Studying in Canada can open doors to a great education, work experience, and potentially permanent residence. But the rules have shifted a lot lately—and I think anyone considering this path needs to go in with their eyes open. Let me walk you through what actually matters in 2026, without the legal jargon.
Do You Need a Study Permit?
If your program is longer than 6 months, yes—you need a study permit. Programs of 6 months or less don't require one, though you'll still need to enter as a visitor (eTA or visa, depending on your nationality). For anything beyond that, you need a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution—that's a college or university that's approved by the government to host international students. Make sure your school is on the DLI list. If it's not, you can't get a study permit.
Letter of Acceptance Verification: Why It Matters
Here's something that changed: schools now verify every acceptance letter directly with IRCC before you can get a permit. That means fake LOAs—which were sadly common in the past—get caught. For you, it's simple: only accept offers from real, designated schools. If someone promises you a "guaranteed" acceptance for a fee, run. Legitimate schools don't work that way.
The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Since 2024, most undergraduate and college students need something called a Provincial Attestation Letter. Your province has to say "yes, we have room for this student." It's part of Canada's effort to cap international student numbers. The good news? If you're in a Master's or PhD program, you're exempt. Graduate students don't need a PAL. That makes master's programs more accessible in some ways—though they're also more expensive and competitive.
PAL in practice: You apply to your province for the attestation before or as part of your study permit application. Each province has its own process and timeline. Plan extra time—it's one more step that didn't exist a few years ago.
Financial Requirements: The New Reality
As of 2026, you need to prove you have roughly $22,895 CAD for a single applicant—and that's on top of your first year of tuition and travel costs. If you're bringing a spouse and child, the amount jumps to around $35,040 plus tuition and travel. These numbers go up every year, so always check the official IRCC proof of funds page for the latest figures.
How do you prove it? You can use a Canadian bank account in your name, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution, or 4 months of bank statements. Honestly, the GIC is still the gold standard. IRCC trusts it because the money is locked in Canada. Even though the Student Direct Stream (SDS) closed—which used to favor GICs—having one still strengthens your application. It shows you're serious and your funds are real.
SDS Closure: What It Means for You
The Student Direct Stream closed on November 8, 2024. If you're from India, China, Philippines, or a handful of other countries, you used to get faster processing through SDS. That's gone. Everyone now goes through the regular stream, which means longer wait times—sometimes several months. Plan your application timeline accordingly. Apply as early as you can. Don't assume you'll get a decision in weeks.
Be patient: Processing times vary by country and season. Check IRCC processing times for your country before you book flights or give notice at work. I've seen too many people get stuck because they assumed things would move quickly.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Big Changes
The PGWP lets you work in Canada after you graduate—and for many people, it's the bridge to permanent residence. But the rules tightened in 2024. If you're graduating from a college with a non-degree program (diploma, certificate, etc.), you now only qualify for a PGWP if your program was in a labor shortage field: healthcare, trades, STEM, or a few other sectors. If you studied business or general arts at a college, you might not get a PGWP at all. That's a huge shift.
University grads keep broader access. A bachelor's, master's, or PhD from a Canadian university still qualifies you for a PGWP regardless of field. The duration: your PGWP length matches your program length (between 8 months and 2 years for shorter programs), or up to 3 years if your program was 2 years or longer. So a 4-year degree typically gets you a 3-year PGWP. A 1-year college diploma in a non-shortage field might get you nothing.
Choose your program wisely: If you're counting on a PGWP to eventually get PR, pick a program that actually leads to one. University degrees are safer. If you go the college route, stick to shortage fields—nursing, IT, skilled trades, engineering tech. Avoid "easy" programs that sound too good to be true.
Advice for 18–22 Year Olds
If you're fresh out of high school and considering Canada, I think you should pick a program you're genuinely interested in—not just one that "sounds good for immigration." A 3- or 4-year degree gives you a solid PGWP and strong CRS points for Express Entry. But it's a big investment. Make sure you can afford it and that you'll stick with it. Dropping out mid-way means no PGWP and a lot of money spent. Also, get your language test done early. IELTS or CELPIP scores matter for both the study permit and future PR.
Advice for 25–30 Year Olds: Study as a Pathway to PR
Lots of people in their late 20s consider studying in Canada specifically to get PR. It can work—Canadian education and work experience boost your Express Entry score. But in my honest opinion, the math has gotten harder. Tuition for international students is steep. Living costs are high. The PGWP rules are stricter. And Express Entry scores have been competitive. Before you commit, run the numbers: total cost of a 2-year program (tuition + living + fees) can easily exceed $80,000–100,000 CAD. Can you afford that? What's your backup plan if PR doesn't happen in the first few years? A Master's might be a better bet than a college diploma—you keep PGWP access and get more CRS points.
Colleges vs. Universities: An Honest Take
Colleges are cheaper and often faster. But with the new PGWP rules, many college grads no longer qualify. Universities cost more but open more doors. Some colleges have great programs in trades and healthcare—those still lead to PGWPs. The ones to avoid? Private colleges or programs that seem designed mainly to attract international students with vague promises. Do your research. Check employment outcomes. Talk to current students or alumni if you can. A degree from a well-known Canadian university carries weight; a diploma from an obscure private college might not.
Is the Study Route to PR Still Viable in 2026?
Yes—but it's no longer the "easy" path it was once perceived to be. You need to choose the right program, have the finances, and be prepared for longer processing and tighter PGWP rules. If you do it right—strong program, good grades, Canadian work experience after graduation—you can absolutely get PR. Many people still do. But go in with realistic expectations. It's expensive, it's competitive, and the rules keep changing. If you're committed and you pick wisely, it's still one of the most reliable routes. If you're hoping for a quick, cheap shortcut, you might be disappointed.
Bottom line: Study in Canada if you want the education and the experience. Let PR be a possible outcome, not the only reason you're doing it. That way, you'll make better decisions and enjoy the journey more.