Canada Study Permit — the complete 6-step guide
The Study Permit is the official document that allows you to study in Canada. This guide walks you through every step — from receiving your Letter of Acceptance to collecting your permit at the border.
6 steps from acceptance to Study Permit
Get your Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
The prerequisite for a Study Permit is an official LOA from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Confirm enrollment and pay the deposit if required.
- ✓Original Letter of Acceptance with the school's signature/stamp
- ✓Confirmation of Enrollment or DLI confirmation number
Prepare your financial documents
IRCC needs to see you can cover first-year tuition and living expenses. The file must clearly show the origin of the funds.
- ✓Bank statements for the past 3–6 months
- ✓Proof of family income (pay slips, employment contracts, business documents)
- ✓Letter of explanation for any large recent deposits
Gather personal and academic documents
Collect all identity and academic documents before opening your file on the IRCC portal.
- ✓Passport valid for at least 1 year past your intended start date
- ✓Passport-style photo meeting IRCC standards
- ✓Transcripts and diplomas (certified English/French translation)
- ✓Language test results (IELTS/TOEFL) if required by the program
- ✓Statement of Purpose / Study Plan
Apply online through the IRCC portal
Create a My IRCC Account and submit the Study Permit application online. Complete and accurate information is critical — errors lead to refusal.
- ✓Complete form IMM 1294 (Application for Study Permit)
- ✓Pay the processing fee: CAD 150
- ✓Upload all supporting documents as PDFs
- ✓Double-check all information before submitting
Provide biometrics
Most Vietnamese applicants applying for a Study Permit for the first time must provide fingerprints and a photo. After IRCC sends the instruction letter, you have 30 days to attend a VAC in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✓Receive the Biometric Instruction Letter from IRCC
- ✓Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- ✓Attend on time with your original passport and Biometric Instruction Letter
Receive your result & prepare for entry
Average processing time is 4–16 weeks (longer during peak periods). When approved, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction — the document used to collect your official Study Permit at the border.
- ✓Print the POE Letter of Introduction and keep it in your carry-on
- ✓Bring all original documents to present to the border officer
- ✓Collect your official Study Permit at the Canadian port of entry
6 common mistakes that lead to refusal
Mistake 1: Failing to explain the origin of funds in your account — IRCC will question their legitimacy
Mistake 2: Passport expiring within 6 months of your intended start date
Mistake 3: A Study Plan that is too generic — it must explain why Canada and that specific school
Mistake 4: Photos that don't meet IRCC standards (size, white background, accessories)
Mistake 5: Missing the biometrics deadline after receiving the Biometric Instruction Letter (only 30 days)
Mistake 6: Not printing and bringing the POE Letter of Introduction to the Canadian border
Next steps
Need help with your Study Permit file?
An AAE advisor can review your financial documents, help you write a strong Study Plan, and guide you through each IRCC step — so your file is complete and consistent the first time.
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