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  • Canada Study Permit 2026: Secondary School Policy Application process, costs, and tips 
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Canada Study Permit 2026: Secondary School Policy Application process, costs, and tips 

2026 Canada secondary school study permit policies, application process, costs, and tips for international students.
IRCCGUIDE 2025-09-07

Canada Study Permit 2026

Latest policies for secondary school study permits, application requirements, and practical tips for international students

  • Policy Changes
  • Application Requirements
  • Application Process
  • Permit Costs
  • Preparation Checklist
  • Application Tips
  • FAQs

2026 Study Permit Policy Changes

Key updates to Canada’s secondary school study permit policies

📜

Quota Exemption

Policy: No cap for K-12 students
2026 Quota: 437,000 permits (post-secondary)
Secondary school students are exempt from the 2026 study permit cap, offering flexibility for international applicants.
📝

PAL/TAL Requirement

Requirement: Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter
Quebec: CAQ required
Exemptions: Permit extensions, TRP holders
Most applicants need a PAL/TAL or CAQ unless extending at the same school or holding a Temporary Resident Permit.
💰

Financial Requirements

Living Expenses: $20,635/year (GIC)
Tuition: $14,000-$70,000/year
Applicants must prove funds for living expenses, tuition, and return travel. Detailed bank statements or sponsor letters are required.
🔄

Transfer Rules

New Rule: New permit for transfers
Timeline: Apply 30 days prior
Students transferring schools must apply for a new study permit, including a letter of explanation and new DLI acceptance.
Policy Note

Secondary school students benefit from quota exemptions, but PAL/TAL and financial requirements add steps to the application process.

Study Permit Requirements

Essential documents and conditions for 2026 applications

Requirement Details Notes
DLI Acceptance Admission letter from a Designated Learning Institution Verify DLI status on IRCC website
PAL/TAL or CAQ Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter or Quebec CAQ Exempt for permit extensions or TRP holders
Financial Proof $20,635 (GIC) + tuition + travel costs Bank statements or sponsor letters required
Study Plan Letter explaining study purpose and future plans Highlight academic and career goals
Biometrics Fingerprints and photo (if applicable) Depends on applicant’s country
Guardianship Notarized guardianship for students under 19 Mandatory in most provinces

Application Process

Step-by-step guide to applying for a study permit

📋

Step 1: Secure DLI Admission

Apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and obtain an acceptance letter. Verify DLI status on the IRCC website.
📜

Step 2: Obtain PAL/TAL or CAQ

Request a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter from the province or a CAQ for Quebec. Exemptions apply for permit extensions.
💸

Step 3: Prepare Financial Proof

Provide proof of $20,635 (GIC) plus tuition and travel costs. Use bank statements or sponsor letters.
📤

Step 4: Submit Application

Apply online via the IRCC portal with all documents, including passport, study plan, and biometrics (if required).
🕒

Step 5: Await Approval

Processing takes about 3 months. Track your application status online and respond to any additional requests promptly.
Application Reminder

Start the process early, as delays in PAL/TAL or document preparation can extend processing times.

Study Permit Costs

Breakdown of fees associated with the study permit application

💵

Application Fees

Study Permit Fee: $150
Biometrics Fee: $85
CAQ Fee (Quebec): $124
One-time fees per application. Biometrics are required for applicants from certain countries.
📚

School Application Fees

Public Schools: $150-$300/school
Private Schools: $200-$600/school
Apply to 3-5 schools to increase admission chances. Fees are non-refundable.
📝

Document Costs

Translation/Notarization: $600-$1,200
Language Tests: $350-$450
Required for non-English/French documents or school-specific language requirements.
👨‍👩‍👧

Guardianship Fees

Basic Guardianship: $1,800-$3,000/year
Comprehensive: $3,000-$4,500/year
Mandatory for students under 19 in most provinces. Includes legal guardianship and emergency support.

Preparation Checklist

Check your readiness for a study permit application

Study Permit Readiness Checklist

0/7 Completed
Check all required items to ensure you’re ready to apply for your study permit.

Application Tips

Practical advice for a successful study permit application

🕒

Start Early

  • Begin 6-9 months before your program starts
  • Account for PAL/TAL or CAQ processing time
  • Avoid last-minute delays
🏫

Choose the Right DLI

  • Verify DLI status on IRCC website
  • Apply to multiple schools for options
  • Consider public schools for lower costs
📑

Prepare Documents

  • Ensure passport validity
  • Translate and notarize documents
  • Write a clear study plan
💰

Secure Finances

  • Obtain a GIC for living expenses
  • Provide sponsor letters if needed
  • Plan for tuition and travel costs
🌐

Monitor Policy Updates

  • Check IRCC website regularly
  • Consult immigration advisors
  • Stay informed on PAL/TAL changes
🗣️

Language Preparation

  • Improve English/French skills
  • Prepare for school-specific tests
  • Understand Quebec’s French requirements
Application Tip

Thorough preparation and early action can increase your study permit approval chances significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers on study permit policies and applications

Do secondary school students need a PAL/TAL for a study permit? +

Yes, most secondary school students need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) or Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) unless exempt (e.g., extending at the same school or holding a Temporary Resident Permit).

What are the financial requirements for a study permit in 2026? +

Applicants must prove sufficient funds, including $20,635 for living expenses (via GIC), plus tuition ($14,000-$70,000/year) and return travel costs.

Can parents work in Canada while accompanying a secondary school student? +

Parents of secondary school students typically qualify for a Visitor Visa, not an Open Work Permit, which is limited to spouses of graduate students.

How long does it take to process a study permit? +

Processing takes approximately 3 months, depending on the applicant’s country and completeness of documents. Apply early to avoid delays.

What happens if I need to transfer schools? +

You must apply for a new study permit at least 30 days before transferring, including a letter of explanation and the new DLI’s acceptance letter.

Is a language test required for secondary school study permits? +

Not mandatory for study permits, but some schools may require IELTS, TOEFL, or TEF. Quebec schools may require French proficiency for CAQ.

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)? +

A DLI is a school approved by IRCC to host international students. Verify DLI status on the IRCC website before applying.

Can I apply for a study permit online? +

Yes, most applications are submitted online via the IRCC portal. Create an account to upload documents and track status.

What is guardianship, and is it mandatory? +

Guardianship is required for students under 19 in most provinces, involving a notarized custodian to act as a legal guardian.

How can I check my application status? +

Track your application through the IRCC online portal using your application number. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents.

Expert Study Permit Assistance

Get professional guidance to navigate the 2026 study permit process with ease

Free Study Permit Consultation

Tags: 2026 policy Canada Study Permit international students PAL/TAL secondary school visa application

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