There is no single national deadline. Build a separate timeline for each programme and advance reach, realistic and fallback choices together.
12–18 months before entry: set the level, subject, budget and province; prepare language and prerequisites. 9–12 months before: finalise choices, documents and first applications. After an offer: verify conditions, deposit and refund terms, PAL/TAL or exemption, housing and study-permit evidence.
Competitive, placement-based, research and scholarship programmes often close earlier. A published deadline does not mean places remain available until that date.
Highest qualification and subject, full grades, English or French results, target level and field, budget, intake, province or city preference, PGWP/co-op priorities, and any study gaps or prior refusals. Missing interactions or documents are not invented.
OTC can provide education-route screening, institution and programme checks, document lists, institutional application submission and routine follow-up. Institutions decide admission; IRCC decides permits; regulated immigration representation and legal advice remain with appropriately qualified professionals.
This is education information and application-coordination guidance, not immigration or legal advice. Rules change; use the current IRCC, EduCanada, institution and provincial requirements at the time of application.