• 01 May 2025
• Canada

IRCC’s Latest 2025 Requirements for Study Permit Applications by International Students

A detailed guide covering the updated 2025 IRCC requirements for international students applying for Canadian study permits—everything from PAL/TAL to funds, biometrics, and obligations.

Planning to study in Canada in 2025? Learn about the latest IRCC requirements—including financial proof, attestation letters, and eligibility caps—to boost your study permit chances!

📌 Introduction

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its study permit eligibility and documentation requirements for 2025. With a new permit cap, expanded financial thresholds, and mandatory Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letters (PAL/TAL), it’s crucial that students prepare thoroughly. This guide breaks down each requirement step‑by‑step using the latest IRCC policy updates.

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1. 🎯 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Canadian study permit, you must meet all the following IRCC conditions:

• Acceptance at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  You must have a formal letter of acceptance from a DLI authorized by a provincial or territorial government canada.ca+13canada.ca+13canada.ca+13en.wikipedia.org+11canada.ca+11canada.ca+11.

• Sufficient Financial Support
  You need to prove funds to cover:

  1. First-year tuition

  2. Living expenses for yourself—and any accompanying family

  3. Return transportation en.wikipedia.org+2educanada.ca+2canada.ca+2en.wikipedia.org+1canada.ca+1canada.ca

  As of January 1, 2024, IRCC increased the required living funds to at least CAD 20,635 (subject to annual review based on Canada’s Low‑Income Cut‑Off) international.northeastern.edu.

• Clean Criminal & Immigration Record
  You must obey Canadian laws, have no criminal history, obtain a police certificate (if applicable), and show intent to leave Canada when your permit expires canada.ca+12canada.ca+12cbsa-asfc.gc.ca+12.

• Medical Exam (If Required)
  Pass a medical exam if the IRCC deems it necessary based on your country of origin or prior health issues canada.ca+8canada.ca+8canada.ca+8yorkinternational.yorku.ca.

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2. 🛂 2025 Permit Caps & Attestation Letters

• National Cap for 2025:
  IRCC plans to issue a maximum of 437,000 study permits—a 10% decrease from 2024—reflecting concerns over housing, healthcare, and infrastructure timesofindia.indiatimes.com+6canada.ca+6reuters.com+6.

• PAL/TAL Requirement:
  Most applicants—including graduate-level students and internal transfers—must supply a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter confirming compliance with local permit allocations. Failure to include it will lead to application return canada.ca+11canada.ca+11canada.ca+11.

  Exempt Groups:

  • Students in kindergarten–Grade 12

  • Participants in Francophone Minority Community Pilot or federal military colleges

  • Quebec vocational students under certain programs

  • Exchange students & dependent application extensions canada.cacanada.ca+1yorkinternational.yorku.ca+1.

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3. 📄 Required Documents for a Complete Application

Ensure you submit all necessary documents to avoid processing delays:

1. Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution mcgill.ca+7canada.ca+7educanada.ca+7

2. Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), or Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for Quebec-bound students canada.ca+1educanada.ca+1

3. Valid passport or travel document

4. Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.) canada.ca+1cbsa-asfc.gc.ca+1en.wikipedia.org+2canada.ca+2educanada.ca+2

5. Biometric fee receipt and appointment confirmation (CAD 85 per individual) 

6. Police certificate, if required

7. Medical exam results, if required

8. Letter of Explanation (if needed)

9. Custodian Declaration for minors

10. Co‑op Work Permit, if your program includes mandatory co‑op/internship 

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4. 📥 Application Process & Biometrics

• Apply Online:
  IRCC now requires all initial permit applications to be submitted online unless disability or special status applies canada.ca+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.

• Biometrics:
  IRCC collects fingerprints and photos for applicants aged 14–79. You have 30 days from receiving the biometric instruction letter to complete the appointment, typically at a VAC or Service Canada location canada.ca+1en.wikipedia.org+1.

  Fee: CAD 85 per person (or CAD 170 for families) canada.ca.

• Processing Times:
  Vary by your country of residence and IRCC workload. Submit a complete application early to avoid delays .

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5. ✅ Responsibilities After Approval

Once approved:

• Student Status:
  Always stay enrolled at a DLI, make academic progress each term, and apply to extend your permit if changing schools or programs canada.ca+6canada.ca+6mcgill.ca+6.

• Follow Permit Conditions:
  Respect any permit-specific mandates (e.g., on-campus/off-campus work, specific institution only) canada.ca+1mcgill.ca+1.

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
  Eligible students in qualifying programs can apply for a PGWP. Verify that your DLI and academic program meet eligibility standards before applying canada.ca+2canada.ca+2en.wikipedia.org+2yorkinternational.yorku.ca.

• Travel to Canada:
  Bring your letter of introduction, passport, study permit, acceptance letter, proof of funds, and eTA/visa, if required canada.ca+2canada.ca+2canada.ca+2cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

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🔍 IRCC Trends & 2025 Outlook

• The 2025 cap reflects Canada’s efforts to balance educational growth and infrastructure capacity timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3reuters.com+3canada.ca+3.

• Financial criteria and biometric standards point to a stronger vetting process aimed at ensuring applicant credibility timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

• Applicants from some countries—such as India—saw a 31% drop in approved permits in Q1 2025 due to tighter visa scrutiny timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1economictimes.indiatimes.com+1.

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🎯 How ApplyCan Helps You Succeed

1. Select a PAL/TAL-eligible DLI and assist with your attestation letter submission.

2. Check your financial documents to align with IRCC evidence requirements.

3. Prepare a strong Letter of Explanation, then guide you through the online application.

4. Schedule biometrics and track timelines so your submission is smooth and prompt.

5. Support after arrival, including PGWP applications, school changes, and compliance.

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📌 Final Thoughts

Meeting all 2025 IRCC study permit requirements—including convincingly proving your finances, obtaining the appropriate PAL/TAL, submitting a full online application, and respecting permit conditions—is key to success. With a limited national cap, careful attention to detail matters more than ever.

👉 Start with ApplyCan today—we’ll guide you step-by-step so your study permit application stands out and gives you the best chance for approval!