2026 Canada Study Permit and Visitor Visa Guide
Latest Policy Updates | Application Strategies | Success Tips | Expert Guidance
2026 Policy Updates
Understand the latest changes to Canada’s study permit and visitor visa policies to ensure a successful application
Study Permit Policy Changes
Key updates and requirements for 2026 study permits
- Permit quota limited to 437,000
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) mandatory
- Living expense requirement raised to CAD 20,635
- Off-campus work capped at 24 hours/week
- Language requirements standardized
Visitor Visa Policy for Accompanying Family
Latest requirements for family members accompanying students
- Spouses eligible for open work permits
- Minor children attend public schools for free
- Multiple-entry visitor visas available
- Flexible stay durations
- Priority processing for family reunification
Processing Time Updates
Latest processing timelines for 2026 visa applications
- Study permit standard stream: 6-11 weeks
- Visitor visa for family: 4-8 weeks
- Biometrics: 1-2 weeks
- Supplementary documents: 2-4 weeks additional
- Peak periods may extend by 20-30%
Starting in 2026, all study permit applications require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Applicants should begin preparing documents 6-8 months in advance. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) remains suspended, and all applications are processed through the standard stream.
Study Permit vs. Visitor Visa Eligibility
Detailed comparison of eligibility requirements and document checklists
| Requirement | Study Permit | Visitor Visa (Accompanying Family) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | International students admitted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) | Spouse, children, or immediate family of study permit holder |
| Required Documents | Letter of Acceptance, PAL, proof of funds, language test results | Proof of relationship, invitation letter, proof of funds, ties to home country |
| Financial Requirements | Tuition + CAD 20,635 living expenses + return airfare | CAD 1,000/month living expenses + accommodation + return airfare |
| Language Requirements | Per institution (typically IELTS 6.0+) | Basic English or French communication skills |
| Application Fees | CAD 150 + CAD 85 biometrics | CAD 100 + CAD 85 biometrics |
| Validity | Duration of study program | Up to 10 years with multiple entries |
Document Checklist
Complete and accurate documentation is key to a successful visa application
Study Permit Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Proof of funds (minimum 4 months history)
- Language test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- Educational credentials and transcripts
- Statement of study plan
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination (if required)
- Visa-compliant photographs
- Family Information Form (IMM 5707)
- Application fee payment proof
Visitor Visa Documents (Accompanying Family)
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Proof of relationship to study permit holder
- Copy of study permit holder’s study permit
- Invitation letter (detailing purpose and plan)
- Proof of funds (covering all expenses in Canada)
- Proof of ties to home country (e.g., job, property)
- Travel history (previous visa pages)
- Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
- Visa-compliant photographs
- Application fee payment proof
- Marriage certificate for spouses
- Birth certificate for children
All non-English or non-French documents must include certified translations. Proof of funds must show a reasonable accumulation history, and large recent deposits require an explanation of source. Keep copies of all documents.
Application Process
Step-by-step guide from document preparation to visa approval
Document Preparation (2-3 Months Prior)
Gather Letter of Acceptance, apply for PAL, prepare proof of funds, obtain language test results, and complete educational credential assessments.
Online Application Submission (1-2 Days)
Create an IRCC account, complete application forms, upload all documents, pay application and biometric fees, and receive a confirmation receipt.
Biometric Collection (1-2 Weeks)
Within 30 days of receiving a biometric request, visit a Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Processing Period (6-11 Weeks)
IRCC reviews documents and conducts background checks. You may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview. Ensure contact information remains valid.
Approval and Entry
Receive an approval letter and Port of Entry Letter of Introduction. Prepare to travel to Canada and obtain your study permit or visitor record at the border.
Plan 6-8 months in advance: 2-3 months for document preparation, 1-2 months for PAL processing, and 2-3 months for visa processing. Avoid peak periods (May-August) to reduce wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about study permits and visitor visas
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a mandatory document for most study permit applications. It is issued by the province where you will study, with varying application processes and requirements. Typically, you need a Letter of Acceptance and proof of funds. Apply 3-4 months in advance, as processing may take 4-8 weeks.
Spouses of study permit holders can apply for an open work permit, allowing full-time work during the study permit’s validity. Minor children cannot work but can attend public schools for free. Work permit applications require proof of relationship, the student’s study permit, and financial documents.
Study permit applicants must prove sufficient funds for first-year tuition plus CAD 20,635 in living expenses, plus return airfare. Accompanying family members need additional funds (CAD 4,000/year for a spouse, CAD 3,000/year per child). Acceptable forms include bank statements, education loans, or scholarships, with at least 4 months of history. Large recent deposits require a source explanation.
Yes, you can reapply, but first understand the refusal reason and address it. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear study plans, or immigration intent concerns. Reapplications should include additional documents or a letter explaining changes. Consulting a professional immigration consultant can improve success rates.
A medical exam can be completed before applying (upfront medical) or after receiving IRCC instructions. Upfront exams can speed up processing. Results are valid for 12 months. If expired before application completion, IRCC may request a new exam.
Need Professional Visa Application Support?
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Application Assessment and Planning
Comprehensive evaluation of your eligibility and tailored application strategies
Document Preparation Guidance
Expert assistance to prepare all required documents per IRCC standards
Application Submission and Tracking
Support for online submissions and progress tracking, including responses to additional document requests
“Thanks to the consultant team’s professional guidance, my study permit and my wife’s visitor visa were approved smoothly. The document preparation was meticulous, and the process was stress-free!”
“My child’s study permit application faced challenges, but after consulting, we revised the documents and succeeded on the second attempt. Highly professional service!”