Last Updated: 31 October 2026
Quick answer: For a Canadian study permit from Pakistan you need a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) (in Quebec the CAQ serves as the PAL), and proof of funds for your first year of tuition plus living expenses. For a single student outside Quebec, the living-expense amount is CAD 23,448 for applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026 (CAD 22,895 before that). Government fees: study permit CAD 150 + biometrics CAD 85. Eligible full-time students may work off campus up to 24 hours a week during sessions and full-time in scheduled breaks.
Table of contents (8)
- Canada study permit fees 2026 — what it actually costs
- Proof of funds for Pakistani students
- GIC requirement for Pakistani students in 2026
- Why the Student Direct Stream (SDS) no longer applies to Pakistan
- Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Canada study visa from Pakistan
- Documents required for the Canada study visa from Pakistan
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Source: IRCC — Guide 5269, “Proof of financial support” page and IRCC fee list (canada.ca), checked 31 October 2026.
This guide walks through the main study permit requirements, fees and steps for Pakistani students. Requirements change often, so always confirm on canada.ca before applying.
Canada study permit fees 2026 — what it actually costs
The study permit application fee is CAD 150, unchanged from previous years, plus a biometrics fee of CAD 85 for most first-time applicants — bringing the basic government fee total to CAD 235. Budget separately for any required medical exam, photos and courier costs, and for the much larger proof of funds (tuition plus living expenses).
Proof of funds for Pakistani students
You must show you can pay for your first year of tuition (or the full course if under one year) plus living expenses. For one student outside Quebec, IRCC’s living-expense amount is CAD 23,448 for applications from 1 September 2026 (CAD 22,895 for applications 1 January 2025–31 August 2026); add more for each accompanying family member. These amounts do not include tuition or travel. A GIC from a participating Canadian bank is one accepted way to show funds; IRCC also lists other acceptable documents.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Canada study visa from Pakistan
- Get your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI. Only Designated Learning Institutions can issue a valid LOA accepted by IRCC.
- Obtain your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Most undergraduate and college applicants need a PAL from the province where their DLI is located before applying.
- Arrange proof of tuition. Show you can pay your first year of tuition (for example, a receipt or letter from your school showing fees paid).
- Show living-expense funds. CAD 23,448 for a single student outside Quebec (applications from 1 September 2026), e.g. through a GIC or other documents IRCC accepts.
- Submit your online application and pay the CAD 235 in government fees. This covers the CAD 150 study permit fee plus the CAD 85 biometrics fee for most applicants.
Documents required for the Canada study visa from Pakistan
A valid Pakistani passport covering the full study duration, the Letter of Acceptance from your DLI, the Provincial Attestation Letter, proof of funds (tuition and living expenses), academic transcripts, and a language test result (IELTS or equivalent, as required by your specific program) make up the core document set. A clear Statement of Purpose that matches your academic and financial documents helps the officer assess your application.
Conclusion
The Canada study visa Pakistan process in 2026 centers on three pillars: a valid LOA from a DLI and a PAL/TAL, proof of first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 living expenses (single student outside Quebec, from 1 September 2026), and the CAD 150 + CAD 85 government fees. Prepare a complete, consistent document set from the start to avoid delays or refusal.
For background on international student visas generally, see Wikipedia’s overview of student visas.
Related guides: see our UK study visa Pakistan guide, Australia study visa Pakistan guide, IELTS fee in Pakistan 2026, and scholarships without IELTS for students exploring alternate funding routes.
