Canada — Study (Master's at a public university)

Main requirements

You need a master's admission from a public designated learning institution (DLI). Per the official source, since 1 January 2026 master's and doctoral students in degree-granting programs at public DLIs no longer need a provincial/territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). Master's at private institutions or non-degree programs still need one. The 2026 cap is about 408,000 study permits, of which only 155,000 are for newly arriving students.

Documents

Valid passport; letter of acceptance (LOA); proof of funds; translated degree and transcripts; photo and IRCC online forms. Officers may ask for a medical exam, police certificate, more documents or an interview. Per the official table, Iran is not on the list that automatically triggers a medical exam for temporary residents (unless your job or situation requires it).

Language

IRCC sets no minimum score for the study permit; the university does. For a PGWP later, university graduates need CLB 7 in all four skills (IELTS General 6.0 in each). IELTS Academic isn't accepted for the PGWP; only IELTS General Training, CELPIP, PTE Core or TEF/TCF.

Costs and proof of funds

Per the official source, for applications from 1 September 2026, outside Quebec you must show first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living (and CAD 6,318 per accompanying family member). Quebec requires a CAQ and has its own amounts. International master's tuition per Universities Canada 2025-2026 ranges from about CAD 5,300 to nearly 40,000 a year (this table covers arts and humanities and the 2026-2027 table isn't out yet, so take exact fees from the university's site); thesis-based programs sometimes come with funding or assistantships. Government fees: CAD 150 study permit + CAD 85 biometrics. Proof can be 6 months of bank statements, a GIC, an education loan, a scholarship or a sponsor letter.

Steps and timeline

Language test and documents; applications and admission; proof of funds; online study permit application; biometrics outside Iran; decision and passport submission for the visa; arrival and permit issued at the airport. IRCC data (updated 7 October 2026) shows about 20 weeks for study permits applied from Iran (Turkey 6, UAE 5 weeks). The whole path usually takes 1 to 1.5 years.

Notes for Iranian applicants

Canada has had no visa section in Tehran since 2012; IRCC lists the Ankara office as responsible for Iran. There is no VAC in Iran and, per the official source, you can use any other VAC; the nearest on IRCC's list are Yerevan, Tbilisi, Istanbul and Ankara, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Baku (check that country's entry rules for Iranians first). You have 30 days from receiving the biometric instruction letter (BIL) and can ask for more time. After approval the passport must be sent for the visa, meaning another trip or courier. IRCC states that the IRGC is listed as a terrorist entity in Canada, senior regime officials are inadmissible, and Iran-linked files get comprehensive security assessments that may lengthen processing; declare military and government work history fully and honestly. The worldwide study permit refusal rate was about 59% in 2025, so a coherent study plan and transparent funds matter. Paying tuition is hard under sanctions; keep a documented money trail. Men should settle military-service status and exit permission before applying.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, PR path)

Per the official source, you can work up to 24 hours a week off campus in term and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. Spouses of students in master's programs of 16 months or longer can get an open work permit; shorter programs don't qualify. After a master's of at least 8 months you can get a PGWP of up to 3 years with no field-of-study rule, given CLB 7. After a year of skilled Canadian work you can enter Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class; 2026 CEC draws were regular with cut-offs around 507 to 523. Ontario's Master's Graduate stream closed in late June 2026 and was replaced by a stream that needs a job offer.