To study in Canada from Pakistan you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution, a provincial attestation letter (PAL) for most programmes, proof of funds and an online study permit application. This guide gives the 2026 figures, the steps and the work rules, each checked against IRCC.
Canada study permit requirements
Most foreign nationals need a study permit before they study at a designated learning institution (DLI), and Pakistani students must apply online from outside Canada. You need these documents:
- Letter of acceptance from a DLI, validated by the school.
- PAL or TAL (Quebec: a CAQ), submitted with the application.
- Passport and, if you have not given biometrics, two photos.
- Proof of funds for living costs, tuition and travel.
- Letter of explanation: IRCC recommends one, and it should say why this programme and how you will pay.
- Medical exam or police certificate only if the officer asks for one.
Approved applicants receive a letter of introduction. The permit itself is issued when you arrive at the port of entry. Your permit becomes invalid 90 days after your programme ends.
Canada study permit fees from Pakistan
| Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Study permit fee | 150 per person |
| Biometrics | 85 per person (170 maximum for a family of two or more) |
Biometrics are normally given once every 10 years. After you pay, IRCC sends a biometric instruction letter and you have 30 days to book your appointment. In Pakistan the appointment is booked through VFS, and VFS has required the instruction letter to be uploaded since 7 March 2026.
Proof of funds for a Canadian study permit
IRCC sets a minimum for living costs. It does not include tuition or travel, which you must show on top.
| People applying | Living costs from 1 September 2026 | 1 January 2025 to 31 August 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (single applicant) | CAD 23,448 | CAD 22,895 |
| 2 | CAD 29,192 | CAD 28,502 |
| 3 | CAD 35,888 | CAD 35,040 |
| 4 | CAD 43,572 | CAD 42,543 |
These amounts are for first-year living costs outside Quebec. Quebec uses its own amounts. You must also show first-year tuition, for example a receipt, and the cost of travel to Canada. For a programme longer than one year, explain how you will pay for all of it.
Accepted proof includes a GIC from a Canadian financial institution, six months of bank statements, an education loan, a scholarship or a sponsor letter. The Student Direct Stream, which Pakistan was part of, ended on 8 November 2024, so all applications now go through the regular stream.
Provincial attestation letter (PAL) for Canada
A PAL is a letter from a province or territory confirming a place for you within its share of the national cap. Your school tells you how to get it. Key points for 2026:
- The 2026 national cap is up to 408,000 study permits, 7% below 2025.
- A 2026 PAL is valid until 31 December 2026, and a PAL from a previous year cannot be used.
- Master’s and doctoral students at public institutions do not need a PAL from 1 January 2026. The exemption covers public institutions only.
- You need a new PAL if you change school or, in most cases, change level of study.
Can you work while studying in Canada?
| Type of work | Rule |
|---|---|
| Off campus, during term | Up to 24 hours a week |
| Off campus, scheduled breaks | Full time (summer, winter and reading week) |
| On campus | No weekly hour limit, with full-time status and a SIN |
To work off campus you must be a full-time student in a programme of at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate. English-only or general-interest courses do not qualify. Since 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for work placements that are part of the programme.
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after Canadian study
- Language: a test is required for most applicants. You need CLB 7 for bachelor’s, master’s and other university programmes, or CLB 5 for college programmes.
- Programme: at least 8 months at an eligible institution, studied full time.
- Field of study: not required for bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programmes. College and other programmes must be on IRCC’s list, which is unchanged for 2026.
- Length: up to the programme length for programmes under two years, and up to three years for two years or more.
- Deadline: apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed the programme. You can get only one PGWP in your lifetime.
English requirements and spouse permits
IRCC sets no IELTS minimum for the permit itself. Each school sets its own. For example, the University of Toronto asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for undergraduate entry.
A spouse can apply for an open work permit only if you study a master’s of 16 months or more, a doctorate or a listed professional degree such as medicine, law, nursing or engineering, at a university.
How we help with your Canada study permit
We shortlist programmes that fit your marks and budget, handle your applications and PAL/TAL, check your funds and documents, and prepare your study permit application.
We cannot promise a permit. We can tell you honestly how strong your file is. Compare other countries on our student visa from Pakistan guide or see all study abroad destinations, including the USA, the UK and Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PAL to study in Canada?
Most students do. A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) must be submitted with a study permit application, and Quebec uses its own CAQ. Since 1 January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt. Your school explains how to get the letter.
How much money must I show for a Canadian study permit?
For a single applicant outside Quebec, IRCC asks for CAD 23,448 in living costs if you apply on or after 1 September 2026, plus your first year’s tuition and travel costs. The amount rises with family size.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes, if you study full time in an eligible programme. Off campus you can work up to 24 hours a week during term and full time in scheduled breaks. On-campus work has no weekly hour limit.
Is a GIC compulsory for Pakistani students?
No official page we checked makes a GIC compulsory. IRCC lists a GIC from a Canadian financial institution as one accepted proof of funds, alongside bank statements, a loan, a scholarship or a sponsor letter. The Student Direct Stream ended on 8 November 2024.
Can I take my family with a Canadian study permit?
It depends on your level of study. A spouse can get an open work permit only if you are in a master’s of 16 months or more, a doctorate or a listed professional degree at a university. Spouses of undergraduate and college students are no longer eligible.
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Official sources: Study permit · Proof of funds · PAL/TAL · Working off campus · PGWP eligibility · Fees. Figures checked on 11 October 2026. Reviewed by Yasir Khan, British Council registered consultant, LAMTANS Consultants. Last updated 11 October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the latest position at your consultation.