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Student Direct Stream: About the process

You need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) to apply for a study permit

Most students must include with their study permit application a PAL/TAL from the province or territory where they plan to study.

In most cases, if you apply without a PAL/TAL, your application will be returned with fees.

Learn more about the provincial attestation letter and territorial attestation letter.

Fees

From $150

Processing time ?

Usually 20 calendar days

Processing times

Processing times will vary based on:

  • the type of application submitted
  • if the application is complete
  • how quickly we expect to process applications we’ve already received
  • how easily we can verify your information
  • how long you take to respond to any requests or concerns
  • other factors

More people want to immigrate to Canada than we can bring in each year. Applications received after we meet our yearly limit may have to wait longer to be processed.

Learn how processing times are calculated.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

We try to process most SDS applications within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer.

To get faster processing, you must

  • give your biometrics as soon as possible
  • meet all the eligibility requirements

A study permit is not a visa and does not, by itself, allow you to travel to or enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If you do, we’ll issue your visitor visa or eTA with your study permit.

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