Quick answer
To apply for a Canadian study permit from India, you need a letter of acceptance validated by your school, usually a provincial attestation letter (PAL), your passport, and proof of funds: at least CAD 23,448 a year for living costs plus your tuition, for applications from 1 September 2026. A letter of explanation is recommended, and some students also need a medical exam, police certificate or custodian declaration.
Last reviewed against official Government of Canada sources. Rules change often: confirm with a counsellor before you apply.
- Always required
- Letter of acceptance, passport, proof of funds
- Usually required
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)
- Recommended
- Letter of explanation
- Living-cost proof
- CAD 23,448 a year for one student (from 1 Sep 2026)
Always required
- Letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution. For post-secondary programs, the school must validate it, or your application will be returned.
- Proof of identity: a copy of your valid passport (the information page, when you apply online). You'll need the original passport if you're approved.
- Proof of funds showing you can pay your tuition and living expenses (see below).
Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)
Most post-secondary students need a PAL or TAL from their school. Getting one generally means accepting your offer and paying some or all of your tuition. Students going to Quebec get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.
Among other cases, you don't need one if you're applying to:
- preschool, primary or secondary school (up to grade 12)
- a master's or doctoral degree program at a public designated learning institution (from 1 January 2026)
- a federally designated military college
Exchange students who don't pay tuition, and some students already in Canada, are also exempt. Check IRCC's full list before you apply.
How much money you need to show
| Applications made | One student | Each additional family member |
|---|---|---|
| On or after 1 September 2026 | CAD 23,448 a year | CAD 6,318 |
| 1 January 2025 to 31 August 2026 | CAD 22,895 a year | CAD 6,170 |
Accepted proof includes:
- a receipt showing you paid your first year of tuition and housing
- an education loan from a bank
- a scholarship
- a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution
- bank statements for the past 6 months
- proof of money transferred to a Canadian bank account in your name
- recent pay stubs, pension documents or proof of rental income
Recommended, or only if needed
- Letter of explanation (recommended): why you want to study in Canada, and that you understand your responsibilities as a student.
- Medical exam: may be needed if you'll stay more than 6 months, have recently travelled to certain countries, or will work in certain jobs.
- Police certificate: provide one if asked, and apply early if you expect to need it.
- Custodian declaration: for students under 17 who aren't accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Country-specific documents: your visa office may ask for more.
Going from 12th to college? Read Study in Canada after 12th for the full process.
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