Study permit document checklist
Quick answer
A study permit application generally needs a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, a provincial or territorial attestation letter where one applies, proof that you can pay tuition and living costs, and identity documents. Additional evidence supporting your study plan and your ties to your home country is commonly requested.
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Generally required
- Valid passportBiographical pages, and every page containing a stamp or visa.
- Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of current immigration statusWhere you are living outside your country of citizenship.
Program-specific
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
- Provincial or territorial attestation letterWhere the province requires one and your situation is not exempt.
- Proof of financial supportTuition plus living costs for yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Proof of tuition payment, where already paid
- Letter of explanation setting out your study plan
- Provincial acceptance documents for study in QuebecQuebec issues its own acceptance certificate for study.
Situation-dependent
- Custodian declaration for a minor student
- Spouse or partner documents where they will accompany you
- Documents for accompanying dependent children
- Current Canadian status documents
- Previous transcripts and diplomas
- Explanation addressing a previous refusal
May be requested
- Language test results, where the institution or officer asks for them
- Medical examination, depending on your country of residence and intended activity
- Police certificate
- Evidence of ties to your home country
Where applications most often go wrong
- • Funds that appeared in an account too recently to show a settled financial history
- • A study plan that does not explain why this program, in Canada, now
- • Overlooking the attestation letter requirement where it applies
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Copy a plain-text summary with the estimate disclaimer and the official source attached.
This checklist is a preparation aid. The document requirements that govern your application are those on the official IRCC document checklist generated for that application at the time you submit it.
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