Canada is still one of the strongest options for students who want to work and possibly settle after their degree, but it now caps the number of study permits it issues and has raised the bar for proof of funds. Applications from Pakistan are assessed carefully, so preparation matters.
This guide sets out the rules as they stand in November 2026, with links to the official IRCC pages.
The study permit cap and what it means for you
For 2026 IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits, of which 155,000 are for newly arriving students. The places are divided between provinces, and most applicants must include a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) showing they are counted in their province’s share.
From 1 January 2026, students going into a degree-granting master’s or doctoral programme at a public designated learning institution (DLI) do not need a PAL/TAL. IRCC set a national target of 49,000 permits for this group. Undergraduate, college and private-institution students still need one.
How much money you must show
| People applying | Applications from 1 September 2026 | Applications 1 January 2025 to 31 August 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| You alone | CA$23,448 | CA$22,895 |
| You plus one family member | CA$29,192 | CA$28,502 |
| You plus two family members | CA$35,888 | CA$35,040 |
These are living costs for the first year, outside Quebec. On top of them you must show your first-year tuition and your travel costs. Quebec sets its own amounts.
IRCC accepts a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), a receipt for tuition already paid, bank statements for the past six months showing where the money came from, education loans, and sponsor letters with proof of the sponsor’s income. A GIC is no longer compulsory since the Student Direct Stream closed in November 2024, but it remains one of the clearest ways to show living funds.
Fees and steps
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Study permit application | CA$150 |
| Biometrics | CA$85 |
| Upfront medical exam with an IRCC panel physician | Set by the clinic |
| Post-graduation work permit later | CA$255 (work permit fee plus open work permit holder fee) |
- Get a letter of acceptance from a DLI and, unless exempt, your PAL/TAL.
- Arrange your funds and pay any tuition deposit.
- Complete the online study permit application through your IRCC account, with a clear study plan explaining why this course, this institution and Canada.
- Give biometrics at a VFS Global centre in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi when asked.
- Complete the medical exam with a panel physician if required, and wait for the decision before booking flights.
Working while you study
Eligible students can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions and without a limit during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. On-campus work is separate.
Spouse work permits are now limited: they are mainly available to spouses of students in master’s programmes of 16 months or longer, doctoral programmes and some professional degrees. Check before you plan to bring family.
After graduation: the PGWP
- Length. Programmes of 8 months to under 2 years can give a PGWP up to the length of the programme; 2 years or more can give up to 3 years. A master’s degree can give a 3-year PGWP even if it took less than 2 years.
- Language. University graduates need CLB 7 in all four skills; college graduates need CLB 5, shown with an approved test.
- Field of study. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates have no field-of-study restriction. College and other non-degree programmes must be in an eligible field.
Choose a programme with PGWP eligibility before you apply. Public universities and colleges are generally eligible; some private institutions are not.
Common reasons Pakistani applications are refused
- Funds that appear suddenly with no history, or a sponsor whose income does not explain the balance.
- A study plan that does not explain why this programme follows from your previous studies or work.
- Choosing a college diploma after a Pakistani master’s without a convincing career reason.
- Weak ties to Pakistan or an unclear plan after graduation.
If you are comparing Canada with other countries, see our cost comparison, or book a free consultation to check whether your profile suits Canada this year.
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance is required for a Canada study permit from Pakistan?
CA$23,448 for one year of living costs for applications from 1 September 2026, plus your first-year tuition and travel. More is needed if family members come with you.
Do master’s students need a PAL for Canada in 2026?
Not if the programme is a degree-granting master’s or doctoral programme at a public designated learning institution, from 1 January 2026. Students at private institutions still need one.
Is a GIC mandatory for Pakistani students?
No. The Student Direct Stream, which required a GIC, ended in November 2024. A GIC is still a common and accepted way to show living funds.
How many hours can international students work in Canada?
Up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
How long is the PGWP after a master’s?
Up to 3 years, even for a master’s programme shorter than 2 years, provided it lasted at least 8 months and you meet the other requirements.
Sources
Every figure in this guide was checked against the official sources below on 2 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you apply.
