Residence permit — Canada: requirements, steps and timelines

Main Types of Residence Permits in Canada

Canada does not issue a single "residence permit" document. Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages a suite of distinct permits and authorisations, each corresponding to a specific purpose of stay. All are governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations (IRPR). The main categories are:

This guide focuses primarily on temporary residence permits (Study Permit, Work Permit, TRP) and provides an overview of Permanent Residence pathways. Always verify current conditions on the official IRCC portal: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.

Eligibility Requirements

Study Permit

• Have a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• As of 2024, applicants from most provinces must also present a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL) before applying (Quebec applicants obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec – CAQ instead).
• Prove sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return travel.
• Show intent to leave Canada upon expiry of the permit.
• Be free of criminal and security inadmissibility.
• Pass a medical examination if required by IRCC.
• Note: A study permit is required for programs longer than six months. If you take a course that is six months or less, you do not need a study permit.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates is required for anyone applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit on or after November 1, 2024.

Work Permit (Closed — LMIA-based)

• A valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), showing no qualified Canadian was available for the role.
• A written job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Meet qualifications required for the specific occupation.
• Medical examination if the occupation involves working with vulnerable populations.

Work Permit (Closed — LMIA-exempt)

• Under international agreements such as CUSMA/USMCA (traders, investors, intra-company transferees, professionals), or
• Under the International Mobility Program (IMP) — includes intra-company transferees, significant benefit to Canada, reciprocal employment, etc.
• Eligible categories from inside Canada include: being a trader, investor, intra-company transferee or professional under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), or being a Quebec skilled worker.

Open Work Permit (OWP)

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): You're eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid. You must have graduated from a PGWP-eligible DLI.
• Spousal OWP (spouse of worker): As of January 21, 2025, spouses of foreign workers are eligible if the worker is employed in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, or in select TEER 2 and 3 occupations — specifically trades and transport (NOC 72xxx/73xxx) and natural resources and agriculture (NOC 82xxx/83xxx). Spouses of workers in many TEER 2/3 business, sales, service and manufacturing roles are no longer eligible.
• Spousal OWP (spouse of student): As of January 21, 2025, spouses of international students are eligible only if the student is enrolled in a graduate-level program (master's or doctoral) or a specific professional program. Spouses of most undergraduate and college students no longer qualify.

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

• Reserved for individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada but have a compelling reason to enter or remain.
• Granted on a case-by-case basis; IRCC or a CBSA officer weighs the need against the risk.
• If you hold a TRP valid for 6 months or more, you or your spouse, common-law partner or parent may be eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada.
• To study while holding a TRP, if you wish to take a course longer than six months, you will need a study permit in addition to your TRP.

Permanent Residence (overview)

• Express Entry: Points-based system managing the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates create a profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province nominates candidates meeting local labour market needs.
• Family Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and other relatives.
• Refugee & Humanitarian: Convention refugees, protected persons, and humanitarian/compassionate applications.

Required Documents

Study Permit — Standard Checklist

1. Valid passport (must be valid beyond the intended stay).
2. Letter of Acceptance from a DLI.
3. Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL) — required since 2024 for most applicants (or CAQ for Quebec).
4. Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, proof of GIC — Guaranteed Investment Certificate of at least CAD 20,635 for living expenses, updated 2024).
5. Completed application forms (IMM 1294 and accompanying schedules, completed online via IRCC secure account).
6. Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) — temporary residence applicants (visitor visas, study permits, work permits) only need to give biometrics once every 10 years.
7. Immigration medical examination (IME) if required by IRCC based on country of origin or intended occupation.
8. Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications.
9. Custodian declaration (IMM 5646) if the applicant is a minor.
10. Statement of purpose (written letter explaining study plans and intent to return home).

Work Permit (LMIA-based) — Standard Checklist

1. Valid passport.
2. Positive LMIA copy from ESDC.
3. Job offer letter (employer name, job title, NOC code, wages, duration).
4. Proof of qualifications (diplomas, transcripts, professional licences).
5. Completed forms (IMM 1295 for outside Canada; IMM 5710 for inside Canada).
6. Biometrics (if not already on file within the past 10 years).
7. Medical examination if applicable (e.g., healthcare workers, teachers, agricultural workers).

Temporary Resident Permit — Standard Checklist

1. Valid passport.
2. IMM 1442 (Application for a Temporary Resident Permit).
3. Detailed written explanation of the reason for the request and the compelling justification for entry despite inadmissibility.
4. Supporting evidence relevant to the reason for inadmissibility (e.g., court documents, medical records).
5. Biometrics.
6. Fee payment receipt.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Step 1 — Determine your eligibility and permit type

Use the IRCC eligibility tool available at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool to identify the right pathway. Confirm your DLI is designated, check your NOC code for work permits, and verify your inadmissibility status for TRPs.

Step 2 — Gather your documents

Collect all items from the relevant checklist above. Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions on the IRCC portal. IRCC uses your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you. Ensure all documents are translated into English or French by a certified translator if they are in another language.

Step 3 — Create or log in to your IRCC Secure Account

Go to canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account. All online applications are submitted through this portal. You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to track your application, upload documents, and receive correspondence from IRCC.

Step 4 — Complete and submit the application online

Fill in all required IMM forms digitally. Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form. Double-check all answers — errors or omissions are the most common reason for delays or refusals.

Step 5 — Pay the application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application. IRCC will ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application. Payment is made online by credit or debit card. Keep your official receipt.

Step 6 — Submit biometrics

Follow these steps when you apply for your visa or permit: pay the biometrics fee when you apply; wait for your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL); use the BIL that was issued for this application; book an appointment and visit an official biometric collection location to give your biometrics. Biometric collection points include Canada Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide.

Step 7 — Attend a medical examination (if required)

Only if IRCC requests it. You must use a Panel Physician designated by IRCC. Find the list at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams/requirements-temporary-residents.

Step 8 — Wait for a decision and receive your documents

Track your application status through your IRCC secure account. If approved for a study or work permit, you will first receive a Port of Entry (PoE) Letter of Introduction; the actual permit document is issued by a CBSA officer upon arrival at the Canadian border. If IRCC approves your study permit application, they will also automatically give you either a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your passport or travel document.

Where to submit

• Online (recommended): IRCC Secure Account — canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account
• Paper (in limited cases): Mail to the IRCC processing centre indicated in the instruction guide for your specific application kit. Paper applications typically have longer processing times.
• At a port of entry: Only for specific LMIA-exempt work permits (e.g., CUSMA professionals) where an officer can issue the permit directly.
• At a Visa Application Centre (VAC): For biometric collection and, in some countries, paper application drop-off.

Processing Times and Fees

Processing times vary by permit type, country of application, and application volume. Always check the live processing time tool at ircc.canada.ca/english/information/times/index.asp before filing, as times change regularly.

Official government fees start at CAD 150 for a study permit, CAD 155 for a work permit plus CAD 100 for the open-work-permit holder fee where relevant, and CAD 85 for biometrics per person. Fees are subject to change; always verify on the official IRCC fee page at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence/collect-forms/government-fees before submitting.

Renewal of Permits

Study Permit Renewal

• Apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires (90 days recommended) to benefit from the "maintained status" (implied status) rule — you may continue studying while your renewal is pending, provided you applied before expiry.
• Submit via your IRCC Secure Account using the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM 5709).
• For applicants who require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, the renewal of a study permit does not affect your TRV. It is your responsibility to ensure your TRV remains valid if you wish to leave and re-enter Canada.
• Fee: CAD $150. Processing time: varies; apply well in advance.

Work Permit Renewal

• Apply before the current permit expires. You may continue working under implied status if you applied before expiry, until a decision is made.
• Use form IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker).
• For LMIA-based permits, a new or extended LMIA is generally required for renewal unless exempt.
• Fee: CAD $155 + $100 OWP holder fee if applicable.

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Renewal

• A TRP can be renewed inside Canada. Submit a new IMM 1442 with updated justification documents.
• After holding a valid TRP for 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence under the TRP Holder class (Guide 5527, IMM 5534).

Status Restoration

If you lost your status less than 90 days ago, you may be able to apply to restore it and get a new permit through the regular application process. Restoration must be applied for from inside Canada. The restoration fee is in addition to the new permit fee.

FAQ

Can I work while studying in Canada on a study permit?

Yes, in most cases. Study permit holders enrolled at a DLI are generally authorized to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., winter and summer holidays). This authorization is typically built into the study permit — no separate work permit is needed. However, you must be actively enrolled and in good academic standing. Work authorisation conditions are printed directly on your study permit; always read the document carefully. For further details, see: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work.

What is the difference between a closed work permit and an open work permit?

A closed (employer-specific) work permit ties you to a single employer, a specific job, and often a single location. You cannot change jobs or provinces without obtaining a new work permit. An open work permit (OWP), by contrast, lets you work for almost any employer in Canada and in any location, without a job offer requirement. Examples of OWPs include the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), spousal OWPs, and bridging open work permits for PR applicants. Because the eligibility list changes, always confirm the current criteria on the official IRCC page before applying.

What happened to the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?

IRCC ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) on November 8, 2024, along with the parallel Nigeria Student Express stream. SDS had offered faster processing for students from 14 source countries who met financial and language criteria. Applicants from those countries now use the regular study-permit channel. Additionally, for 2025, Canada announced a reduction in the intake cap on international student study permits based on a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000 new study permits issued. All applicants should now