Study in Canada — your diploma,
your work permit, your PR
We guide international students from program selection through admission, study permit approval, and beyond — with a focus on programs that lead to a PGWP and a clear pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
right program
study permit
work 24h/wk
& get PGWP
experience
→ PR
(Sep 2025, excl. tuition)
during studies
graduation
programs (2026)
processing time
Two essential services — admission and immigration, together
Most immigration consultants help with the study permit. Most education agents help with admission. We do both — through a single RCIC-guided process that connects your program selection directly to your PR pathway.
College & University Admission
We identify and apply to the right institution and program — one that qualifies for PGWP and aligns with your PR goals, not just any available seat.
- Program selection strategy — We match your background, language level, budget, and PR goals to programs at community colleges, polytechnics, and universities across Canada
- PGWP eligibility check before you apply — We verify your program leads to a PGWP and is at a qualifying DLI — not all programs are eligible
- Application preparation and submission — Transcripts, statement of purpose, reference letters, and all admission requirements
- PAL/TAL guidance — We help you understand whether you need a Provincial Attestation Letter and coordinate accordingly
- All institution types — Community colleges, polytechnics, and universities — including programs in healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, and transport
Study Permit Application (RCIC)
A licensed RCIC prepares and submits your complete study permit application — maximizing your chances of approval and protecting your future PR pathway from day one.
- Eligibility assessment — RCIC verifies your eligibility, identifies red flags before submission, and confirms compliance with all IRCC requirements
- Complete application preparation — All forms, LOA review, proof of funds strategy, PAL/TAL coordination, biometrics guidance
- Statement of purpose / letter of explanation — Professionally written to address temporary intent, ties to home country, and study goals
- Refusal strategy for reapplication — If previously refused, we analyze the refusal, request GCMS notes, and rebuild a stronger application
- Post-arrival guidance — Work conditions, SIN, PGWP timing, and PR pathway planning from the first day of study
We help with admission to every type of Canadian institution
We work across all institution types — but our primary focus is on programs that lead to a PGWP, Canadian work experience, and ultimately permanent residence. Not every program or school qualifies for PGWP. We check before you apply.
Community Colleges
2–3 year diploma programs in healthcare, trades, technology, and business. Most PGWP-eligible programs are at public community colleges.
PGWP eligible (select programs)Polytechnics
Applied degrees and advanced diplomas combining academic and hands-on training. Often the best blend of affordability and career readiness.
PGWP eligible (public DLI)Universities
Bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. All degree graduates (Bachelor's/Master's/PhD) are exempt from field-of-study restrictions for PGWP.
PGWP eligible — all degreesLanguage & Pathway Programs
ESL, academic upgrading, and pathway programs leading into credit programs. These are stepping stones — not PGWP-eligible on their own.
Not PGWP eligible aloneMany private colleges deliver programs under public–private partnership (PPP) curriculum licensing arrangements — meaning they use curriculum from a public college but are not the public institution. Graduates of these programs are NOT eligible for a PGWP. Always verify that you are enrolled at the public DLI itself, not a private partner. We check this for every program we recommend.
PGWP-eligible programs — the 6 sectors that lead to Canadian PR
Not all programs at eligible DLIs qualify for a PGWP. For non-degree (diploma/certificate) programs, your program must fall within one of these approved sectors aligned to Canada's labour shortages. IRCC confirmed in January 2026 that the eligible list is frozen for all of 2026 — 1,107 approved programs, no changes until at least 2027.
If you graduate with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a public DLI in Canada, you qualify for a PGWP regardless of your field of study. The restrictions below apply only to diploma, certificate, and other non-degree programs. Master's students also automatically receive a 3-year PGWP.
Healthcare & Social Services
Highest demand — 34 occupations in deficit through 2033
- Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) / LPN diploma
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Dental Hygiene & Dental Assisting
- Pharmacy Technician
- Personal Support Worker (PSW)
- Social Service Worker
- Early Childhood Education (ECE)
- Paramedic / Emergency Medical Services
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Civil / Mechanical / Electrical Engineering Technology
- Computer Systems Technician / Technology
- Cybersecurity & Network Administration
- Environmental Technology / Science
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Renewable Energy Technology
- Industrial Automation & Robotics
- Geomatics / Surveying Technology
Trades & Construction
Infrastructure, housing & skilled trades — chronic shortage
- Electrician / Electrical Techniques
- Plumbing & Pipefitting
- Welding Technology
- HVAC & Refrigeration
- Construction Management / Project Management
- Carpentry & Cabinetmaking
- Automotive Service Technician
- Millwright / Industrial Mechanic
Agriculture & Agri-Food
Farm management, food production & supply chain
- Agricultural Business / Farm Management
- Horticulture Technician
- Food Science Technology
- Landscape Horticulture
- Agri-Food Production Operations
- Sustainable Agriculture
Transport & Logistics
Supply chain, trucking & rail — nationwide demand
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Commercial Truck Driver / Operator
- Railway Operations / Conductor
- Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Marine Engineering Technician
- Fleet Management & Operations
Education
Added as Express Entry category — growing PR pathway
- Early Childhood Education (ECE) — also under Health
- Educational Assistant / Teacher's Assistant
- Child & Youth Worker
- Adult Education & Training
- Special Education (select programs)
PGWP Duration — how long will your work permit be?
PGWP is valid up to your passport expiry date — renew your passport before applying for PGWP if it expires early. PGWP is a one-time lifetime permit.
We verify PGWP eligibility before you pay a deposit to any institution
Choosing the wrong program can cost you years. We check DLI status, program CIP code, PGWP eligibility, and PR pathway alignment before you commit. Book a 15-minute consultation to start planning your Canadian education strategy.
Study Permit eligibility — what IRCC assesses
Every study permit application is assessed against the same core criteria. Meeting the minimum requirements doesn't guarantee approval — the officer must be satisfied you are a genuine student who will follow the rules and leave Canada when authorized.
The fast-track 20-day SDS processing is permanently closed. All applications now processed through the regular stream.
Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter required for most undergrad/private students. Master's & PhD at public DLIs: EXEMPT from Jan 1, 2026.
New minimum: $22,895 CAD for living expenses (per year, excluding tuition and travel) for a single student outside Quebec.
Permanently raised from 20 to 24 hours/week during academic terms. Full-time during scheduled breaks.
Core eligibility requirements for a Canadian study permit
Proof of funds required (Sep 1, 2025 — outside Quebec)
Study Permit Eligibility Calculator
Answer a few questions to check your eligibility for a Canadian study permit, understand whether you need a PAL, and find out if your planned program leads to a PGWP and PR pathway.
Check your eligibility, PAL requirement, and PGWP pathway
Based on 2026 IRCC rules: PAL exemption for master's/PhD (Jan 1, 2026), PGWP field-of-study rules (Nov 2024), $22,895 living funds (Sep 2025).
Our RCIC will review your full profile and build the strongest possible study permit application.
How we guide you — from program selection to your first day of work in Canada
Initial consultation — strategy before application
We start with a consultation to understand your background, goals, language scores, budget, and timeline. We then map out which programs and institutions align with your PR pathway — before you spend a cent on applications.
Program and institution selection
We identify 2–4 programs that: (a) you qualify for admission-wise, (b) lead to a PGWP, (c) are in a strong PR-pathway sector, and (d) fit your budget. We verify each institution is a public DLI with PGWP rights and not a PPP arrangement.
Admission application & Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
We prepare and submit your admission application — transcripts, credentials, statement of purpose, reference letters, language test results. Once accepted, the institution issues your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which is the foundation of your study permit application.
PAL / TAL coordination (if required)
If you need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), we coordinate with the institution to ensure you receive it within your province's allocation. Master's and PhD students at public DLIs are exempt from Jan 1, 2026.
Study permit application preparation (RCIC-guided)
Our RCIC prepares your complete IRCC application: IMM 1294 form, proof of funds documentation (bank statements, GIC, sponsorship), statement of purpose / letter of explanation, passport, IME if required, police clearance, and all supporting documents. Every application is reviewed by a licensed RCIC before submission.
Submit, biometrics, and track
Application submitted online through the IRCC portal. After submission, you'll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter — visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give biometrics within 30 days. Processing begins after biometrics are received. Current processing: 8–16 weeks from outside Canada.
Approval, travel, and arrival in Canada
On approval, you receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction. Carry this and your LOA to the border — a CBSA officer issues your study permit on arrival. Your permit restricts you to the DLI named — you cannot change schools without a new study permit.
Study, work 24 hours/week, and plan for PGWP
Once enrolled, you can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. We help you plan your PGWP application timing — it must be submitted within 180 days of program completion. PGWP opens the door to Express Entry (CEC) and permanent residence.
Documents required for a Canadian study permit
Transcripts, financial documents, police certificates, and any other documents in a language other than English or French must include a certified English or French translation. The translator's credentials must be included. This is a common cause of processing delays.
Book a consultation — we handle both admission and your study permit
Our team combines RCIC immigration expertise with education consulting — so you get the right program at the right school with the strongest possible study permit application. Start with a 15-minute paid consultation or a free assessment.
Your Canadian education is step one of
your path to permanent residence
The right program at the right school leads to a PGWP, Canadian work experience, and Express Entry eligibility. We help you get every step right — from the first application to the PR approval.
Harikrishnan Nair — RCIC R731549 · CICC & CAPIC Member · Litmus Immigration · Calgary, Alberta