Immigration documents

Study permit introduction

• What is a study permit?

  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. In general, foreign nationals need study permits to study in Canada if they intend to study a course or a program for more than six months.

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

• Who is exempt from a study permit?

  A foreign national can study without a study permit in Canada under the following conditions:

  • Duration of course or program of study is six months or less, and will be completed within the period of stay authorized upon entry into Canada. Example: if visiting on exchange and only studying at our university for one semester (four months).
  • Only engaging in distance-learning courses.
    • However, some distance learning courses include an in-Canada portion to the program (e.g., special tutorials or the writing of final exams). If the overall course of study is greater than six months, then the student requires a study permit for the in-Canada portion of the program, even if the in-Canada portion is less than six months. The duration of the study permit should be for the duration of the in-Canada portion only. 
  • Auditing courses (typically by sitting in on an academic course, but without obtaining credit for it, or having the ability to obtain credit for it retroactively).
  • Minor inside of Canada—visit IRCC to determine if you or your children(s) are considered minors, and are eligible to study without a study permit.

  To learn more about who needs a study permit and who does not, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  

  If you are exempt from obtaining a study permit, you may still be required to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic authorization (eTA) in order to travel to Canada.

• Can I get a study permit if I am under 18 years old?

  You are considered a minor if you are 18 years or younger, therefore you will need a custodian. A custodian is a responsible adult, who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, who will take care of and support the minor child. A custodian is optional for minors 17 years of age and older, but an officer can request one on a case-by-case basis.

  You can read more on the Studying in Canada as a minor website.
• With my courses fully online, do I still need a study permit if I am inside Canada?

  You are required to have a valid study permit throughout the duration of your program while you are in Canada. During academic sessions, you would still be required to comply with your study permit conditions.

Initial study permit application

• When can I apply?
  It is highly recommended that you apply for a study permit as soon as you receive an offer of admission from the university and all other required documents in order to receive it on time.
• How can I apply for a study permit from outside of Canada?

  Once you have received your Offer of Admission from Ontario Tech University, you can apply for a study permit online or by mail.

  There are two routes for study permit application:  

  • Normal study permit route
  • Student Direct Stream (SDS)

  Your application will be sent to the local Visa Application Centre (VAC) or the nearest immigration offices.

  FIND AN IMMIGRATION OFFICE THAT SERVES YOUR COUNTRY

  If you are a United States citizen, permanent resident of the United States, resident of Greenland or resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon, you may choose to apply for a study permit at the Port of Entry (POE) upon entering Canada. Make sure you have the right documents with you when crossing the border by checking the information on the IRCC website. 

• How can I apply for a study permit from inside of Canada?

  A foreign national may only apply for a study permit when they are in Canada if you fall under one of the categories below:  

  • The foreign national already has a valid Canadian study permit or is applying within 90 days of when their old permit expired.
  • The foreign national already has a valid work permit or is applying within 90 days of when their work permit expired.
  • The foreign national is a temporary resident who:
    • Is studying at the preschool, primary or secondary level.
    • Is a visiting or exchange student who is studying at a designated learning institution.
    • Has completed a course or program of study that is a prerequisite to their enrolling at a designated learning institution.

  If you have recently completed high school or an English language school in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for your study permit from within Canada.

  You can find more information on the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada website.

• Can I apply at the Canadian border/port of entry?

  A foreign national may apply for a study permit when entering Canada if they are one of the following:

  • A national or a permanent resident of the United States.
  • A person who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
  • A resident of Greenland.
  • A resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon.

  If one of the situations above apply to you, then you can fill out the study permit application and make payment at any port of entry that offers immigration services. Toronto Pearson Airport has an immigration office. For a list of Canada Border Services Agency offices that offer Immigration Services, visit the CBSA website.  

  More information on the study permit application can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's Study in Canada website.
• What documents do I need to submit for my study permit application?

  Document requirements may vary depending on your local visa office and are outlined on either your: 

  1. IRCC secure account (online applications) after completing the questionnaire, or
  2. IRCC portal (online application) or
  3. Document Checklist (for paper applications)

  Examples of some required documents:
  

  • A valid passport and/or government-issued identification (travel document).
  • Documentation for your family-Marriage certificate and/or proof of common-law status (if your family is joining you in Canada).
  • Offer of admission from Ontario Tech University. 
  • Proof of adequate funds for your stay in Canada. Learn more about proof of financial support.
  • You are required to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) in person at a biometrics collection point. If you have your biometrics in the last 10 years and it’s still valid, you don’t have to give them again. Find out where to submit your biometrics on the facts about biometrics website. 
  • You may also require a medical examination.

  This information and more can also be found on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's Study in Canada page or view the study permit application instruction guide (IMM 5269).

• What is the cost of a study permit application?
  The cost of a study permit can be found on the IRCC website. 
• What are the processing times for a study permit application from outside of Canada?
  You can check the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website for processing times. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
• What happens after my study permit is approved?

  You can find the next steps after you apply for your study permit on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's Study in Canada page.

  If your study permit gets approved, you will be issued a letter of introduction. You will need to show the Canada Border Services' Officer when you arrive in Canada so that your study permit will be issued.

• What can I expect at customs and immigration in Canada?

  Please follow the steps listed on our Arriving in Canada website.

  You can amend your study permit if there was a mistake made by IRCC after the study permit was issued. You should apply for a study permit amendment as soon as possible. You can find more information on amending your study permit on the International Office website.

• What can I do if my study permit application was refused?

  Every refusal is accompanied by a letter that gives some information about the reasons for the decision. You are also encouraged to make an Access of Information and Privacy (ATIP) request to get the internal notes.

  If you need assistance in understanding the refusal and next steps, please email iss@ontariotechu.ca or book an appointment through your Student Life Portal with an International Student Advisor.

Study permit extension

• When does my study permit expire when I am inside Canada?

  Your study permit expires on whichever date comes first:

  • The date marked on the permit, or;
  • 90 days after the day you complete your studies.

  The 90 days begin:

  • On the date you get the first notification from your school (such as an email, letter, transcripts, etc.) that you completed your program, or;
  • When you get your degree, diploma or certificate.

  If you cannot prove the date you were first notified by the school, IRCC will use the earliest issue date on the document. They may confirm this date with the school.

  Please find more information on IRCC website.

  Information on how to extend your study permit from inside of Canada can be found on the International Office website.

• How can I extend my study permit?
  Visit our study permit extension web page for more information.

School transfer

• What should I do if I change schools from inside of Canada?

  You are not required to obtain a new study permit if it is still valid but you need to change your post-secondary school in your account if you are residing inside of Canada.

  The application is free of charge and must be done online.

  Please find more information on IRCC website.

• What should I do if I change schools outside Canada?

  If the study permit application is still in progress, tell IRCC by submitting a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC web form.

  If the study permit application has been approved, a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance must be submitted. The fees for the new application are needed.

  Please find more information on IRCC website.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

• When can I apply?

  Some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. It is best to get an eTA before you book your flight to Canada.

  If you are a citizen of a country that requires an eTA and you are applying for an initial study permit from outside of Canada, an eTA will automatically be issued upon approval of your study permit application. Your eTA may be issued for the same duration as your approved study permit or a five year period.

• How can I apply for an eTA?