Canada Study Permit Application Portal: How to Apply

To apply for a Canadian study permit, you must use the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online application portal, which you access by signing in to your study permit account. The portal is the central place to submit your application, upload supporting documents, pay fees, and track your application status. Before you apply, you need to confirm whether you actually need a study permit, choose a designated learning institution (DLI), and gather the required documents. The official Canada.ca study page is the authoritative source for the application process, and it directs you to sign in to your study permit account as the first step for most applicants.

Who Needs a Study Permit

The first question to answer is whether you need a study permit at all. IRCC provides a short questionnaire on the study page that helps you determine if you need a permit to study in Canada. Most foreign nationals who intend to study at a designated learning institution in Canada will need one, but there are exceptions, such as minor children in certain circumstances and some short-term programs. You should complete the questionnaire before starting an application, because it will tell you which category applies to you and what you need to prepare.

If you are a minor child who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, IRCC has a dedicated section explaining the requirements for studying in Canada as a minor. The rules for minors differ from those for adult students, and you should review that section carefully if it applies to your situation.

Choosing a Designated Learning Institution

A study permit is generally tied to a specific school. You must be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) — a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. IRCC provides a search tool on the study page to find a DLI. The page also explains the different kinds of schools (universities, colleges, and other institutions), when to apply to them, and other admission requirements.

The DLI requirement matters because your study permit is issued for a specific institution. If you change schools, you cannot simply keep the same permit. As of November 8, 2024, you can no longer change schools on the same study permit. If you want to change schools, you need to get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. This is a significant rule change that affects anyone considering a transfer.

How to Apply Through the Portal

Once you have confirmed you need a permit and have been accepted by a DLI, you apply through the IRCC portal. The study page lists “Get a study permit” as a main section, covering who can apply, how to apply, processing times, and what to expect when you arrive in Canada. The portal itself is accessed by signing in to your study permit account, which is listed as the first “Most requested” item on the page.

The application process involves creating or signing in to your account, completing the online forms, uploading your supporting documents (including your letter of acceptance, proof of funds, and other required materials), and paying the application fee. You should also prepare digital photographs according to IRCC specifications, although the study page itself does not list the photo requirements in detail — you will need to check the specific instructions in your application portal or the IRCC photo requirements page.

Extending or Restoring Your Study Permit

If you need more time to complete your studies, you can extend your study permit or restore your status. IRCC provides a dedicated section on the study page for extending your study permit or restoring your status, with instructions on how to renew your permit. You should apply before your current permit expires to maintain your status. If your permit has already expired, you may be able to restore your status, but the process is different and you should follow the restoration instructions carefully.

Your study permit has conditions attached to it. IRCC explains these conditions on the study page, and you are responsible for keeping your contact information up to date. Failure to comply with your conditions can affect your status in Canada.

Changing Schools After November 2024

The rule change on November 8, 2024 is important to understand. Before that date, you could change schools on the same study permit. After that date, you cannot. If you want to change schools, you must apply to extend your current study permit, which effectively means applying for a new study permit for the new institution. This applies whether you are moving from one DLI to another or changing programs at the same institution, depending on the circumstances.

You should plan ahead if you are considering a transfer. The application for a new study permit takes time, and you should not assume you can continue studying at a new school while your application is in process. IRCC’s page on changing schools provides more detail on this process.

Working While You Study

Many international students want to work while studying. IRCC has a dedicated section on working while you study, which explains whether you can work, how much you can work, and where — on campus, off campus, and in student work placements. The rules depend on your study permit conditions and the type of work you are doing.

If you are a recent graduate, you may also be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). IRCC provides a dedicated section on the PGWP, which allows you to stay and work in Canada after you graduate. The PGWP is a separate application from the study permit, and you should review the requirements on the study page before applying.

Travelling While You Study

If you leave Canada during your studies, you may need a visitor visa to return. IRCC explains how and when a study permit holder should apply for a visitor visa to return to Canada, and what you need to re-enter Canada as an international student. This is relevant if you plan to travel home during breaks or for other reasons.

You should also be aware that your study permit alone may not be sufficient to re-enter Canada. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). IRCC’s travel section on the study page covers this.

After You Graduate

After you graduate, you have several options. The post-graduation work permit is the most common route for staying and working in Canada. IRCC also provides a tool to explore immigration programs, and you can answer a few questions to see different ways you might be able to come to Canada or stay permanently.

IRCC also offers virtual sessions about pathways to permanent residence. You can register for a session to learn about pathways to stay in Canada after you graduate. These sessions are informational and can help you understand your options.

What to Do Next

Your next step is to sign in to your study permit account on the IRCC portal and begin your application. Before you do, confirm that you need a study permit, that your school is a designated learning institution, and that you have all the required documents. The official Canada.ca study page is the authoritative source for the application process, and you should verify all requirements there before submitting.

If you are changing schools, remember that you must apply for a new study permit as of November 8, 2024. If you are extending your permit, apply before it expires. If you are unsure about any requirement, check the official IRCC study page rather than relying on third-party summaries.