Planning to study in Canada in 2026? You’re not alone—and you’re also not imagining it: IRCC policies can change fast. One week it’s one portal, the next week it’s a different workflow. This guide breaks the process down in plain language, so you can apply with confidence—even if the portal experience feels confusing.
In this detailed, Study guide, you’ll learn:
- What IRCC’s “old portal” process looks like (GCKey + IRCC Secure Account)
- How to download, fill, validate, and upload required PDF forms
- What the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is and who needs it
- Which documents are typically required (and how to upload them correctly)
- Common mistakes that cause refusals—and how to avoid them
- A practical application timeline for 2026 intakes
Important: IRCC updates pages and rules often. Always verify key requirements on official IRCC pages before you submit. I’ve included official reference links throughout this article.
What’s New in 2026? (Why People Are Confused)
IRCC has introduced and adjusted multiple systems over time. Many applicants got used to newer guided interfaces—but in many cases, the “classic” workflow still matters because it relies on downloadable PDF forms you must validate and upload.
In the old workflow, you typically:
- Create an account (GCKey) in the IRCC secure system
- Answer eligibility questions
- Receive a personalized document checklist
- Download forms (for example, IMM1294 and IMM5645)
- Fill them on your computer, click Validate, then upload the validated PDFs
- Upload supporting documents and pay fees
Also, the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) has become a major requirement for many applicants depending on program level and rules in effect for your application type. PAL requirements can vary by category and time period, so your safest move is to confirm using IRCC’s official study permit pages before submission.
Official references: Start from IRCC’s study permit pages and follow the “How to apply” instructions carefully: IRCC Study Permit (Official).
Who Can Apply for a Canada Study Permit in 2026?
Generally, you apply for a Canada study permit if you plan to study in Canada for more than 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). IRCC defines a DLI as an approved school that can host international students.
Before you even think about the portal, confirm these basics:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI
- PAL (if required) issued through your province/territory process (often facilitated by the school)
- Proof you can pay: tuition + living expenses + travel
- A valid passport and clean, consistent personal history
Backlink (official): If you’re unsure whether your school is a DLI, use the official Designated Learning Institutions list and confirm the DLI number exactly (small differences matter).
Canada Study Permit Requirements (2026 Checklist)
Requirements can vary by country and personal circumstances, but these are the most common items IRCC expects when you apply online:
1) Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Your LOA must come from a DLI. It usually contains your program, start/end dates, campus location, tuition, and sometimes your student ID.
2) Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (If Required)
In many cases, you must include a PAL in your application. PAL timing can cause delays, so confirm early and follow up with your school. Upload the PAL exactly where the portal asks for it.
3) Proof of Identity
- Passport bio-data page (and any pages required by your checklist)
- Passport photograph (digital photo with required dimensions)
- National ID (if your checklist requests it)
4) Proof of Funds
IRCC wants to see you can cover your expenses. Common proof includes:
- Bank statements (commonly several months)
- Bank reference letter
- Tuition payment receipts (if already paid)
- Sponsor documents (if parents/sponsor is paying)
- Pay slips, business documents, or income evidence
- Assets (optional, but can strengthen “ties” and capacity)
5) SOP / Letter of Explanation
Your Statement of Purpose (often uploaded under “Client Information”) can make or break the application. It should clearly explain:
- Why this program and why this school
- Why Canada (and why now)
- How the program fits your career path
- Who is funding you and how
- Your study plan and post-study plan
6) Medical Exam (If Required)
Depending on your country and travel history, you may be required to complete an immigration medical exam with an approved panel physician.
7) Biometrics
Most first-time applicants provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Biometrics can remain valid for a period, but confirm your status in your IRCC account.
How the “Old Portal” Works (GCKey + IRCC Secure Account)
The old portal is not scary—it’s just more manual. Instead of filling everything inside a single guided interface, you’ll download certain forms, complete them offline, validate them, and upload them back into the portal.
IRCC commonly uses the following account system:
- GCKey (username + password + security questions)
- Two-factor authentication (authenticator code)
- Application dashboard to start and track your submission
Pro tip: Save your recovery questions and backup codes securely. If you lose access, it can be stressful to regain control of your account.
Official backlink (apply steps): Begin from IRCC’s “Get a study permit” instructions here: Get your documents ready (IRCC) and then follow their “How to apply” flow.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Canada Study Permit in 2026 (Old Portal)
Step 1: Go to IRCC and Find the Study Permit Application Page
Start at the official IRCC website and navigate to the study permit section. Always use the official website (avoid random “portal links” from unofficial sources).
Step 2: Check Processing Time for Your Country
Processing times vary by country and season. Use the official tool to avoid guesswork:
Step 3: Create/Sign In to Your IRCC Secure Account (GCKey)
- Register for GCKey
- Set strong security questions
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Save recovery codes (very important)
Step 4: Start a New Application (Eligibility Questions)
Inside the account dashboard, choose: Apply to come to Canada → then proceed without a reference code → answer the eligibility questions for study.
Typical answers include:
- I want to study in Canada
- My program is more than 6 months
- I have a Letter of Acceptance (and PAL if required)
- I can upload digital copies and pay online
Step 5: Get Your Personalized Document Checklist
After the eligibility questions, the system generates your document checklist. This checklist determines exactly what you must upload—and in what format.
Step 6: Download Required Forms (Usually IMM1294 + IMM5645)
Most study permit applicants outside Canada will see key PDF forms like:
- IMM1294 — Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada
- IMM5645 — Family Information
Step 7: Fill, Validate, Save, and Upload the Forms
Open the PDFs on a computer (not your phone), fill every required field, and click Validate. After validation, the form generates barcodes. Save the validated PDF and upload it to the portal.
Step 8: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload your LOA, passport pages, PAL, proof of funds, photo, medical proof (if required), and any extra documents under “Client Information.”
Step 9: Pay Fees and Submit
After all uploads are complete, you’ll pay online and submit your application. Your dashboard will show the application status and updates.
How to Fill IMM1294 + IMM5645 (Without Errors)
These two forms cause a lot of mistakes because people rush or guess. Here’s how to get them right.
IMM1294: Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada
Key fields you must complete carefully:
- Personal details (name exactly as passport, DOB, country of birth)
- Passport details (number, issue/expiry dates, country of issue)
- School information (DLI number, address, program dates)
- Funds available (make sure this matches your bank proof and tuition plan)
- PAL details (if required: number and validity dates)
- Background questions (answer truthfully and consistently)
Validation is not optional: After completing IMM1294, click Validate. If you don’t validate, the portal may reject the upload or IRCC may treat it as incomplete.
IMM5645: Family Information
Provide accurate details for:
- Mother and father
- Spouse/common-law partner (if applicable)
- Children (if applicable)
- Brothers and sisters (if requested)
Consistency matters: Names, dates, and addresses should align with your SOP and other documents.
How to Upload Documents Correctly (The 4MB Rule + Merging)
One of the biggest reasons people get stuck is simple: file sizes and document formatting.
The “One File Per Slot” Rule
The portal typically allows one file upload per document type. That means if you have multiple pages (passport stamps, multiple bank statements, tuition receipts), you must merge them into a single file.
Maximum File Size (Often 4MB)
If your file is bigger than the portal limit, compress it before uploading. Keep it readable—don’t compress until it becomes blurry.
What to Upload Under “Client Information”
This is your strongest “extra evidence” space. Common items to merge into one PDF:
- SOP/Letter of Explanation (put this first)
- Additional sponsor letters
- Employment proof
- Property documents (optional)
- Any extra clarifications (gaps, travel history, etc.)
High-impact tip: Add a simple “Table of Contents” on page 1 of your Client Information PDF. It makes the officer’s job easier—and improves readability.
Fees, Biometrics & Processing Times (2026)
Study Permit Fee
The standard study permit application fee is typically listed by IRCC. Always confirm the latest official fee table before payment.
Official backlink: Check current fees here: IRCC Fees (Official).
Biometrics Fee
Many applicants also pay biometrics. If you’ve given biometrics recently, they may still be valid—your account can show your biometrics status.
Official backlink: Biometrics info: IRCC Biometrics (Official).
Processing Time
Processing times vary by country and time of year. Use the official tool (don’t rely on TikTok comments):
Top Reasons Canada Study Permits Get Refused (And How to Avoid Them)
Refusals are painful—but many are preventable. Here are the most common issues:
1) Weak SOP / Unclear Study Plan
If your SOP doesn’t explain your program choice and career direction clearly, officers may doubt your purpose.
2) Insufficient Proof of Funds
Funds must be clear, consistent, and believable. Avoid sudden large deposits without explanation.
3) Missing or Incorrect Documents
Not validating IMM forms, missing passport pages, or uploading the wrong file in the wrong slot can sink the application.
4) PAL Issues (If Required)
If PAL is required and you forget it—or your PAL is inconsistent—your application can be delayed or refused.
5) Inconsistencies Across Documents
Name spellings, dates, addresses, employment history—everything must match. Inconsistencies raise red flags.
Canada Study Permit 2026 Application Timeline (Practical Month-by-Month)
If you want a smooth process, time is everything. Here’s a realistic timeline for a major intake (example: September/Fall 2026). Adjust based on your school deadlines and country processing time.
January – February 2026
- Shortlist programs and confirm DLI status
- Prepare academic documents and transcripts
- Start IELTS/TOEFL/PTE prep if needed
March – April 2026
- Submit school applications
- Prepare SOP draft and sponsor plan
- Organize proof of funds documentation
May – June 2026
- Receive LOA
- Request PAL (if required) through your school/province workflow
- Pay tuition deposit (or full tuition if your plan supports it)
July – August 2026
- Complete medical exam (if required)
- Apply for study permit online (old portal workflow)
- Give biometrics when instructed
September 2026
- Track application updates and respond quickly to IRCC requests
- Prepare travel plan only after approval steps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I always need a PAL for a 2026 study permit?
Not always. PAL rules can depend on your program level and current IRCC policies. Confirm on IRCC’s official study permit pages and your school’s instructions before submitting.
Can I apply without validating IMM1294?
You should validate it. Validation creates barcodes and confirms fields are completed. Unvalidated forms often cause issues.
What if my PDF is bigger than the upload limit?
Compress it, reduce scan resolution carefully, or split documents where the portal allows separate slots (but remember: one file per slot).
What documents should go into “Client Information”?
Your SOP should be first, followed by additional supporting documents you want the officer to see (ties, sponsor proof, extra explanations).
How do I confirm my school is DLI approved?
Use the official DLI list and verify the DLI number exactly: Designated Learning Institutions list.
Final Thoughts (And What to Do Next)
The “old portal” process is actually straightforward once you understand the workflow: get LOA + PAL (if required) → answer eligibility questions → download forms → validate → upload → pay → submit.
If you want your application to stand out in a good way, focus on clarity:
- A strong SOP with a clear study plan
- Clean, consistent documentation
- Proper file merging + readable scans
- Accurate forms (validated!)
Need help choosing a program or preparing a strong application package? You can contact a study consultant for guidance, admission support, and a document review before submission.
CTA: Ready to apply for Canada 2026? Get your LOA, confirm PAL requirements early, and start your IRCC application as soon as your documents are complete.