Study in Canada

Canada study permit from Nepal, step by step

Last verified 21 Oct 2026

Processing time

5 weeks

Current processing time for study permit applications made from Nepal (outside Canada).

Last verified 21 Oct 2026 · Official source

Visa fee

CA$150

Study permit fee per person. Biometrics cost CAD 85 more.

Last verified 21 Oct 2026 · Official source

Work while studying

24 hrs/week

Off campus during regular school terms. No hour limit during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays.

Last verified 21 Oct 2026 · Official source

Stay after graduating

Up to 3 years

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Master's graduates can get 3 years even after a shorter programme (at least 8 months); other programmes under 2 years get up to their length.

Last verified 21 Oct 2026 · Official source

A study permit lets you study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. You apply online from Nepal and give biometrics at a visa application centre.

Documents you will need

A valid passport
A letter of acceptance from a DLI
A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), or proof you are exempt (a CAQ for Quebec)
Proof of funds: first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living costs, and travel
Any other documents the online checklist asks for

The application, step by step

Get your letter of acceptance
Apply to a DLI and accept the offer. The letter is the centre of your file.
Get your PAL/TAL
Your institution usually arranges it. Public-institution master's and doctoral students are exempt from 1 January 2026.
Gather proof of funds
Show you can pay first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 a year for living costs (single student, outside Quebec), and travel.
Apply online and give biometrics
Pay CAD 150 plus CAD 85 for biometrics, then attend your biometrics appointment.

Key rules to know

Rule	What it means
Attestation letter (PAL/TAL)	Usually required You need a provincial or territorial attestation letter from the province where you will study. From 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students at a public institution are exempt. Quebec students need a CAQ instead. Last verified 21 Oct 2026 · Official source
Biometrics	CAD 85 per person Paid with your application. You give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre. Last verified 21 Oct 2026 · Official source
Bringing your spouse	Master's 16+ months, PhD or professional degree Your spouse or partner can get an open work permit only if you are in a master's programme of 16 months or longer, a doctoral programme, certain professional degrees, or an eligible pilot programme. Last verified 21 Oct 2026 · Official source
Funds amount changed	CAD 23,448 from 1 September 2026 It was CAD 22,895 for applications made between 1 January 2025 and 31 August 2026. IRCC updates the amount every year. Last verified 21 Oct 2026 · Official source

Common questions

How long does a Canada study permit take from Nepal?

IRCC's current processing time for study permit applications made from Nepal is 5 weeks. It changes regularly, so check the official tool before you apply.

Who is exempt from the provincial attestation letter?

From 1 January 2026, students in a master's or doctoral degree programme at a public designated learning institution are exempt. They must still provide proof of the exemption.

How many hours can I work in Canada as a student?

Up to 24 hours a week off campus during regular school terms, and with no hour limit during scheduled breaks.