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Comprehensive Guide of Study Permit Application

Quick Facts

WHAT IS THE STUDY PERMIT?

The study permit is a mandatory immigration document for all those who study in Canada.

WHO REQUIRES ONE

All international students, with the exception of those studying in a program that is LESS than 6 months.

WHEN TO APPLY

Students can apply for a study permit once they have recieved letter of acceptance.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Online
  • At a Port of Entry (Border) – ONLY U.S. Citizens and permanent residents are eligible. OR
  • Using a Paper application – ONLY if you are NOT eligible to apply online
    (See guides below)

Application Fee

The study permit costs $150 CAD.

Step-by-Step Guide of Study Permit Application

Applying online

Step 1: Determine if you are eligible to apply for your Study Permit online by going to the Apply online page of the Immigration Canada website and fill out the “Check your eligibility to apply” questionnaire. 

  • Once you have successfully completed the questionnaire, you will be prompted to answer questions about your studies in Canada, for example: if you are an exchange student, if you will require a co-op work permit, if you have dependents accompanying you, etc. Ensure that your answers are correct, and continue. 
  • If you are eligible to apply for your Study Permit online, you will be provided with a personalized reference code (example: AP756967260) on the top of your personalized “Document Checklist”. 

Step 2: Print your “Document Checklist” and take note of your personal reference code (found on the first line) as you will need it to start your online application.

Step 3: Log onto your MyCIC account (register for an account if you don’t have one already) and refer to steps 5,6, and 7, on your “Document Checklist” for further instructions.

Step 4: You must complete the “Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” PDF form (included in the “Document Checklist”).

Step 5: Collect all of the supporting documents listed on your personalized “Document Checklist”

Step 6: Pay the required fees. Processing fee = $150 CAD, and must be paid online using a credit card. (Tip: take a screenshot of the payment confirmation screen, as proof of payment)

Step 7: Wait to receive your Study Permit Letter of Introduction, which will be issued through your MyCIC account. Print this letter, and present it to the Canadian Border Services Agent upon arrival into Canada, and your actual Study Permit will be issued. (Tip: Before you leave the immigration hall, verify that your name, date of birth, gender are all correct on your document, AND that you have “on-campus and off-campus” work provisions under the Remarks section at the bottom).

Step 8: Once you arrive at the university, scan and send a copy of your Study Permit.

Supporting Documents for Study Permit Application

Please note: This section gives general information on some of the supporting documents required for the study permit. You must follow the list of documents required on your personalized “Document Checklist”. 

  1. You must have your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or Offer of Admission to apply for your Study Permit. You can print off/download this document from your university student portal.
  2. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your studies at university in Canada, as your study permit cannot be issued for longer than your passport is valid. At the very least, ensure that your passport is valid for minimum of one year. 
  3. Even if you were not required to submit proof of sufficient financial capacity to the Canadian immigration authorities when applying for your study permit, you must submit official documents that establish that you meet this very important criterion when applying for your Study Permit.
    1. If you are applying online, use the “i” icon for a list of supporting documents that you can use to prove financial capacity. You can also refer to the following websites: Proof of Financial Support or Assessing Financial Resources, or Financial Sufficiency.
    2. Certain visa offices outside of Canada require students to provide proof that they have paid the tuition fees for the first year of their studies. In particular, the visa offices in China, India and United Arab Emirates may ask for proof of payment of tuition and fees. However, please verify the visa office instructions for the visa office responsible for your country of nationality or residence. Please see Immigration Canada’s website to obtain the local visa office instructions. In order to meet this requirement and pay your tuition and fees for your first year of studies, please follow these instructions:
      • Students can pay their tuition through any of university accepted methods of payment.
      • Students should make sure to only pay a year’s worth of tuition and fees.
      • Once the payment is received, students can print out their Account Summary as a proof that the funds have been received and submit this document with their study permit application.
  4. If you are required to do a medical exam as part of your Study Permit application, you can opt to do an upfront medical examination OR you can wait to be instructed to undergo your medical examination by the Canadian immigration authorities.
    1. If you are applying online and opt to do an upfront medical then you can press the “i” icon to access a “Request for medical exam” form where you can indicate if you would like the Canadian immigration authorities to send you instructions and a “Medical Report” form.
    2. If you are applying at the Canadian border then you must undergo your medical examination at least three (3) weeks BEFORE presenting yourself at the border to apply for your Study Permit.
    3. You must undergo your medical examination with an IRCC authorized panel physician nearest you. Physician Locator. 
  5. In some cases, you may be prompted to complete a “Family Information (IMM 5645)” form
  6. If you are from a country that requires you to submit biometrics, Immigration Canada will send you an instruction letter by email through your online account once they have received your application. You will be required to print a copy of the letter and bring it along with your passport when you go to the biometric collection centre. **IMPORTANT: Immigration Canada plans to expand their biometrics program. You may be required to provide biometrics when applying for your study permit.

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