Canada Study Permit Checklist — DLI Letter, PAL/TAL & Biometrics
A Canada study permit lets you study at a designated learning institution (DLI). The essentials are your DLI acceptance letter, a provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) where it is required, biometrics if you are 14–79, and the application fee. Verified against official guidance (snapshot dated 23 September 2026), September 2026.
⚠ Times and fees change. This checklist reflects the official guidance as captured on 23 September 2026 — confirm current figures on the official Canadian government pages before you pay.
Stage A — The core documents
- ☐ Letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution (DLI).
- ☐ Provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) where required — uploaded in the field labelled “Provincial attestation letter (required)”.
- ☐ If you are exempt from the PAL/TAL, provide the evidence of your exemption in that same field.
- ☐ Otherwise, if the PAL/TAL cannot go in its field, add it under Client information.
- ☐ Prepare your application as fully as possible — DLIs are asked to give applicants the documents they need.
Stage B — Biometrics (ages 14–79)
- ☐ If you are between 14 and 79, you usually need to give biometrics — your fingerprints and a photograph.
- ☐ Biometrics are generally needed only once every 10 years.
Stage C — Fees
- ☐ Study permit for a single applicant — CAD $85.
- ☐ Families applying at the same time are capped at CAD $170.
- ☐ Groups of performing artists of 3 or more are capped at CAD $255.
Stage D — Length of stay, and children
- ☐ On arrival you are usually admitted for up to 6 months, or for the period of the permit — the officer decides.
- ☐ If a minor is travelling with you, bring that child's separate set of supporting documents.
The Canada visitor visa checklist is a different route — use that for a visit, and this one for studying at a DLI. For the photograph that travels with any application, see the Canada photo requirements and the digital rules in the digital file requirements guide.
Get it right the first time
- PAL/TAL in the right field — use the “Provincial attestation letter (required)” field, or Client information if it will not fit.
- Biometrics once a decade — check whether your existing biometrics are still valid before booking.
- Fees are per-application, with caps — families CAD $170; performing-artist groups CAD $255.
- Check current figures — fees and processing change; confirm on the official pages.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a Canada study permit?
A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, a provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) where required, and a complete application — preparing it as fully as possible.
What is a PAL/TAL and where do I upload it?
The provincial attestation letter is uploaded in the field labelled “Provincial attestation letter (required)”. If you are exempt, provide evidence of your exemption in that field; if it will not fit, add it under Client information.
Do I need to give biometrics for a study permit?
If you are between 14 and 79 you usually need to give fingerprints and a photograph. Biometrics are generally needed only once every 10 years.
How much is the study permit application fee?
CAD $85 for a single applicant. Families applying at the same time are capped at CAD $170, and performing-artist groups of 3 or more at CAD $255.
How long can I stay in Canada as a student?
On arrival you are usually admitted for up to 6 months, or for the period of the permit, as decided by the officer. A minor travelling with you needs a separate set of supporting documents.
Related: the Canada visitor visa checklist covers visiting, and the photo size chart covers the image format. Check any photo with the passport photo checker.