Before preparing a Canadian study application, read the current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) document guidance. An admission offer and immigration permission are separate steps.

Start with the document categories

IRCC guidance covers acceptance, identity and financial support. It also explains provincial or territorial attestation letters and the arrangements for Quebec. Check which instructions and exceptions apply to your situation rather than relying on an old checklist.

Plan the full cost of study

IRCC states that financial support must cover tuition, living expenses and transportation, including accompanying family members where applicable, without relying on work in Canada. Use its current figures when preparing your budget.

Build a preparation timeline

As an organising exercise, list your intended course, intake, academic records, passport details and funding documents. Add the institution’s deadlines and allow time to obtain documents from their original issuers.

Keep your records consistent

Check that your name and dates agree across academic and identity documents. Save correspondence with the institution and ask the issuer to correct any errors. This article is a starting point for research, not a complete application checklist.

Official sources: IRCC document guidance and financial support requirements. Checked 11 October 2026. Read the current instructions before applying.