How to apply for a study permit: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: Enroll at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a DLI. A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLI’s. If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, make sure it is on this list.

Once a school admits you as a student, they will issue an acceptance letter to you. This letter is essential to apply for a student permit and is considered as a proof of acceptance.

Step 2: Get your documents ready

Having all the required documents organized and ready will ensure you’re well-prepared for a confident application. 

Here are some documents that you will need to apply for a student permit:

• Proof of acceptance: You can include the original or electronic copy of your letter with your study permit application.

• Proof of identity: You, as a student, and each family member who accompanies you to Canada must have a valid passport or travel document.

• Proof of financial support: While applying, you must prove that you can both pay your international student tuition, and support yourself and the family members who come with you while you are in Canada if there is any. You can prove your funds with documents such as:

  • Your bank statements for the past 4 months.

  • A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars

  • Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada.

  • Proof of a student or education loan from a bank.

  • Proof you paid tuition and housing fees.

  • A letter from the person or school giving you money.

  • Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program.

As you prepare your proof of funds, be sure to check the minimum funds needed to support yourself as a student (and family members who come with you). 

Depending on your case, other documents that may be required, are:

• A letter of explanation: This letter is to help the visa officer understand you and your goals. It explains why you want to study in Canada, how the program will help further your career goals, and helps convince the officer that you understand your responsibilities as a student.

• A certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ): If you want to study in Quebec, you need a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Gouvernement du Québec. Your school can give you all the details on how to apply for the CAQ.

• Medical exam (if required): You may need a medical exam if you want to come to Canada. This is to make sure you’re not inadmissible for medical reasons.

• Police certificate (if required): You may need to get a police certificate while applying as a student. This is to check if you have a criminal record and ensure you’re not inadmissible to Canada. You and any family member 18 or older may need to get a police certificate, depending on the program you’re applying to.

• Other documents: All documents indicated and specified on the document checklist by your local visa office must be included in the application.

Step 3: Apply

While applying for a student permit, you can choose to apply online or send a paper-based application via mail or courier. Depending on where you’re applying from, you can find detailed instructions on how to send your application on the Canadian government website.  

As processing times tend to increase during the summer months, students should apply early to make sure they can travel to Canada prior to their program’s start date.

While your application is being processed, in most cases, you will need to provide biometrics. After you pay the biometrics fee and submit your application, you will receive a biometrics request letter outlining the details. You will have 30 days to give your biometrics in person. Processing on your application will not begin until this data is provided.

Once you submit, you may also be asked for medical exams and/or police certificates. To avoid delays, you may wish to consider providing these documents upfront when submitting your application.

Step 4: Prepare for arrival

If your student permit application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction. This letter is not your study permit but a document that you need to show to an officer when you arrive in Canada. You will also receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter Canada, as required. If a TRV is needed, the Government will ask you to provide your passport for visa stamping prior to your letter of introduction being issued.

Upon arrival in Canada, you’ll meet a border services officer. The officer will:

• Ask to see your passport or travel documents. This may include:

  • The letter of introduction the visa office sent you when they approved your study permit.

  • A copy of a valid letter of acceptance from your school.

  • Proof of funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

  • Letters of reference or any other documents the visa office told you to bring.

  • Either a valid eTA or temporary resident visa.

• Ask you a few questions.

• Make sure you meet the requirements to enter Canada. You may have to prove that you’ll leave Canada at the end of your stay.