A study permit requires more than an offer: DLI status, a PAL/TAL or exemption evidence, credible finances and a coherent study plan must form one evidence chain.
Obtain a valid letter of acceptance (LOA) from a DLI. Most post-secondary applicants still submit a PAL/TAL, while degree-granting master's and doctoral programmes at public DLIs are exempt from 1 January 2026 if evidence of the exemption is included. Quebec usually still requires a CAQ under provincial rules.
Institutions are asked to validate LOAs. Upload the LOA in its dedicated field and place other identity, finance and explanation documents in the correct sections.
IRCC expects first-year tuition, living expenses for the applicant and accompanying family, and travel. For programmes longer than one year, explain how later years will be funded. Evidence may include receipts, loans, scholarships, sponsor records, six months of statements and proof of income sources.
Outside Quebec, the one-person living-expense threshold is CAD 22,895 through 31 August 2026 and CAD 23,448 from 1 September 2026, excluding tuition and transportation.
SDS should not be presented as a current accelerated route, and the old CAD 10,000 living-expense figure is obsolete. Use IRCC's live processing-times tool instead of promising a fixed number of weeks.
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.