Study Permit
Document ChecklistStudy Permit Document Checklist — What You Need to Apply
Complete document checklist for a Study Permit application, organized by category. 16 items typically required, though specific files may need additional documentation based on country of origin, prior applications, and individual circumstances.
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Before you start gathering documents
This checklist is a baseline. Every immigration file has specific quirks — prior visa history, multi-country residence, document availability from the source country, and program-specific requirements. The documents below cover most files; book a free consultation to confirm what your specific case needs.
Identity & status
- Passport (all pages, including blank)Must be valid for the planned duration of studies + 6 months.
- National IDWhere applicable to the source country.
- Recent passport-style photoPer IRCC specifications.
DLI acceptance
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLIMust specify program, start date, tuition, duration.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)Required since 2024 — issued by the province confirming the applicant counts under the province's study-permit cap.
Financial proof
- GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)Typically CAD $15,000–22,000 from a participating Canadian bank.
- Tuition payment proof for first yearBank-issued receipt or DLI confirmation of tuition deposit.
- Sponsor's bank statements (4–6 months)Demonstrating steady-savings pattern, not recent large deposit.
- Sponsor's employment letter, pay stubs, tax returnsIncome source documentation.
- Property or business income documentation (if applicable)Supports overall financial-capacity narrative.
Genuine-temporary-purpose documentation
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)Connects the program to a career plan in the home country. The single most important narrative document.
- CV / resumeDemonstrates educational and professional trajectory.
- Prior academic recordsTranscripts, certificates demonstrating consistent academic progression.
Language
- IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / CELPIP / Duolingo / Cambridge resultsMost DLIs require specific minimum scores. Some programs accept proxy language credentials.
Medical & biometrics
- Immigration medical exam (if program > 6 months)By IRCC panel physician.
- BiometricsSubmitted at IRCC VAC after biometrics instruction.
Frequently asked questions — Study Permit documents
What is the PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) and how do I get it?
The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document issued by the Canadian province confirming that the applicant counts under that province's federal study-permit cap. PALs were introduced in 2024 as part of IRCC's study-permit cap framework. The PAL is requested by the DLI (Designated Learning Institution) on behalf of the student after acceptance. Most DLIs handle this automatically; check with the DLI's international student office to confirm PAL status before submitting your study permit application. Without a PAL, the application is incomplete.
What does a strong Statement of Purpose look like?
The SOP must connect your chosen program to a credible career plan in your home country. Strong SOPs include: (1) clear academic background and how you reached this point; (2) why this specific program at this specific DLI is the right next step; (3) a concrete post-graduation career plan back in the home country (with reference to family business, professional opportunities, market gaps you can fill); (4) acknowledgment of why Canada specifically (not just any English-speaking destination); (5) clear funding plan. Generic templates fail. Custom SOPs that show you've researched the specific program succeed.
Do I need to translate my Pakistani / Indian / Bangladeshi documents?
Documents in English (most Indian and Pakistani academic transcripts and official documents) generally don't require translation. Documents in regional languages (Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, etc.) must be translated by a certified translator and accompanied by an affidavit from the translator. Some countries' documents in non-English are accepted in original if accompanied by an English-language summary from the issuing institution. Check IRCC's specific requirements for your source country.
Build your personalized Study Permit checklist
Use our Document Checklist tool to build a personalized list based on your country of residence, family situation, and prior application history.