Canada Study Permit: Documents, PAL and Proof of Funds

A Canadian study permit is applied for online after you receive a letter of acceptance from an approved institution. In most cases you also need a provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), proof of funds, a valid passport and biometrics. This guide explains each document and step as the Government of Canada publishes them, including what changed this year.

We write for students in Saudi Arabia and separate what is always required from what applies only in some cases. The government decides the application; Almorad, as a study abroad advisor, organises your file and reviews it with you before submission.

Documents Required for a Study Permit

The official documents page groups documents into always required, needed in most cases, recommended and conditional. Here is the summary in our own words:

• Letter of acceptance from your institution, uploaded with the application.
• A valid passport and two photos that meet the stated specifications.
• Proof of funds for you and any accompanying family members.
• PAL/TAL in most cases, or a CAQ for Quebec applicants.
• A recommended letter of explanation on why you want to study in Canada.
• A medical exam or police certificate when requested, plus extra documents depending on the visa office.

Letter of Acceptance and the PAL

The provincial letter confirms there is a place for you at the institution and in the province. The official page says it must be submitted with your application, not after, and that a 2026 letter is valid until 31 December 2026.

Not everyone needs one. Exempt groups include master's and doctoral students at public institutions from 1 January 2026, pre-university students and Global Affairs Canada scholarship recipients, among others. Quebec requires a CAQ instead. Ask your institution how the letter is obtained, as the process goes through them.

Proof of Funds With Published Figures

You must show you can cover tuition, living costs and travel for the whole program without working in Canada. According to the proof-of-funds page, the living-cost amount for one person outside Quebec is CAD 23,448 per year for applications made on or after 1 September 2026, and CAD 29,192 for two people.

These figures cover living costs only; tuition and transport are added. Applications made before that date use older figures listed on the page, so check your submission date. Prepare clear, documented bank statements and avoid unexplained deposits.

Biometrics

Applicants for an initial study permit give fingerprints and a photo, as explained on the biometrics page. The application guide gives a 30-day window from the collection notice, a fee of CAD 85 per person up to CAD 170 for a family, and validity of 10 years.

Application Steps

1. Confirm eligibility: approved institution, sufficient funds, clean record and intent to leave when the permit ends, per the eligibility page.
2. Gather the documents your case requires and check them against the official list.
3. Apply online and pay the fee, which is CAD 150 according to the official page.
4. Complete biometrics within the window.
5. Wait for the decision, then arrange travel if approved.

The full process is on the application page.

Common Mistakes That Delay a File

• Applying before obtaining a required attestation letter.
• Relying on the minimum living amount without adding tuition.
• Choosing an institution or program without checking approval.
• Writing a generic letter of explanation that does not match the rest of the file.
• Missing the biometrics deadline.

Articles That Help Before You Apply

Start with the bigger picture in studying in Canada as a Saudi student, then read how to write a personal statement to prepare your letter of explanation with the same logic as your academic file. To confirm language requirements, see the comparison of language tests. If you plan to apply for a scholarship, read how to get university admission for a scholarship.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Review your file against these points before you press submit, since a small gap can delay the application:

• Letter of acceptance from an approved institution, with program details matching the application.
• The attestation letter or CAQ if your case requires one.
• Clear bank statements covering tuition, living costs and transport.
• A short letter of explanation consistent with your study plan.
• A valid passport and photos that meet the stated specifications.
• A plan to complete biometrics as soon as you receive the notice.

After submitting, check your email and application account regularly, because notices and deadlines arrive through them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I apply for the permit before admission?

No. A letter of acceptance from an approved institution is a core document and is uploaded with the application.

What is the study permit fee?

CAD 150 on the official page, plus the biometrics fee. Check it before paying.

How much money must I show?

For living costs, CAD 23,448 for one person outside Quebec on applications from 1 September 2026, plus tuition and transport.

Do I need a PAL for a master's degree?

Master's and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from 1 January 2026 according to the official page. Check your own case.

Are biometrics mandatory?

They are normally required for an initial study permit, within 30 days of the notice.

Does Almorad guarantee approval?

No. We prepare documents and follow up; the decision belongs to the government.

Prepare Your File With Almorad

If you want your study permit file reviewed before submission, see our visa services, message us on WhatsApp or contact us. For admission, browse universities and programs.