A study plan that stands up to careful review.
Admission is one decision. A study permit is another. A strong application shows the officer why the study makes sense for you now, and how the pieces fit together.
Admission and immigration are connected but distinct
A DLI acceptance answers whether an institution will admit you. A study permit answers whether IRCC will authorize you to study in Canada on those terms. Both decisions must succeed, and each considers different questions.
For most post-secondary applications, a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter is required unless a specific exemption applies. Requirements can change, so we confirm what is current at the time of preparation.
What we help with
- First study-permit applications for post-secondary, primary and secondary studies where eligible
- Institutional admission support and document strategy
- Extensions and changes in conditions
- Reapplications after refusal, prepared with the refusal record in view
- Accompanying family options where current eligibility permits
- Coordination with tuition, funding and travel timing
What we review before recommending an approach
A careful review is not a checklist and does not guarantee an outcome. It does clarify strengths, gaps and risks, and it makes the application easier for an officer to assess.
- Study rationale and academic progression
- Finances and demonstrated ability to pay tuition and living costs
- Ties and temporary-resident intent
- Immigration history and consistency with prior applications
- Institution, program and location choice
- Document consistency and current policy requirements
Support for institutions and referred students
Immigrate Now is the sole immigration representation provider for refused study-permit applicants referred through the University of British Columbia's Concierge Program. Learn more about that program on our UBC Concierge Program page.
A few things clients often ask.
What is the difference between a DLI acceptance and a study permit?
A designated learning institution issues a letter of acceptance based on academic criteria. IRCC decides the study permit based on immigration criteria, including funds, ties, intent and consistency with a study plan. Both are required, and they assess different things.
What are PAL and TAL, and when are they required?
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) confirms that an applicant is included within a provincial or territorial allocation for study-permit intake. Many post-secondary study-permit applications require one, and exemptions depend on the applicant and the program. Starting January 1, 2026, students applying for public degree-granting master's or doctoral programs are among those exempted, but other categories and exemptions can change. A PAL or TAL is not itself an approval or a guarantee of a study permit.
Whether a specific program and applicant fall within a current exemption can be case-specific, and an RCIC or qualified Canadian immigration legal professional can confirm before filing. Book a private consultation.
Can I apply again after a study-permit refusal?
In most cases yes, but the next application should not simply repeat the last one. A careful review of the refusal, the record and any missing evidence usually shows what would need to change before a reapplication has a realistic chance.
Can family accompany a student to Canada?
Depending on the program of study, the level of study and current eligibility rules, a spouse or common-law partner may be able to apply for an open work permit, and dependent children may be able to apply for study or visitor status. Eligibility has narrowed in recent years and should be checked against current policy.
Related services and next steps.
Temporary Residence overview
Where study fits within the broader temporary residence framework.
Work permits and PGWP
How program and institution choice can affect later work-permit eligibility.
After a refusal
Refusal review, reapplication strategy and procedural fairness responses.
Information current as of July 2026. Program rules and intake can change without notice.
This page provides general information about Canadian immigration and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your matter, please book a consultation with an RCIC.
Speak with an RCIC about your matter.
Consultations are available online worldwide and, by appointment, at our Canadian offices.