Planning a Canada study permit from Pakistan for 2027? This guide explains the acceptance letter, the provincial attestation letter (PAL), the new proof of funds amount, the official fees and each application step.
Canada remains a popular study destination for students from Pakistan. However, the rules have changed in recent years: most students now need a provincial attestation letter, and the proof of funds amount went up again for applications from September 1, 2026. Therefore, this guide brings the current official rules together in one place, using information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Please note: this is general information from an independent website, not legal advice. Study permit rules for 2027 may change, so always check IRCC’s website before you apply.
Quick answer: Canada study permit from Pakistan
First, get a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI). Next, get a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) unless you are exempt. Then show proof of funds, apply online, pay the CAD $150 study permit fee and the CAD $85 biometrics fee, and give your biometrics. Finally, an officer reviews your file and makes the decision.
Step one: choose a designated learning institution
Only a designated learning institution can accept international students for a study permit. For this reason, check that your college or university appears on IRCC’s DLI list before you pay any deposit. In addition, compare the program, the city and the total cost, including tuition, housing and travel.
Provincial attestation letter (PAL or TAL)
According to IRCC, a PAL or TAL is usually required to apply for a study permit. It is a letter from the province or territory, issued through your DLI, which confirms that you have a space under the study permit cap.
| Situation | PAL or TAL needed? |
|---|---|
| Most college diplomas and bachelor’s degrees | Usually yes |
| Master’s or PhD at a public DLI (from January 1, 2026) | Exempt, according to IRCC |
| Primary and secondary school (up to grade 12) | Exempt |
| Studying in Quebec | Quebec uses its own process; check the CAQ rules |
If you do not submit a PAL or TAL, IRCC says you must show proof that you meet an exemption. Moreover, a PAL or TAL issued in 2026 is generally valid for the 2026 cap year only, so students applying for 2027 should follow the instructions for 2027 from their DLI.
Canada study permit proof of funds for 2026–2027
IRCC raised the cost-of-living amount for applications received on or after September 1, 2026. These amounts are per year, outside Quebec, and they do not include tuition or travel.
| Family size | Funds needed per year (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Student alone | $23,448 |
| Student plus 1 family member | $29,192 |
| Student plus 2 family members | $35,888 |
| Each extra person beyond 7 | $6,318 |
Before September 1, 2026, the single-applicant amount was CAD $22,895. In addition, you must also show money for your first year of tuition and your travel costs. Quebec sets its own amounts, so students going to Quebec must follow the Quebec rules.
Bank statements
For example, six months of statements that show where the money comes from.
Education loan
Similarly, a student or education loan from a bank is accepted.
Paid tuition and housing
Also, receipts from your DLI for first-year tuition and housing count.
Sponsor letter
Likewise, a letter from the person paying, with their job and proof of the relationship.
Canadian GIC
In addition, IRCC accepts a Canadian guaranteed investment certificate.
Scholarships
However, if a scholarship covers only tuition, you still need living funds.
Canada study permit from Pakistan: document checklist
Your personal checklist appears in your IRCC account. Even so, most students from Pakistan prepare the documents below, so tick each one as it is ready.
0 of 8 ready
Canada study permit fees
| Fee | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Study permit, including extensions, per person | $150 |
| Biometrics, per person | $85 |
| Biometrics, family maximum | $170 |
These are IRCC government fees. Besides these, your school, language test centre and visa application centre may charge their own fees. You can compare other visa costs in our guide to Canada visa fees.
How to apply for a Canada study permit from Pakistan
- Choose a program at a DLIStart by comparing programs, costs and cities, and confirm the school is on the DLI list.
- Get your letter of acceptanceThen apply to the school and receive your official acceptance letter.
- Get your PAL or TALNext, your DLI helps you get the attestation letter, unless you are exempt.
- Prepare proof of fundsAfter that, gather bank statements, loan letters or tuition receipts.
- Apply online and paySubmit your application through your IRCC account and pay the fees.
- Give biometrics and waitFinally, book your biometrics at a visa application centre and wait for the decision.
If you are approved, you receive a letter of introduction, and the border officer issues your study permit when you arrive. In addition, you may also receive a visitor visa in your passport so you can travel.
How to make your study permit application stronger
Officers look closely at whether your study plan makes sense. As a result, a clear and honest file helps a lot.
A logical study plan
Explain how the program connects with your past studies and future career in Pakistan or elsewhere.
Real, traceable funds
For example, show a steady savings history instead of a sudden large deposit.
Strong ties
Similarly, family, property or a job offer back home can show your plans after study.
Consistent documents
Above all, make sure names, dates and amounts match on every form.
Example (fictional): Hamza, a computer science graduate from Karachi, receives an offer for a master’s program at a public university. Because master’s programs at public DLIs are exempt from the PAL from January 1, 2026, he includes proof of the exemption instead. Then he shows his father’s sponsorship letter, six months of bank statements and his tuition deposit receipt. As a result, his file clearly covers tuition, living costs and travel.
What if your study permit is refused?
Your refusal letter lists the officer’s reasons. According to IRCC, you can reapply when you have new information or documents that address those reasons. Our guide to Canada visa refusal reasons explains the most common grounds, such as weak study plans and unclear funds.
Avoid scams: never pay an agent for a “guaranteed” study visa or a fake admission letter. IRCC says no one can guarantee you a visa, and false documents can lead to a ban of at least 5 years.
Canada study permit from Pakistan: FAQs
How much money do I need for a Canada study permit?
For applications on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC lists CAD $23,448 per year for a single student outside Quebec, plus first-year tuition and travel costs.
Do I need a PAL for a master’s degree?
According to IRCC, master’s and PhD students at a public DLI are exempt starting January 1, 2026. However, you must show proof of the exemption.
What is the study permit fee?
IRCC lists CAD $150 for the study permit and CAD $85 for biometrics.
Can my family come with me?
In some cases, yes. However, you must show more money for each family member, and each person needs the right visa or permit.
Can I work while I study?
Many students can work limited hours if they meet IRCC’s conditions. Since the rules change, check IRCC’s current guidance before you rely on work income.
Can an agent guarantee my study visa?
No. Only immigration officers decide, and IRCC says no one can guarantee you a visa.
Planning to study in Canada in 2027?
Meanwhile, you can send your questions through the WhatsApp button on this page. We explain the general steps and point you to official sources. However, we are not a licensed immigration consultant or education agent, and we cannot guarantee any visa.