Canada — Study (Bachelor's degree)

Main requirements

A bachelor's admission at a DLI and a PAL/TAL. Per the official source, the 2026 issuance target for PAL-required applicants is about 180,000 permits, split among provinces by population. The school usually requests the PAL after admission; since each province's quota is limited, ask the school whether it still has PAL room before accepting.

Documents

Passport, admission, PAL, proof of funds, translated high-school diploma/transcripts, photo and forms.

Language

The university sets the minimum. A PGWP after a bachelor's needs CLB 7.

Costs and proof of funds

Per Universities Canada 2025-2026, international undergraduate tuition ranges from about CAD 13,000 (e.g. Memorial) to over 63,000 a year (e.g. Toronto). Proof of funds per the official source: first-year tuition + CAD 23,448 (from 1 September 2026). Government fees CAD 150 + 85.

Steps and timeline

Language; applications; admission; PAL; funds; study permit; biometrics outside Iran; visa and arrival. Processing from Iran is about 20 weeks per IRCC data.

Notes for Iranian applicants

For male high-school graduates subject to conscription, leaving Iran for a bachelor's is usually the biggest obstacle; settle military status before spending money. Biometrics and passport submission are outside Iran. The worldwide study permit refusal rate was about 59% in 2025; transparent funds and a coherent study plan are key.

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

Work up to 24 hours a week in term, unlimited in breaks. Spouses of bachelor's students can't get an open work permit, except for IRCC's listed professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, law, nursing, education (BEd) and engineering (BEng/BASc). A bachelor's of 2+ years leads to a PGWP of up to 3 years, no field-of-study rule. Then CEC under Express Entry.