Canada Student Visa from Bangladesh: Requirements, Application Steps, Fees, Work Rules

From Bangladesh, you’ll apply online for a study permit (to study), plus you’ll automatically get a TRV (visa) or eTA (to travel) if your permit is approved. Most applicants now need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), higher proof-of-funds amounts to study in Canada, and must follow the 24-hour/week off-campus work limit during classes. SDS is closed, so everyone uses the regular stream.

What’s new for 2026–2027

• SDS (fast-track) ended on Nov 8, 2024. All study permit applications now go through the normal (regular) stream. If you applied under SDS before that deadline, IRCC still processes it as SDS.
• PAL/TAL is required for most applicants, including master’s and PhD students as of 2025; Quebec’s CAQ doubles as the PAL. Provinces have yearly caps; PAL/TAL validity ties to the cap year.
• Proof of funds increased.
  • If you apply between Jan 1, 2024, and Aug 31, 2025, show CAD $20,635 for yourself (more if family joins).
  • If you apply on/after Sept 1, 2025: show CAD $22,895 for yourself (scaled by family size). IRCC updates this annually.
• Work limit while studying: Eligible students may work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
• Changing schools: You must be approved for a new study permit before switching DLIs at the post-secondary level. Plan.
• PGWP boost for master’s grads: From Feb 15, 2024, most master’s graduates can get a 3-year PGWP even if the program was under 2 years (min. 8 months). Spousal open work permit (SOWP) tightened (Jan 21, 2025): Only spouses/partners of students in 16-month+ master’s, PhD, specific professional degrees (MD, JD/LLB, PharmD, DVM, BEd, BEng, Nursing degrees), or a small set of eligible bridging programs qualify. Others typically won’t.
  

Study permit vs. entry visa

• The study permit lets you study; it’s not a travel document.
• Once your initial study permit is approved from outside Canada, IRCC automatically issues either a TRV (visa sticker) or an eTA, so you can travel without a separate application needed. You’ll also get a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction to present at the border, where your paper study permit is printed. (If you extend a permit inside Canada later, a new TRV/eTA is not automatic.)

Who’s eligible 

• Offer from a DLI: Secure an acceptance letter and verify the school’s DLI number on the official list.
• PAL/TAL or CAQ (Quebec): Most applicants must upload a PAL/TAL; in Quebec, your CAQ serves this purpose.
• Money: Prove you can pay tuition + living costs (per table above) + return travel. IRCC accepts a mix of documents (tuition receipts, bank statements, loans, scholarships, GIC, etc.).
• Clean record & medical: Provide a police certificate and medical exam if required (only panel physicians can do it).
• Intent: Show you’ll leave Canada when the permit expires (your SOP/letters should make this clear).
  

How to apply for a form outside of Canada

1) Get admitted to a DLI

Receive your Letter of Acceptance (LoA). Check the DLI list.

2) Obtain your PAL/TAL (or CAQ in Quebec)

Your school/province will provide instructions on how to request it; please upload it with your application. PAL/TAL validity follows the cap year rules. 

3) Gather documents

Passport, LoA, PAL/TAL or CAQ, proof of funds, transcripts, language scores (if required by the school), SOP, medical exam (if needed), police certificate (if requested), photos, and any program-specific letters (e.g., co-op).

4) Apply online + pay fees

Use your IRCC account. Fees: study permit CAD $150 + biometrics CAD $85 (family max $170 when applying together).

5) Give biometrics (and medicals if required)

Book promptly after IRCC’s instruction letter. Upfront medicals can speed routine processing. 

6) Track processing

Times vary by country and month; always check the official tool and apply early. If approved, you’ll receive a POE Letter of Introduction, along with the TRV/eTA (if required) for travel. Bring these to the border to receive your study permit.

Fees, funds, and realistic budgets.

• IRCC fees: Study permit $150, biometrics $85 (family max $170). Medicals and tests cost extra.
• Proof of funds (living costs only, outside Quebec):
  • Apply Jan 1, 2024–Aug 31, 2025: single applicant $20,635.
  • Apply starting September 1, 2025: single applicant $22,895. (Add tuition + travel + amounts for each family member per IRCC’s table.)
• What IRCC accepts as proof: tuition receipts, GIC, bank statements (last 4 months), loan/scholarship letters, and sponsor letters with supporting financial documents.

Working in Canada 

• While classes are in session, you can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus if you meet the eligibility criteria (full-time at a DLI in a program ≥ 6 months, etc.). Your permit will show the 24-hour condition. Full-time work is allowed during scheduled breaks.
• After graduation (PGWP): Most master’s grads can get a 3-year PGWP even if the program was < 2 years (min. 8 months), if all other PGWP rules are met.

 

Bringing your spouse/children

• Spouse/partner (SOWP): Eligible only if you study in a 16-month+ master’s, PhD, listed professional degrees (MD, JD/LLB/BCL, PharmD/Pharmacy, DVM, Nursing degrees, BEd, BEng/BASc), or specific eligible provincial programs. Check the official list before applying.
• Children: Minor children typically need a TRV to accompany you (plus standard identity/consent docs).

Common refusal reasons (and how to avoid them)

• Weak study plan/intent (officer not convinced you’ll leave at the end). Make your SOP specific: why this program, why Canada, and how it fits your career in Bangladesh or elsewhere.
• Insufficient or unclear funds. Show sources (history, loans, scholarships) and first-year tuition paid if possible.
• Missing documents / incomplete file. Follow IRCC checklists closely and respond promptly to any requests.
  

After approval: travel & arrival checklist

• Carry-on documents: Passport + TRV/eTA, POE Letter of Introduction, LOA, PAL/TAL (or CAQ), tuition/housing payment proofs, financial proofs, and any medical/police docs. The border officer prints your study permit, checks your work conditions & expiry before you leave the desk.
  

Quick answers (Bangladesh-focused)

• Is SDS an option? No. SDS is closed (since Nov 8, 2024). Apply through the regular process.
• How many hours can I work? 24 hours/week during classes; full-time on scheduled breaks (if eligible).
• Do I apply separately for a visa (TRV/eTA)? Not for your first study permit: it’s automatic with approval. (If you extend your permit in Canada later, a new TRV/eTA is not automatic.)
• Processing time? the It changes use IRCC’s tool for the current estimate and applies early.

Complete document checklist

1. Letter of Acceptance (DLI) + PAL/TAL (or CAQ for Quebec)
2. Passport + photos
3. Proof of funds (per IRCC list)
4. SOP/Study plan, CV, transcripts, test scores (as the school requires)
5. Biometrics (after instruction letter) + medical exam if required
6. Police certificate, if requested by IRCC
7. Any program-specific letters (e.g., co-op)

Pro tips to make it smoother

• Pay a chunk of first-year tuition and secure housing early; this strengthens your financial situation.
• Book biometrics/medicals fast to avoid delays; submit a complete application.
• Changing DLIs? Apply for and get approval on a new study permit before you switch.
  

Sources (official IRCC pages you can bookmark)

PAL/TAL rules & validity; cap details  IRCC notices and guide. Government of Canada+2Government of Canada+2
Proof of funds table (2024–Aug 2025 & Sept 2025+)  IRCC financial support. Government of Canada
SDS closure  IRCC notice (Nov 8, 2024). Government of Canada
Work hours  IRCC “Work off campus” & news release. Government of Canada+1
PGWP for Master’s: IRCC PGWP page & reform information. Government of Canada+1
Spousal OWP eligibility IRCC Spouse-Work Page (Updated Feb 19, 2025) Government of Canada
TRV/eTA with initial approval  IRCC help centre & university guides. IRCC Canada+1
Processing times tool  IRCC checker. Government of Canada
DLI list & panel physicians IRCC.

Talk to Our Education Counsellor Today

Ready to study in Canada but unsure about the new rules? Our counsellor will guide you end-to-end, so you submit a complete, compelling application the first time.

How we help (start to finish):

• Plan your pathway: Pick the right DLI/program aligned to your goals (and PGWP prospects).
• PAL/TAL guidance: We coordinate with your school/province so that your Provincial Attestation Letter is requested and uploaded correctly.
• Proof-of-funds made clear: We map your tuition + updated living costs and help present credible sources (receipts, bank history, loans, scholarships, GIC).
• SOP that convinces: One-to-one drafting to show a genuine study plan and temporary intent is the #1 reason files get refused.
• Documents & deadlines: Medicals, biometrics, police certs, co-op letters, no missing pieces, no last-minute rush.
• Work rules & PGWP brief: Understand the 24 hours/week limit during classes and your PGWP options (including the 3-year PGWP for many master’s programs).
• Family options: Clear advice on spousal work permits (who’s eligible now) and TRVs for children.
• Pre-departure & border: POE checklist (LOA, PAL/TAL, funds) and arrival tips so your permit is printed with the right conditions.

Let’s do this.
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