What is a study permit?
A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to study in Canada for a limited period of time. The study permit is linked to the where the learning takes place (e.g. ĢAV).
A study permit may also allow international students to work on or off campus when enrolled in full-time studies.
If your program of study in Canada is longer than six months, you require a study permit. In most cases, you will also require a as part of your study permit application. You must apply for both before arriving in Canada.
When you apply for a study permit, you will automatically be assessed for a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) at the same time. If you require either document to enter Canada, you will receive them when your study permit application is approved. No separate TRV or eTA application is required.
Applying for a study permit for the first time
To apply for a study permit, you require the following:
A valid passport
Your letter of acceptance to ĢAV or University of King's College
Provincial attestation letter (PAL) (if applicable)
Proof of financial sufficiency to live and study in Canada
A letter from your sponsoring agency (if applicable)
A co-op/internship letter (if applicable)
Payment of the $150 CAD processing fee
You should as soon as you have gathered the required documents. Study permit processing times can sometimes take several months, and you may be asked to provide additional documentation. To check current processing times,
To apply for a study permit, you will also need to identify ĢAV by its DLI number on the study permit application form. Please use the following appropriate DLI number:
ĢAV (including Agricultural Campus): O19209939282
ĢAV ESL Programs: O19091594822
University of King’s College: O19391556768
Most international students who are applying for a study permit for the first time will apply from outside Canada. They will receive their study permit when they arrive in Canada at their first port of entry (e.g. airport, land border).
For more information about applying for a study permit, or contact the nearest .
Tips for applying for a study permit
Study plans are not always requested as part of a study permit application, but it is a good idea to include key information in a letter of intent that you can include with your application. The letter of intent should focus on your academic goals in Canada. Be cautious about mentioning other long-term goals that go beyond your studies in Canada. To support you, use this guide for study plans and letters of intent . [PDF-2.7MB]
Once you have received an acceptance letter from ĢAV and, if required, secured a PAL (also from ĢAV), you should begin the process of applying for your study permit as soon as possible. Processing times vary and can sometimes take several months.
You may need a medical exam and/or be required to submit a police record as part of your application. Bring copies of them when you come to Canada because you may need them for future immigration applications.
Once you start your study permit application, you will be assigned an application number. Keep a record of this application number in a safe place because you may need it again for future immigration applications.
If your study permit application is approved, you will receive an approval letter from the Canadian Visa Office (included in the package they send to you). This letter is not your study permit, but it authorizes you to receive a study permit when you arrive in Canada.
Important: Show the approval letter to immigration official(s) at your first point of entry in Canada. This is where you will receive your official study permit. If you requested a co-op work permit as part of your study permit application, you will receive it at the same time.
What to do when you arrive at a Canadian airport
When you arrive at the airport in Canada, you will pass through Canadian immigration. Tell the immigration officer that you are coming to Canada to study and present to the officer the following documents:
Valid travel document, such as a passport.
Letter of Introduction: This is the letter you received from the Visa Office if you applied, and were approved, for a study permit. It is sometimes called the introductory letter. Officially, it is called the Port of Entry (POE) introduction letter.
Valid electronic travel authorization (eTA), valid visitor visa (temporary resident visa), valid green card (or equivalent official proof of U.S. status, if applicable), or another valid travel document.
An original or copy of your letter of acceptance from ĢAV.
Evidence of financial support (proof of funds documents).
Letters of reference or other documents recommended by the Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission.
Record of health immunizations (if required).
Keep all these items in your carry-on luggage, as well as cash, traveller’s cheques, and other valuable documents with you. Do not put them in your checked luggage.
Respond to all questions the immigration officer asks you with clear, simple answers. Service is available in English and French. If you do not fully understand the questions, ask for an interpreter. They are available in many languages. After the officer processes your information, they will give you a study permit (a piece of brown paper that is often stapled to your passport).
When booking your flights to Canada, make sure that you have ample connection time at your first airport. Do not leave the airport or board a connecting flight until you have received your study permit. You should check your permit for errors before leaving the immigration officer. It is much easier to have the officer fix them immediately than to try to get them fixed later.
If you are a student who expects to work during your time in Canada
It is very important to check for conditions that include the words “may work” or “may accept employment.” If your study permit does not include those words, please tell the immigration officer who issued your permit.
For an explanation of where/how to get your study permit at the airport, watch this
When you arrive at the airport, you will have to declare your personal items with the . Prepare a list of all the goods you are bringing into Canada in advance (e.g. clothing, electronics, etc.) including vehicles. Be prepared to show your list to the Canada Border Services Agent. Make two copies of the list. You can bring in other non-consumable goods (e.g. clothing, electronics, etc., but not food items from your home country) after your initial arrival, but you must report these goods to the Canada Border Services Agency. They will require a refundable deposit.
Renewing or extending your study permit
To extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must before it expires. Check the expiry date of your study permit and apply for an extension at least 5–6 months in advance.