Canada study-permit documents checklist (2026)

Quick answer. For a Canada study permit you generally need: a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in most cases, proof of funds, a valid passport, passport photos, an English-test result, and sometimes a medical exam and biometrics. As of September 2025 the proof-of-funds minimum for a single applicant outside Quebec is CAD $22,895 (in addition to tuition and travel), and it is updated each year.

Core documents

Most applicants need all of these; some are situational:

Document	Notes
Letter of acceptance	From a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)	Required for most applicants since 2024
Proof of funds	CAD $22,895 (single applicant, outside Quebec) as of Sept 2025, plus tuition and travel
Valid passport	Must cover your intended stay
English test result	IELTS/PTE etc., as required by the institution
Passport photos	Per IRCC photo specifications
Medical exam / biometrics	If requested by IRCC

About proof of funds

The proof-of-funds figure shows you can support yourself beyond tuition and travel. IRCC raised it to CAD $22,895 for a single applicant (outside Quebec) from 1 September 2025, and adjusts it each year against Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). Quebec sets its own, higher figure. A GIC, bank statements, or a mix can serve as evidence — check IRCC's financial-support page for what currently counts.

Get the current numbers before you apply

Fund thresholds, PAL rules and processing times change from year to year and by province. Use the figures here to plan, but confirm the exact current amount and document list on IRCC's official pages (linked below) at the time you apply. This is general information, not immigration advice.

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to show for a Canada study permit?

As of 1 September 2025, a single applicant outside Quebec must show CAD $22,895 in addition to first-year tuition and travel costs. IRCC updates this figure yearly against the Low-Income Cut-Off, and Quebec's requirement is higher — verify the current number on IRCC before applying.

What is a PAL?

A Provincial Attestation Letter (or Territorial Attestation Letter) is a document from the province confirming your study-permit application counts within its allocation. Most applicants have needed one since 2024. See the glossary for more.

Sources

Find licensed help: Immigration & visa consultants · Study-visa consultants · Cost estimator

Reviewed against official government sources; figures that change (fees, fund thresholds) are dated and linked — always verify at the source. — Recepta Editorial.

Search the register · All guides

Last updated: 2026-07-13