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. 
  • An Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), unless you are exempt. Information regarding PAL can be found on the IRCC website 
  • 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 a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

  A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is required as part of the study permit application process and serves as proof that you, as an international student, are included in the institution’s allocation. PALs are issued by the university. PALs are issued to students by the institution; this means that the university will issue PALs to students.

  The PAL is a new requirement by IRCC. Any study permit application received by IRCC on or after January 22, 2024, that does not include a PAL will be returned and refunded.

  However, some people are exempt from PAL requirement. Information regarding PAL exempt can be found on the IRCC website. 

• Do I need a PAL if I am a graduate international student applying for my study permit?

  On September 18, 2024, IRCC announced new measures to include graduate international students in the cap for 2025. However, this measure is not yet in effect. According to the current policy, you do not need a PAL if you are applying to study in a master's degree or doctoral degree program. 

• When do I submit my PAL?
  Unless you meet one of the exemptions, you must submit a PAL
  • with your study permit application, not after
  • even if you’re applying for a prerequisite course or program, including language courses or programs
  • for each study permit applicant, even if you’re applying as a family and submitting your applications together
• Am I guaranteed a study permit if I receive a PAL?
  Receiving a PAL does not guarantee study permit approval. Study permit applicants must still meet all the requirements for a study permit to be issued.
• I submitted a study permit application to IRCC with the PAL I received. My study permit application was denied. Do I need a new PAL when I reapply for a study permit?
  If your study permit application to IRCC is denied, you can reapply for a study permit using this same PAL until the PAL expires.
• How long a PAL is valid for?
  Your PAL only needs to be valid when we receive it with your application. Unless it has an expiry date on it, it’s valid until January 21, 2025. You can resubmit a study permit application with the same PAL if it’s still valid.
• 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 is the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) verification process?

  Applicants must submit a LOA from a DLI as part of their study permit application. The institution will verify the LOA directly with IRCC as part of the application process. This process is called the LOA verification process.

  Students are not required to complete any additional steps to initiate the LOA verification process. Please note that the LOA Verification process and the PAL process are different.

  At Ontario Tech Univeristy, Letter of Acceptance is called Offer of Admisison. 

• How is the PAL different from the LOA verification process?

  The PAL process and the LOA Verification process are two different processes.

  The provincial government administers the PAL process, while IRCC handles the LOA verification. Both are required as part of a study permit application. If you are not exempt from the PAL requirement, you must obtain a PAL before submitting your study permit application.

  IRCC is responsible for administering the LOA Verification process. Students are not required to take additional steps to initiate this process.

• I’m applying for my study permit through the Study Direct Stream (SDS). Do I still need a PAL?
  Starting January 22, 2024, all study permit applications submitted through SDS will require a PAL unless exempt.
• 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?
  The application for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is online through the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada website.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

• How can I apply for a TRV from outside of Canada?
  Students applying for study permits from outside of Canada are able to apply for their Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) at the same time as their study permit applications. 
• How can I apply for a TRV from inside Canada?
  If you are already in Canada, you do not necessarily need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). TRVs are only required if you are trying to re-enter Canada.  Learn about extending temporary resident visas.

Co-op Work Permit

• I have a placement, co-op, internship, practicum that is part of my program. How do I apply for a co-op work permit?

  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 refer to our co-op work permit website to find more information on how to obtain one. 

BorderPass

• What is BorderPass?
  BorderPass is a preferred, third-party service provider partner for Ontario Tech University to offer students access to its Canadian immigration services. BorderPass is a newcomer and visa management platform built, serviced and operated by Canadian immigration lawyers to streamline the immigration process for you throughout your stay in Canada.
• Why should I sign up for BorderPass?
  Students who opt-in will receive study permit application preparation, review, and filing services through BorderPass by Canadian immigration lawyers. By combining legal expertise with advanced technology, BorderPass can make the process more efficient, and cost-effective for international students. BorderPass also provides students with stronger visibility into compliance and the entire immigration journey to help support long-term goals.
• Is there an extra cost to me for BorderPass?

  As a result of the Preferred Partnership, the BorderPass Newcomer Pre-Arrival package costs $20.00 CAD (+ government fees), which includes a study visa permit application, premium services and access to Canadian immigration lawyers for 1-year.

• I'm having issues with my BorderPass account. How do I get help?

  If you have any questions about BorderPass, please contact BorderPass via the chat option (small blue circle in the bottom right corner of their website or within your BorderPass dashboard). BorderPass also has a comprehensive self-service Knowledge Base which includes helpful articles, product walkthroughs, video tutorials, immigration tips, and more.

• Can BorderPass guarantee that my application will be approved?
  No. However, using BorderPass will provide you with a more complete, accurate, and professional application which is reviewed and submitted by a Canadian lawyer. No one can guarantee that an application can be approved as this is subject to IRCC discretion.
• Can my dependents family's (spouse/partner, minor children) applications be submitted through BorderPass?
  Yes, BorderPass supports dependent family members and applications can be submitted online using the BorderPass platform.