trợ 24/7 và báo tin cho phụ huynh qua Zalo. Xem thêm air tickets to study abroad and Pay attention to transit when flying to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Is Study Permit a visa?

Are not. Study Permit is a study permit; visa (TRV) is an entry permit. Vietnamese students often need both, and are issued at the same time when their study abroad application is approved.

Do I need PAL to study for a master's degree?

According to IRCC, from January 1, 2026, students in master's and doctoral degree programs at public DLI schools will be exempt from PAL/TAL. Other programs such as graduate certificates are often still needed. Check the IRCC site at the time of submission.

Is GIC needed?

GIC is no longer a separate requirement after SDS ends, but is still a form of financial proof accepted by IRCC.

How many overtime hours can I work?

According to current regulations, a maximum of 24 hours/week off campus during the semester, if you qualify on your Study Permit.

A Canadian study permit requires you to closely follow the new policy and prepare clear and consistent documents. Always check the IRCC page before submitting. Once you have the results, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 to book tickets suitable for your admission schedule.

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