Why Canada
Why Study in Canada?
Canada offers world-class education at lower costs than the US or UK, with a genuine pathway to permanent residence built in.
Home to globally ranked universities and colleges. Canadian credentials are respected in over 190 countries.
Tuition and living costs are generally lower than comparable programs in the United States or United Kingdom.
No other country makes it as easy to transition from student to permanent resident. The PGWP is unique to Canada.
Work up to 24 hrs/week off-campus during your studies - building savings and Canadian work experience simultaneously. See work permits →
Your spouse may receive an open work permit, and your children can study at Canadian schools at domestic rates.
Canada is one of the world's most diverse and welcoming nations. International students thrive here.
The Journey
Your Study-to-PR Roadmap
From choosing a school to obtaining permanent residence - here's how the full journey works.
Select a Designated Learning Institution from Canada's 2,000+ approved DLIs. Apply for admission and obtain your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Confirm the institution qualifies for PGWP purposes before enrolling.
As of 2024, most applicants must also obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where their DLI is located before applying for a study permit. Quebec requires a CAQ instead.
Apply online through IRCC with your LOA, PAL, proof of finances, biometrics, passport, and supporting documents. ICL prepares your complete application and letter of explanation.
Upon approval, you receive a Letter of Introduction. At the Port of Entry, an officer issues your actual study permit. Present all documents. Your permit's expiry date is set at this stage.
Full-time students at DLIs can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during academic sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. On-campus work is also permitted without limits.
Apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks or completion letter. Your PGWP duration equals your program length, up to 3 years. Note: New 2024 language proficiency requirements apply (CLB 7 for universities, CLB 5 for colleges).
Work for any employer in Canada on your open PGWP. After 1 year of skilled work in TEER 0-3, you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class via Express Entry.
With your CEC profile, receive an ITA and apply for PR. Most CEC applicants receive their PR within 6 months. Alternatively, apply through a PNP stream for graduates in your province.
Study Permit
Getting Your Canadian Study Permit
A study permit is required for most international students studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for programs longer than 6 months.
Most study permit applicants must now obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where their DLI is located before submitting their study permit application. Quebec uses a CAQ instead. Exempt: master's, PhD, students renewing within Canada, minor children, and a few other categories.
Select a Designated Learning Institution and apply for admission. You need a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI before applying for a study permit. Confirm the DLI is on IRCC's approved list.
Contact the province or territory where your DLI is located to request a Provincial Attestation Letter. Quebec students require a CAQ instead. Some exempt categories exist - check with ICL.
LOA, PAL (or CAQ), valid passport, proof of financial support, biometrics, any language test results, police certificate (if required), medical exam (if required), passport photos.
Submit your application through IRCC's online system. Pay the application fee. Biometrics are required for most applicants. Processing times vary by country - typically 4-12 weeks.
IRCC approves a Letter of Introduction. At the border, the officer issues your actual study permit. Present all documents. The officer sets the permit's expiry date.
You must prove you can cover tuition and living expenses. Required amounts (all CAD):
Accepted proof: bank statements, GIC, student loans, scholarship letters, family support letters.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) - which offered expedited 20-day processing for eligible countries - was permanently closed on November 8, 2024. All new study permit applications must go through the standard process.
School Types
Types of Canadian Educational Institutions
Choose the institution type that matches your goals. PGWP eligibility is critical if your goal is permanent residence.
4-year degrees, graduate programs. Internationally recognized credentials. Top institutions: UBC, U of T, McGill, UAlberta, Dalhousie, Waterloo.
University graduates exempt from 2024 field-of-study restrictions.
Diplomas, certificates, and applied degrees. Highly employment-focused. Often faster PR via PNP graduate streams. Shorter programs mean quicker entry to the job market.
2024 update: College PGWP requires field of study linked to in-demand occupation.
Master's and PhD programs. Many include funding, teaching assistant roles, and research stipends. STEM and research fields are especially valued for Express Entry.
All Master's and PhD graduates get a 3-year PGWP regardless of program length.
IELTS prep, ESL, FSL programs. Improve language scores for future academic programs. Note: Language-only programs are NOT eligible for a PGWP on their own.
Must be combined with a full DLI program to be part of a PGWP application.
A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You must study at a DLI to get a study permit. Not all DLIs are eligible for PGWP - always verify on the IRCC DLI list before enrolling. Search the official DLI list at canada.ca.
FAQ
Study in Canada - Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about studying in Canada.
Ready to Start Your Study-to-PR Journey?
ICL's CICC-registered consultants will help you choose the right program and institution for your immigration goals, prepare your application, and guide you all the way to permanent residence.