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IRCC Canada Visas, Study Permits & Visitor Visa Regulations (2026)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) governs temporary entry to Canada for students, visitors, and business travelers under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). International students must obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from their designated learning institution (DLI) to apply for a Study Permit. Study permit holders must demonstrate financial sufficiency under updated cost-of-living thresholds (CAD $20,635+), maintain active enrollment, and comply with 24-hour off-campus work hour limits during academic sessions.
Key 2026 Statutory & Regulatory Checkpoints:
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) allocation caps and designated learning institution (DLI) compliance.
- Proof of funds financial thresholds ($20,635+ single applicant) and Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) options.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria tied to field-of-study labor market alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Visas & Study Permits
A PAL is an official confirmation issued by a Canadian province or territory to an international student, verifying that the student falls within the federal study permit allocation cap for that province.
Eligible international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms and full-time during scheduled academic breaks.
PGWP validity depends on program length: 8-month to 2-year programs receive work permits matching study duration, while master’s degree and 2+ year programs qualify for full 3-year open work permits.