Last checked: September 2026. Canadian study permit rules have changed a lot in recent years, so always confirm the latest details on the official IRCC website before you apply.
Canada remains a top study destination for Pakistani students, but the rules have become much stricter since 2024. There is now a national cap on study permits, higher financial requirements, and new limits on work permits for spouses. This guide explains everything Pakistani applicants need to know in 2026, from costs and documents to work rights and post-study options.
Costs in 2026
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Study permit application fee | CAD 150 |
| Biometrics fee | CAD 85 |
| Total government fees | CAD 235 |
If your biometrics are still valid from a previous application, you may not need to pay the biometrics fee again. Read our guide on Canada biometrics validity for details. You will also need to budget for your medical exam, language test, tuition deposit and travel.
How Much Money Do You Need to Show?
For applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026 (outside Quebec), you must show:
- Living costs: CAD 23,448 for a single applicant (more if family members come with you)
- First year’s tuition fees
- Travel costs to and from Canada
Officers now check where your money comes from in every application, so a clear and documented source of funds is essential. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank is no longer mandatory, but it is still a strong way to show living costs. For more detail, see our guide to bank statement requirements for UK, Canada and Australia visas.
Key Rules to Know in 2026
1. Study Permit Cap and PAL/TAL
Canada limits the number of new study permits each year. To manage this, most applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province where they will study. Your college or university usually helps you get this letter. Students in master’s and doctoral programs at public institutions are currently exempt from the PAL requirement, but confirm this with your institution, as rules can change.
2. Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
You must have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Check that your institution is on the official DLI list before paying any fees.
3. Be Careful With Private Colleges
Graduates of private colleges that deliver a public college’s curriculum under a licensing arrangement are not eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If you plan to work in Canada after graduating, check PGWP eligibility before you accept an offer.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Letter of acceptance from a DLI
- PAL or TAL (if required for your program)
- Proof of funds: bank statements, education loan, GIC and sponsor documents
- Proof of the source of your funds
- Academic documents (degrees and transcripts)
- English test results (IELTS, PTE or another test your institution accepts)
- A study plan or letter of explanation
- Medical exam results, usually required for Pakistani applicants staying longer than 6 months
- Family documents, such as the FRC, if a parent is sponsoring you
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Get an acceptance letter from a DLI, and your PAL or TAL if required.
- Arrange your funds and gather proof of their source.
- Complete your medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician, if required.
- Apply online through your IRCC account and pay the fees.
- Give your biometrics at a VFS Global visa application centre in Pakistan within the deadline in your instruction letter.
- Wait for the decision. Check current processing times for Pakistan on the IRCC website.
Writing a Strong Study Plan
Your study plan, or letter of explanation, is one of the most important documents. It should clearly explain:
- Why you chose this program and institution
- How the program connects to your previous education or work
- Why you chose to study in Canada rather than in Pakistan
- How you will pay for your studies
- Your career plans after graduation
- Any study gaps or changes of field
Working While Studying
Eligible full-time students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. Do not rely on part-time work to cover your tuition or living costs.
Can Your Spouse Come With You?
Your spouse can apply to come with you, but open work permits for spouses are now limited to partners of students in:
- Master’s programs (usually at least 16 months long)
- Doctoral (PhD) programs
- Certain professional degree programs
Spouses of bachelor’s, diploma and college students are generally no longer eligible for an open work permit, although they can still apply to visit or study.
After Graduation: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- PGWPs are usually valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on your program length.
- Master’s graduates can get a 3-year PGWP even if their program was shorter than 2 years, as long as it was at least 8 months long and completed at an eligible DLI.
- Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs are eligible regardless of field, while some college programs must be in specific fields of study.
- PGWP applicants must also meet language requirements.
Common Reasons for Study Permit Refusal
- Insufficient funds, or an unclear source of funds
- A weak study plan that does not explain the choice of program
- A program that does not match your background, such as a diploma after a master’s degree
- Unexplained study gaps
- Doubts that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorised stay
For more on refusals, read Canada Visitor Visa Refusal: 8 Common Reasons. Many of the same principles apply to study permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SDS still available for Pakistani students?
No. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended in November 2024. All applicants now apply through the regular study permit process.
Is a GIC mandatory?
No, but it is a widely accepted way to show living costs and can strengthen your financial evidence.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, children can accompany you, and school-age children can usually study in Canada. However, you must show additional funds for each family member.
Have a Question?
This guide is for general information only. For your own case, always check the official government website or consult a licensed adviser. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. For complex cases, consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
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