How to apply for your initial study permit

Latest immigration updates

Although the IRCC website directs most students who are outside Canada to submit a study permit application through the IRCC portal, we recommend that you follow the steps in our tutorial and apply through the IRCC secure account even though outside Canada applications are not listed. If you are applying for your spouse’s open work permit at the same time as your study permit, you should apply through the IRCC secure account as instructed by IRCC. If you decide to apply through the IRCC portal, you will still find our online resources helpful since many aspects are similar.

As of Jan 22, 2024, study permit applications outside Canada require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province of British Columbia. Some students are exempt from the PAL.

Find out how to get a PAL, if you need one, and Letter of Admission for your study permit application.

As of Jan 1, 2024, the minimum cost-of-living financial requirement has increased from $10,000 to $20,635 for 2024. For new study permit applications, you will need to show proof of funds for the cost-of-living financial requirement plus your first year of tuition fees and travel costs. The cost-of-living amount will be adjusted each year based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off.

As of November 8, 2024, students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing educational institutions (DLIs). You do not need to update your study permit if you change programs at UBC. Review the Nov 15, 2024, news release.

Get timely updates on immigration, work eligibility, and health insurance for international students.

Overview of the process

When to apply

You must apply for your initial study permit from outside of Canada and it must be approved before you come to Canada.

As of Jan 22, 2024, study permit applications require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Some students are exempt from the PAL. 

Find out how to get a PAL, if you need one, and Letter of Admission for your study permit application. You should apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Admission and your PAL.

If you do not require a PAL, you should apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Admission or offer letter. You can apply for a study permit even if your offer has conditions.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or a resident of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you have the option to apply upon entry into Canada, either at the Canada-US border crossing or at an international airport in Canada upon arrival. If you don’t have a PAL, contact International Student Advising for support. 

If you are inside Canada and exempt from the PAL, you might be able to apply through the inside Canada process. Contact International Student Advising for support. 

Check current estimated processing times.

First, learn about study permits

Before preparing your application, review important information about what a study permit is, who needs one, the Student Direct Stream option, study permits for minors, and other important considerations.

Next, prepare your application

  1. Create your document checklist
  2. Gather your required documents
  3. Complete the application form

Medical exams

You may be required to complete a medical exam. In general, it is faster for study permit processing if you take an upfront medical exam, meaning, take a medical exam before you apply for a study permit, and submit the medical exam document together with your study permit application.

You can also submit your study permit application first and wait for a notice asking you to take a medical exam, which may take longer. Generally, if you do not take an upfront medical exam, you will have to provide results within 30 days of receiving a request for a medical exam.

Costs of medical exams vary depending on the individual panel physician (a doctor authorized by Canadian Immigration to conduct immigration medical exam).

Check out the “documents you might need” section on the Gather your required documents page for further information.

Complete the application review course

Before you submit your application, review the online application review Canvas course to go over your application with helpful videos and to learn about common mistakes.

Then, apply for your initial study permit

The application fee is $150.

It’s highly recommended to apply online.

Although the IRCC website directs most students outside Canada to submit a study permit application through the IRCC portal, we recommend that you follow the steps in our tutorial and apply through the IRCC secure account even though outside Canada applications are not listed. If you are applying for your spouse’s open work permit at the same time as your study permit, you should apply through the IRCC secure account as instructed by IRCC. If you decide to apply through the IRCC portal, you still will find our online resources helpful since many aspects are similar.

Alternate options

  • Apply in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
  • Apply by paper if you have a disability which prevents you from applying online, or you hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons.
  • US citizens, US permanent residents, and residents of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon can also apply in person upon entry to Canada at the border or airport.

Submit biometrics and medical exams, if applicable

Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in-person at the nearest biometrics collection site after you apply for your study permit within 30 days of receiving a request for biometrics. Book an appointment to provide biometrics as soon as you get your Biometrics Instruction Letter (request for your biometrics). A fee of $85 will be required at the time of application.

Some students may need to travel within their home country or in some cases, apply for a visa to travel to another country to submit biometrics. 

If you provided biometrics in the past 10 years or if you are a U.S. citizen, you are exempt.

Get your study permit approval

If your study permit application is approved, IRCC will email you a Letter of Introduction.

You will need to print and present this letter to the Canada Border Services Officer when you enter Canada. They will then issue your study permit (a piece of paper) at the airport or border crossing.

Review the Travelling to Canada Guide before making travel plans. Do not book travel until you have received your Letter of Introduction, or book travel that can be changed or refunded.

Below is a sample letter of introduction.

Screenshot of a sample Letter of Introduction

Inform International Student Advising about your study permit refusal through our webform as soon as possible so we can help you resolve the issue. Make sure to upload a copy of your refusal letter and all documents submitted with your application.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. If you do, IRCC will issue the TRV or eTA once your study permit is approved. 

You do not need to apply separately for either a TRV or eTA when applying for your initial study permit from outside Canada. If you need to extend your study permit or apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada in the future, you’ll need to apply for a TRV separately after you’ve received your permit.

Get your TRV/eTA, if applicable

After your study permit has been approved, you will automatically be issued one of these documents to travel to Canada:

  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or 
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

If you are from a TRV-required country, normally, IRCC will contact you to ask for your passport once your study permit is approved. You will then send your passport to your visa office or a Visa Application Centre (VAC) so they can attach your TRV (a sticker) on a page inside your passport.

Once your study permit is approved, IRCC will automatically include your eTA number in your Letter of Introduction. No action is required by you. You can check your eTA status online.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are exempt from requiring a TRV or an eTA.

When you arrive in Canada

Read the guide to ensure you are prepared for your arrival in Canada and steps you should follow.

Get details

After entering Canada

Once you’re in Canada, there are a few steps to complete, such as applying for your BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), maintaining your student status, applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and more.

  1. Apply for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) as soon as you arrive in British Columbia.
  2. Check that you have iMED health insurance for your first three months in BC.
  3. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is required to work in Canada.
  4. Add your immigration document expiry dates into the UBC Reminder System.
  5. Keep your study permit valid and remain enrolled in classes until program completion.  Learn about how your enrollment impacts immigration.
  6. Sign up for the International Community Update newsletter.
  7. To avoid carrying your passport for identification, get a BCID.

Learn about life in Canada

If you have questions

You can connect with International Student Advising for questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada.

The information on this page may change

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.