Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Study permit → PGWP → PRBefore you applyStep 2 of 13

BlockedAlways required · RequiredYou are here

2. Get your letter of acceptance

The school issues a letter of acceptance, and it is always required.

Waiting on: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 2 of 13 · RequiredClose

Get your letter of acceptance

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepStudy permit: get the right documentscanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

The school issues a letter of acceptance, and it is always required. For post-secondary students IRCC asks the school to confirm the letter is valid; if the school doesn't answer by the deadline, the application is returned and the processing fee refunded.

Why it's required: Upload the letter only in the space meant for it. Anything else you put there goes to the school along with it.

ValidationBy the schoolNo answer by the deadline means your application comes back.

Upload carefullyOne slot, one documentExtra files in the letter slot are shared with the school.

Documents you'll need

The letter of acceptance from your school
Confirmation the school will validate it with IRCC

Before this step

Not startedPick a PGWP-eligible school

Finishing this unlocks: Get a PAL or TAL, or a CAQ in Quebec, Show proof of funds