Tutorial: How to apply for an initial study permit

Step-by-step instructions, required documents, and other important information about applying for your study permit.

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1. Overview of the process

When to apply

Apply as soon as you get accepted to UBC and have your Letter of Acceptance. You can apply for a study permit even if your offer has conditions, unless your visa office’s instructions require an unconditional letter of acceptance.

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

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. If you are already in Canada as the dependent of a study or work permit holder, you have the option to apply inside Canada.

Check current estimated processing times.

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: Prepare your application

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

Step 3: Apply

Recommended option

Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Alternate option

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.

The application fee is $150.

Step 4: Submit biometrics and medical exams (if applicable) 

Biometrics

Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in-person at the nearest biometrics collection point after you apply for your study permit. 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.

Medical Exams

You may be required to complete a medical exam. In general, it is faster to provide an upfront medical exam before you apply for a study permit. You can also complete the exam after you’ve applied for your study permit. Costs of medical exams vary. 

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

Step 5: Study permit approval 

If your study permit application is approved, you will be issued a Letter of Introduction.

You will need to present this letter to the Canada Border Services Officer when you arrive in Canada so your study permit can be issued at the airport or border.

Step 6: 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, you will need to submit your passport to have your TRV (also known as a ‘visa’) inserted.   

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

Step 7: Arrive in Canada

  1. Present your Letter of Introduction to the Canada Border Services Officer at the first place you arrive in Canada and request a study permit
  2. Before leaving the officer’s desk, ensure the information on your study permit is correct and that it states you ‘may work’ or ‘may accept employment.’ If these words are not present, respectfully request they be added. If they are not, you will not be able to work on your study permit for many months while you apply for a correction.

Step 8: After entering Canada

After entering Canada, there are a few steps to complete, such as applying for your BC Medical Services Plan, maintaining your student status, applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and more.

The information in this tutorial may change

The immigration information in this tutorial 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.