Study Permits

• GETTING STARTED
• APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS
• REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STUDY PERMIT APPLICANTS
• FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
• STUDYING IN QUEBEC
• PASSPORT VALIDITY
• MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
• SUPPLEMENTARY FORMS
• WHERE TO APPLY
• DOCUMENT ISSUED
• CUSTOMS INFORMATION
• PROCESSING TIMES

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GETTING STARTED

Read this information carefully before you submit your application for a Study Permit

Do you need a Study Permit?

APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS

Electronic submission of the application form is not yet available. You must print the application form and submit it by mail. We do not offer pre-assessment or counselling services. Submit your completed application with all your supporting documents and the appropriate fees and an Immigration Officer will assess it.

Access the guide (PDF* 257 KB), the checklist (PDF* 28 KB) and application form (PDF* 225 KB).

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STUDY PERMIT APPLICANTS

1) Application for a Study Permit made outside of Canada (IMM 1294) (PDF* 225 KB) completed and signed (The guide "Applying for a Study Permit outside Canada" will help you complete the application form properly. The Guide also contains important information on such issues as maintaining your status and that of any accompanying dependants while you are in Canada, your permitted length of stay, documentary requirements for travelling with children, etc.)

2) All items indicated on the Document Checklist (PDF* 28 KB)

3) Proof of lawful status in the United States or Canada.

• If you are a citizen of the United States, please provide a photocopy of one of the following documents:
  • US passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Naturalization Certificate
    
    
• If you are a permanent resident of the United States, please provide a photocopy of one of the following documents:
  • Valid Green Card
  • Valid I-551 endorsement in their passport
    
    
• If you are in the United States on temporary status, please provide:
  • Your US Non-Immigrant Visa, (whether it is in your current passport or an expired passport)
  • The original I-94 card issued by US authorities at the time of your entry into the US
  • The original document issued to you by US authorities to confer that status (e.g.: SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 or I-797 form).
    
    
• If you are in Canada on temporary status, please provide
  • A photocopy of the page in your passport showing your authorized entry to Canada and
  • A photocopy of the document issued to you by Canadian authorities to confer that status (Work Permit, Study Permit, etc.)

4) In addition to the documents listed in the Guide, "Applying for a Study Permit Outside Canada", you may submit a written declaration from a sponsor (family member, relative or friend) indicating his/her willingness and ability to support you during your studies in Canada. This declaration must be accompanied by a recent itemized bank statement and a letter from your sponsor's employer stating his/her occupation, length of service and annual salary. (As a general guideline, applicants should be able to show funds available for support during their studies in the amount of $10,000, CAD exclusive of tuition fees.)

Documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation

FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS

You may pay fees in Canadian or US dollars. See the Fee Schedule

Fees must be paid by certified cheque or money order (if applying in person, fees may be paid by Canadian or US cash in the exact amount of the fee).

The fee must be payable to "The Canadian Consulate-General

The fee must be drawn on a US or Canadian bank

STUDYING IN QUEBEC

There are special requirements for persons intending to study in the Province of Quebec. For more information, please consult the Immigration-Québec web site.

PASSPORT VALIDITY

If you are from a country whose citizens require Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) to enter Canada, your passport should be valid for at least 3 months from your intended date of arrival in Canada. If your passport is nearing expiration, you should obtain a validity extension or a new passport prior to submitting your Study Permit application.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS for VISITORS

You may be required to undergo a medical examination.

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMS

All persons between 16 and 65 years of age from the following countries must complete this questionnaire (PDF* 79.9 KB)and include it with their applications:

Afghanistan, Bosnia, Croatia, Haiti, Iraq, Iran, Kosovo, Libya, Macedonia, Palestinian Authority, Rwanda, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria

WHERE TO APPLY

If you are a citizen or permanent resident of the USA, you have the option of submitting your application upon your arrival at a Canadian Port-of-Entry (e.g., your airport of arrival or land crossing into Canada)

Persons lawfully admitted to the United States or Canada may submit Study Permit applications, either in person or by mail, at any of the six Canadian Visa Offices listed below:

• Buffalo
• Detroit
• Los Angeles
• New York
• Seattle
• Washington

It is advisable to choose the Visa Office nearest your current place of residence.

You may be required to attend an interview at the Visa Office where you submit your application.

An interview with a Visa Officer is neither a right or a requirement. In most cases, the Officer will make a decision based on the information contained on the application form and in the documentation submitted. It is your responsibility - and in your own self-interest - to ensure that you complete the application form fully and submit all requested documentation with it.

For Visa Office Specific instructions, visit the webpage of the office where you will submit your application.

DOCUMENT ISSUED

If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will be issued a letter to present at the Canadian Port-of-Entry when you enter Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency officer will issue your Study Permit.

If you are from a country whose citizens require a Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) to enter Canada, your passport will be requested so that a TRV can be issued at the same time as the letter to be presented at the Canadian Port-of-Entry. The Canada Border Services Agency officer will issue your Study Permit. There is no extra fee payable for a TRV and you do not have to complete a separate application form.

CUSTOMS INFORMATION

For information on Canadian Customs requirements, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site.

PROCESSING TIMES

Most applications are processed within 1 - 28 days. Please see processing times.

Mail-in applications will face longer processing times than in-person applications.

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