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U of T Resource Finder

Apply for Your Study Permit

There is an outside Canada and an in-Canada process for study permit applications. Most newly-admitted students must follow the outside Canada application process. The in-Canada application process is primarily available for those who are in Canada with a study permit or work permit (including their dependents) as well as exchange and visiting students studying without a study permit.

A study permit is not a travel document and does not authorize entry or re-entry into Canada on its own. You may also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Find more information about the TRV and eTA. 

Where To Apply

New in 2024

Changes to minimum financial requirements

For study permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024, the minimum annual amount for living expenses for an individual international student is now $20,635CAD. More details are available in the Standard Required Documents section below.

Provincial Attestation letter (PAL)

Initial study permit applications submitted after January 22, 2024, for undergraduate studies must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).

Master’s and PhD degree students are currently exempt from this requirement, but will require a PAL in the future. The date that this comes into effect is not yet known.

The tool below can be used to determine whether you require a PAL or whether you are exempt. It is as accurate as possible, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) make the final decision and details who requires a PAL and who is exempt.

Do I need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for my study permit application?

Admitted undergraduate students who require a PAL can find information about how to acquire the attestation letter inside their Join U of T Portal account. More details are available in the Standard Required Documents section below.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) Closure

The SDS application pathway that offered the possibility of expedited processing for eligible students closed at 2pm EST, November 8, 2024. Applications submitted after that time will be processed through the standard processing stream. Eligible applications submitted before that time may still benefit from expedited processing.

As soon as you have the letter of acceptance and all other required documents.

Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Only citizens and permanent residents of the United States and residents of Greenland or St. Pierre et Miquelon can apply when entering Canada.

Check the estimated study permit application processing time for the country where you are submitting your application.

Documents Required for a Regular Application

Important: If you’re applying online, check your personal checklist (generated based on your answers in the online eligibility questionnaire) for these and any other required documents. We also recommend that you check the country-specific application requirements provided by IRCC for additional documents that may be required or recommended. 

  • Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM1294) (if using the IRCC Secure Account)
    • The title is at the top of the application, and the code is at the bottom-left corner of each page.
    • You must use the most recent version of the form (available at the link above). Out-of-date versions may cause an error when uploading to the application system.
    • Applications through the IRCC Portal will not require this form as all the information is submitted directly through the Portal.
  • Letter of acceptance (for new students)
    • Should include your:
      • Name,
      • student number, and;
      • expected start and end dates of program.
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
    • For newly-admitted undergraduate students. Please check your Join U of T Portal account for information about how to request a PAL.
    • Master’s and PhD degree students are currently exempt from this requirement, but will require a PAL in the future. The date that this comes into effect is not yet known.
    • Students who are applying outside Canada for a new study permit so that they can return to their studies in Canada also need a PAL. Please email isa.cie@utoronto.ca for further information.
    • All study permit extension applications made within Canada are currently exempt. (Full list of exemptions).
  • Confirmation of enrollment (for current/returning students)
    • Letter available on ACORN or from your Registrar’s Office.
      • Should include your:
        • Name,
        • student number,
        • enrollment status, and;
        • expected graduation date.
      • Students returning from a leave of absence should have confirmation of eligibility to return to studies.
  • Proof of financial support
    • IRCC expects you to prove access to funds to cover a minimum of annual tuition plus at least $20,635 CAD (for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024) for your first year’s living expenses. Additional funds are required if you are bringing a spouse/partner and/or children. Learn more on our Bring Your Dependants page.
    • Details about Toronto-specific living costs can be found on the U of T Financial Planning Calculator.
    • Immigration officers expect you to be able to show access to enough funds to pay for at least one year of studies, and to be convinced you will still have access to funds for any further studies. How you prove access to funds depends on where they come from:
      • If funds are in your account, bank statement(s) with your name. Four to six months of bank statements are recommended.
      • If funds are coming from the University or other institutional source, a letter detailing funding.
      • If funds are coming from family or other individuals, a signed letter confirming their willingness to support you and documentation showing they have enough money to support you. This should include bank statements and income statements (or a letter of employment stating position and salary).
      • If you have already paid tuition, you can provide proof of payment from U of T by accessing your invoice on ACORN.
  • Copies from your passport or travel document
    • Including the biographical data page and all pages with visas, stamps or markings (your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected date of your arrival to Canada).
    • If you’ve got a brand new passport, you can provide copies from both your new and old passports, but put the new passport first, and mark it as ‘New Passport’ if possible.
  • Passport-style photograph
    • Taken within the last six months following IRCC recommendations, noting that the frame size specifications do not apply for digital photos.
  • $150 CAD processing fee
  • Letter of explanation including your study plan and proof of ties to your country of citizenship
    • May not specifically be requested, but we consider this a necessary document for outside Canada applicants. It should outline:
      • how pursuing your studies at U of T is important and fits with your current or previous studies, current or previous work (if applicable) and long-term plans (unless included in a study plan requested separately), and;
      • ties to your country of residence and/or citizenship to help an immigration officer understand you will have a reason to leave Canada if your status is going to expire and you are unable to extend it.
    • A letter of explanation and any other additional documents can be uploaded in the “Client Information” field of the Optional Documents section. Only one file can be uploaded, but it can be multiple pages.

You may need other documents, including (but not limited to):

  • Study Plan
    • Should outline how pursuing your studies at U of T is important and fits with your current or previous studies, current or previous work (if applicable) and long-term plans.
  • Biometrics (digital fingerprints and photographs)
  • Immigration medical exam results (see below);
  • Co-op letter (if a work placement is a requirement of your program of study);
    • Can be its own letter or included in letter of acceptance for new students.
  • Students 16 and under will require proof of a custodian. Students between 17 and 18 may be asked for proof.

You must have an immigration medical exam if you have been in a ‘designated’ country for at least 6 of the past 12 months. You will also require one if you are planning to work in a health-care setting, primary/secondary school setting, or other jobs where the protection of public health is important.

IRCC provides details about who requires immigration medical exams, who can offer them, and more.

If you require one, you can book the appointment before submitting your application, or you can do so once requested by IRCC. It is usually a good idea to do so in advance. This is called an upfront medical exam and is mandatory if applying through the Student Direct Stream (see below).

If you had an immigration medical exam within the 12 months prior to applying for your study permit, attach proof (i.e. a copy of your medical receipt).

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is closed as of 2pm EST, November 8, 2024. Eligible applications submitted before that time may still benefit from expedited processing.

8: Next Steps After Submitting your Application

Medical Exam

You may need to complete an immigration medical exam before your application can be finalized (if you have not already done so).

Biometrics

If you are required to provide biometrics (or you choose to re-submit biometrics because your current biometrics will expire before the end of your studies), you will be charged the $85 CAD biometric collection fee in addition to the application processing fee. After submitting the application, you will be sent a Biometric Instruction Letter that will guide you through booking a biometric collection appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Application Service Centre (ASC).

Additional Documents

Immigration officers may ask you for additional documentation to make a decision about your application. If they ask you to attach the documents to your online application, you will login to your account where you must upload the documents and re-submit the application. IRCC provides specific details about how to do so. Failure to do so will likely result in a refusal of your application. 

Changes

If you need to notify IRCC about a change, you can use their web form.

Application Tracking

If you wish to track the status of your application, you can create a special IRCC “tracker account” to do so (note: this is not the same account where you submitted the online application).

Even if you already have a visa or travel authorization that may allow you to travel to Canada, we usually recommend waiting outside Canada for the study permit to be approved, because you are not generally eligible to begin studying until the study permit has been issued.

If you decide to change schools after your study permit for U of T has been approved, but before you travel to Canada, you must re-apply for a new study permit. If you change schools after arriving in Canada, you can just notify IRCC of your change of Designated Learning Institution (DLI) through their website. 

If your application is approved, the Canadian visa office serving the country where you submitted your application will issue you an approval letter, known as a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, and an entry visa or an eTA (if applicable). Do not book travel to Canada until you’ve received your Letter of Introduction. Present the letter to the border officer when you enter Canada to get the hard copy of your study permit.

If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, also known as an entry or visitor visa), you will be asked to submit your passport so that the visa officer can affix the visa into it. You do not need to make a separate application.

If you require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you don’t have to submit your passport. An eTA will be issued electronically and associated with your passport number. Your eTA number and expiry date will be included in the Letter of Introduction.

Find more information about entering Canada.

If you are in Canada with a study permit or work permit, you are considered a protected person, or you are a dependent of someone in Canada with a study permit or work permit, you can apply within Canada. Exchange and visiting students that extend their studies beyond 6 months may also be eligible, even if they don’t have an initial study permit (full list).

If you don’t fit these categories, your application will need to be processed outside Canada (even if you’re already in Canada).

If you do not yet have a study permit, apply as soon as you have the offer of admission and all required documents. This is because you will need the study permit to begin studying.

If you already have a study permit, you should usually apply far enough in advance that your application will be processed before your current permit expires. Usually, applying 2-3 months in advance is enough. If your application is submitted, but not processed, before your current permit expires, you can remain in Canada under maintained status. 

Check the estimated in-Canada study permit extension processing times.

Documents Required for a Regular Application

Important: If you’re applying online, check your personal checklist (generated based on your answers in the online eligibility questionnaire) for these and any other required documents.  

  • Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM5709)
    • Look for the title at the top of the application, or the code at the bottom-left corner of each page.
  • Letter of acceptance (for new students)
    • Should include your:
      • Name,
      • student number, and;
      • expected start and end dates of program.
  • Provincial Attestation letter (PAL)
    • For newly-admitted undergraduate students, unless they are PAL-exempt. (note that applications to extend a study permit do not require a PAL)
    • Those that are eligible to apply through the in-Canada process (eg. valid study or work permit holders) are exempt.
    • If you are not PAL-exempt, please check your Join U of T Portal account for information about how to request a PAL.
    • Master’s and PhD degree students are currently exempt from this requirement, but will require a PAL in the future. The date that this comes into effect is not yet known.
  • Confirmation of enrollment (for current students)
    • Letter available on ACORN or from your Registrar’s Office.
      • Should include your:
        • Name,
        • student number,
        • enrollment status, and;
        • expected graduation date.
      • Students returning from a leave of absence should have confirmation of eligibility to return to studies.
  • Proof of financial support
    • IRCC expects you to prove access to funds to cover a minimum of annual tuition plus at least $20,635 CAD (for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024) for your first year’s living expenses. Additional funds are required if you are bringing a spouse/partner and/or children. Learn more on our Bring Your Dependants page.
    • Details about more realistic living costs can be found on the U of T Financial Planning Calculator.
    • Immigration officers expect you to be able to show access to enough funds to pay for at least one year of studies, and to be convinced you will still have access to funds for any further studies. How you prove access to funds depends on where they come from:
      • If funds are in your account, bank statement(s) with your name. Four to six months of bank statements are recommended.
      • If funds are coming from the University or other institutional source, a letter detailing funding.
      • If funds are coming from family or other individuals, a signed letter confirming their willingness to support you and documentation showing they have enough money to support you. This should include bank statements and income statements (or a letter of employment stating position and salary).
      • If you have already paid tuition, you can provide proof of payment from U of T by accessing your invoice on ACORN.
  • Copies of pages from your passport or travel document
    • Including the biographical data page and all pages with visas, stamps or markings (your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected date of your arrival to Canada).
    • If you’ve got a brand new passport, you can provide copies from both your new and old passports, but put the new passport first, and mark it as ‘New Passport’ if possible.
  • Passport-style photograph
    • Taken within the last six months following IRCC recommendations, noting that the frame size specifications do not apply for digital photos.
  • $150 CAD processing fee
  • Letter of explanation including your study plan and proof of ties to your country of citizenship
    • May not specifically be requested, but we consider this a necessary document for outside Canada applicants. It should outline:
      • how pursuing your studies at U of T is important and fits with your current or previous studies, current or previous work (if applicable) and long-term plans (unless included in a study plan requested separately), and;
      • ties to your country of residence and/or citizenship to help an immigration officer understand you will have a reason to leave Canada if your status is going to expire and you are unable to extend it.
    • A letter of explanation and any other additional documents can be uploaded in the “Client Information” field of the Optional Documents section. Only one file can be uploaded, but it can be multiple pages.

You may need other documents, including (but not limited to):

  • Study Plan
    • Should outline how pursuing your studies at U of T is important and fits with your current or previous studies, current or previous work (if applicable) and long-term plans.
  • Biometrics (digital fingerprints and photographs)
  • Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
    • Only required if you’ve been in a medically designated country for at least 6 out of the past 12 months or you intend to work in a field where protection of public health is required.
  • Co-op letter (if a work placement is a requirement of your program of study);
    • Can be its own letter or included in letter of acceptance for new students.
    • Co-op letters are issued by representatives of the program that requires you to complete a work placement.
  • Letter of explanation providing more details about a specific aspect of your situation that you want IRCC to know about.

IRCC Secure Account.

Do not use the IRCC Portal for study permit extension applications. Students must use the IRCC Secure Account for all in-Canada study permit extensions.

In Canada Study Permit Application Part II: Answering the Eligibility Questionnaire
In-Canada Study permit application Part III: Completing the IMM5709 application form

TIPS

PAL-Specific Tips

  • If you already have a study or work permit and are applying from inside Canada, you are exempt from the requirement for the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and you must adjust your answers on the online eligibility questionnaire:
    • Select “Study” as “What you would like to do in Canada?”.
    • When asked about the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), the answers should be as follows:
      • Do you have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
        • No
      • Do you qualify for an exception?
        • Yes
      • Which exception do you qualify for?
        • “I am an applicant who meets another exception on the IRCC website.”
    • Answer the rest of the questions until it asks if you want to apply for a “Study Permit (in Canada)” or a “Temporary Resident Visa” (if your citizenship requires one for entry into Canada.
      • Choose “Study Permit (in Canada)”
    • Answer remaining questions.
      • Confirm that your personal checklist includes “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student” (IMM5709).
        • Documents can be uploaded in the ‘Client Information’ field of the Optional Documents section of your checklist.Add proof of your PAL exemption to your application (if it has not already included).

Immigration officers may ask you for additional documentation to make a decision about your application. If they ask you to attach the documents to your online application, you will login to your account where you must upload the documents and re-submit the application. Failure to do so will likely result in a refusal of your application.

If you need to notify IRCC about a change, you can use their web form.

If you wish to track the status of your application, you can create a special IRCC “tracker account” to do so (note: this is not the same account where you submitted the online application).

IRCC will notify you through your IRCC account that the application was approved. The study permit will be mailed to the Canadian mailing address provided in the application. This process could take as long as 6 weeks.

Unless you already had a study permit (and this is an extension of your student status in Canada) or are an exchange/visiting student transitioning from visitor to student status, you cannot begin studying until the study permit is approved.

Important note on applying for SP inside Canada

Unlike with an application made outside Canada, if your citizenship requires you to have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to be able to enter Canada, you’ll need to make a separate application if you want to request one. This should only be done after the study permit is approved. For more information, consult our pages on Entry visa and eTA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Estimated processing times give an idea of how long an application could take to be processed. If something outside of your control makes urgent processing important, you can contact IRCC through their web form to ask if it is possible. It may take up to two weeks to get a response. Note: Use the ‘Update or ask about your application’ option and then the ‘Other’ section, as the ‘Ask for urgent processing for your permanent resident card’ section doesn’t include study/work permits.

If you already have status in Canada, and have applied from within Canada for a new permit, you can remain in Canada under ‘maintained status’ while you wait for an answer. While you can remain in Canada, you cannot necessarily begin studying until the permit is issued. Only those already in Canada on a study permit can begin studying while waiting for a decision to be made on their application. If the application is refused, you must stop studying immediately.

If you applied outside Canada, you generally need to wait until your application is approved to travel to Canada. Even those who may be allowed to travel to Canada as a visitor are encouraged to wait and only travel to Canada after the study permit is approved and the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is issued (if required).

Only citizens or permanent residents of the United States and residents of Greenland, or St. Pierre and Miquelon are eligible to apply at a port-of-entry.

IRCC has two separate systems for submitting applications, the:

  1. IRCC Secure Account; and,
  2. IRCC Portal.

If submitting a study permit application from outside Canada, you can use either option. However, if you are applying with a family member who needs a work permit, you must use the Secure Account.

In-Canada applications (considered an extension) must use the IRCC Secure Account.

IRCC explains which application can be used with various applications and how to access each one.

The Secure Account application process includes an application form (.pdf), while that information is submitted directly into web pages in the Portal.

It is not currently clear if one pathway is better than the other, so if your application can be submitted in either system, you can choose the one you prefer.

If you applied through the in-Canada application process, from within Canada, and your existing permit expires while you’re waiting for a decision you can remain in Canada under maintained status.

If you have a study permit, and have applied for a new study permit, you can continue to study during the period of maintained status.

If you are in Canada, you can contact IRCC through their in-Canada call centre (1-888-242-2100) or through their web form.

If you are outside Canada, you can contact IRCC through their web form.

Each section will only allow one file to be uploaded. You will need to use software to merge the documents into a single file that is an acceptable format (ie. PDF) and fits within the file size limits.

IRCC provides instructions for doing so in their Help Centre.

Every refusal is accompanied by a letter that gives some information about the reason for the decision. If you need help understanding it, and your next steps, you can book an appointment with an International Student Immigration Advisor.

Check out our Resources page for more support.