Student Counselling Services

Study Permit Application Guide (Canada)

Study Permit

International students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada require a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to study in a program that is longer than six months.

When to Apply

Once you have received your confirmation/acceptance letter and accompanying documentation for IRCC, you can start the application process for your study permit. The application for your initial study permit must be submitted outside of Canada.

Apply early

Apply early to avoid delays in the processing of your study permit. The processing duration varies depending on countries and the number of applicants. If you do not obtain a valid study permit before the beginning of the semester for which you have been accepted at your university, you may not be able to start your program.

Ensure you have a valid passport

Make sure your passport is valid before you apply. If your passport is about to expire, we recommend you renew it before applying for your study permit.

Get assistance from our consultant staff

Book an appointment with our staff to learn more about programs for international students, how to apply, study permits and visas, events and more.