MATES Resources
Verified student visa, immigration, work-rights and post-study updates for Canada, each linked to the official government source.
Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision. This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Speak with a MATES counsellor and explore destinations, universities and programmes suited to your profile.
4 updates
A temporary IRCC measure lets eligible work permit holders already in Canada study for up to six months, or until their permit ends if sooner, without applying for a study permit. It is in effect until 31 December 2027. Full-time studies still require a study permit.
For study permit applications made on or after 1 September 2026 to study outside Quebec, a single applicant must show CAD 23,448 for the first year's living expenses, up from CAD 22,895. Tuition and travel are additional, and Quebec sets its own amounts.
Since 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate work permit for work placements required by their programme, such as co-op placements and internships. IRCC is withdrawing eligible pending co-op work permit applications.
IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including 155,000 for newly arriving students. Since 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students enrolled at a public designated learning institution no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).