ImmigrationAugust 8, 2026📖 10 min read

Canada Study Permit & SDS Scheme: Complete Application Guide for Nepalese Applicants (2026)

Detailed walkthrough for international students applying for a Canadian Study Permit, provincial attestation letters (PAL), GIC accounts, and university admissions.

#Canada#IRCC#Study Permit#PAL#Nepal
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# Canada Study Permit & Admissions Guide for Nepalese Students

Pursuing higher education in Canada offers Nepalese students top-tier academic training, diverse cultural environments, and structured post-graduation work opportunities.

With recent changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)—including Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) and adjusted financial proof thresholds—having an up-to-date roadmap is essential.

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Key Framework & Updates

- **Regulatory Body:** IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). - **Financial Proof:** Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of approx. CAD 20,635+ plus 1st year tuition fee confirmation. - **Attestation Letter:** Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required for most undergraduate and master's diploma programs. - **Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):** Up to 3 years PGWP for graduates of eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs).

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Phase 1: Applying to Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

Ensure your target college or university is an official **Designated Learning Institution (DLI)** with an active PGWP eligibility status.

Required Admission Documents: 1. Secondary and Post-Secondary Academic Records. 2. English Language Score: IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall) or PTE Academic (minimum 60). 3. Statement of Intent / Statement of Purpose. 4. Two Letters of Recommendation (Academic/Professional).

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Phase 2: Securing PAL & Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Once accepted: 1. Pay your tuition deposit as required by the university. 2. Obtain your official **Letter of Acceptance (LOA)**. 3. Obtain your **Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)** issued by the provincial government (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta) through your DLI.

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Phase 3: GIC & Financial Requirements

To demonstrate financial capability to IRCC: 1. **Open a Canadian Bank Account:** Purchase a **Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)** from a participating Canadian financial institution (e.g., Scotiabank, CIBC, RBC, ICICI Bank Canada). 2. **Deposit Living Funds:** Deposit the required living allowance (approx. CAD 20,635). 3. **Receive GIC Certificate:** The bank issues a GIC confirmation attesting your funds are locked for your living expenses in Canada.

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Phase 4: IRCC Online Visa Submission & Biometrics

Submit your Study Permit application online via the **GCKey or IRCC Portal**.

Required Documents: - Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) & PAL. - Proof of Financial Support (GIC Certificate + 1st Year Tuition Receipt). - Valid Passport & Digital Photographs. - Statement of Purpose (Letter of Explanation detailing study plan and intent to return). - Upfront Medical Examination Receipt from an authorized panel physician. - Police Clearance Certificate (NOC Nepal).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#### Q1: What is the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)? A GIC is a Canadian investment account that holds your living expense deposit. Once you arrive in Canada, an initial lump sum is released, followed by monthly disbursements over 12 months.

#### Q2: Can Nepalese students work while studying in Canada? Yes, eligible full-time students at DLIs can work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

A GIC is a Canadian investment account that holds your living expense deposit, disbursed monthly upon arrival in Canada.

Can Nepalese students work while studying in Canada?

Yes, eligible full-time students at DLIs can work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.

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Milan Khanal

Author & Engineer

Full-Stack Software Engineer & creator of free immigration checklists and financial tools for Nepalese students worldwide. Dedicated to transparent, accurate educational and software engineering content.