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Immigration documents

Before coming to Canada to study, you'll need to make sure you have the right immigration documents in place. Refer to the sections below for more information on how to apply for your study permit and other applicable immigration documents.

Please note: All of our in-person Bachelor, Master's and Doctoral degree programs are post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligible. No Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code required.

Ontario Tech University's Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is O19315945002. The university’s legal name is the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Status Documents

  • Study Permit

    Once you have received your offer of admission from our university, you will need to apply for a study permit.

    A study permit is a document issued by IRCC that allows a foreign national to study in Canada at a designated learning institution (DLI) for a specified period of time. In general, international students require a study permit to study in Canada for a course or program that is longer than six months.

    • Exchange students visiting for less than six months may not require a study permit. However, you might still need to get a visa or eTA—please visit the link provided or contact internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca for more information. 

    As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), most undergraduate international students will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for their study permit applications. Once you have received your offer of admission from us, you'll want to get started on this process as there are a limited number of PAL's available and IRCC processing times vary by region.

  • Co-op Work Permit (if applicable)

    A co-op work permit is a mandatory document for international students during your co-op/internship/placement/practicum period. The co-op work permit is only for work that is a required part of your academic program to complete your degree. 

    You can apply for your co-op work permit in your initial study permit application. Your offer of admission must be valid and show that your program has a work related component. Refer to our co-op work permit website for more information. 

Entry (travel) Document

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Our step-by-step guide on how to obtain your PAL.
Learn More - Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

BorderPass

Our partnership with BorderPass and how it can help you with the study permit process.
Learn more - BorderPass
BorderPass partnership

To help make the process of applying for a study permit and visa easier we've partnered with BorderPass—a visa management platform to streamline the immigration process for you throughout your stay in Canada. 

With BorderPass, you will be provided with the following: 

  • Free email access to immigration lawyers, plus optional paid one-on-one consultations.
  • Creation and management of your permanent residency pathway. 
  • Concierge services to ensure you have all the support you need. 
  • Guidance, building and review of visa applications by Canadian immigration lawyers. 
  • Notifications of key dates to apply for visa extensions, work permits and residency visas. 

To sign up with BorderPass and begin your application for the BorderPass Newcomer Pre-Arrival package, go to the BorderPass registration page to access Ontario Tech’s unique portal. Signing up through our link will waive the BorderPass legal fees. Applicants are still responsible for the administrative and processing fees.

Administrative and processing fees include:

  • $150 IRCC Study Permit Processing fee
  • $85 Biometrics fee (this is an IRCC fee)

Immigration Document FAQs

FAQs about applying for your study permit and other documents.
Learn more - Immigration Document FAQs

Glossary of terms

Commonly referred to terms and their definitions.
Learn more - Glossary of terms

A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows someone to study in Canada for a specified period of time. Learn more about the study permit.

A co-op work permit is a document issued by IRCC that allows students to participate in work experience that forms an essential part of a program of study. If your program has a co-op, practicum, placement or internship component, you must apply for a co-op work permit along with your initial study permit application.

A temporary resident visa (TRV) is a visa sticker placed inside your passport that allows you to enter or re-enter Canada. To find out if you require a visa, visit the Immigration and Citizenship website. 

An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries who fly to or transit through Canada.  To find out if you require a visa, visit the Immigration and Citizenship website.