How to apply

You need an attestation letter to apply for a study permit

As of January 22, 2024, most students must include an attestation letter from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application.

If you apply without an attestation letter your application will be returned unless you’re either

a minor child in a primary or secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12)
a student in a masters, PhD or other post-graduate program
a student applying to extend your study permit

Learn more about changes for international students.

Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada. In some cases, you can apply when you arrive in Canada at the port of entry. Make sure you understand which option is available to you.

Get your documents ready

When you apply, you should submit

a letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution (DLI) you’ll be attending
an attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study New: January 22, 2024
as many of the documents needed for a complete application as possible
- We won’t be able to finalize your study permit until you’ve submitted a complete application.
- Waiting to submit documents will cause delays in processing.
a letter of explanation for any documents that are missing due to COVID-19

Apply online

If you’re applying for a study permit, you must apply online, whether you’re outside of Canada or already in Canada.

You’re only eligible to apply on paper if you

have a disability that prevents you from applying online
hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons

Image that represents the different stages of the application process and biometrics.

We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.

1. Apply for your visitor visa, study permit or work permit

If you want to visit, study or work in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.

Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application.

2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you probably need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years to make repeat trips to Canada easier.

You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays.
Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.

Find out who needs to give, how to give, and where to give your biometrics.

3. We process your application

After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.

If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.

4. We make a decision on your application

When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.

If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.

5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)

Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes travel documents like a visitor visa, study or work permits or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport).

Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents.

6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada

When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.

If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.

If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.

7. You’re allowed to enter Canada

If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.

Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.

Get specific instructions on how to apply

Answer a few questions to get the next steps for your situation.

Where are you applying from?

Outside Canada
How do you want to apply?
- Online (required, unless exempt)
  Are you applying with a family member that needs a work permit?
  - Yes
  - No
- On paper
Inside Canada
Only some people can apply for a study permit from inside Canada. Do any of the situations below describe you, or the person you’re applying for?

You’re currently in Canada and one of these applies:
- you’re a Ukrainian national or family member of a Ukrainian national
- you have a valid study or work permit
- your spouse, common-law partner or parent has a valid study or work permit
- you’re a minor child in primary or secondary school
- you’re an exchange student or visiting student
- you completed a short-term course or study program required to be accepted at a DLI
- you or your spouse, common-law partner or dependent child has a temporary resident permit (TRP) valid for 6 months or more
- you’re being sponsored to immigrate and you already applied for permanent residence (if you’re eligible)
- you or your spouse, common-law partner or dependent child are subject to an unenforceable removal order
- you’re the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of:
  - an athlete on a team based in Canada
  - a member of the media
  - a member of the clergy
  - military personnel on duty in Canada or
  - an accredited foreign representative
- you’re a refugee claimant in Canada or a family member of a refugee claimant in Canada
- Yes
  Are you a Ukrainian national or family member of a Ukrainian national?
  - Yes
  - No
- No
  Has your study permit expired?
  - Yes
  - No
At a port of entry
Do any of the following describe you or the person you’re applying for?

You’re a:
- citizen of the U.S.
- permanent resident of the U.S.
- person who has lawfully been admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence
- resident of Greenland
- resident of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
- Yes
- No

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Apply online from outside Canada

Get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream

If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you’ll need:

a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
a valid credit or debit card.

To make sure you have everything you need to apply, get your local visa office instructions by selecting the country or territory from which you’ll be applying.

Select a country/territory

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burma (Myanmar)
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cabo Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China (People’s Republic of)
Colombia
Comoros Island
Congo
Costa Rica
Côte d’Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Holy See
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao SAR
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia (Federated States of)
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
North Macedonia (Republic Of)
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tahiti
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
US Virgin Islands
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.

Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include:

processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application and
biometrics

We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:

medical exams
police certificates
language testing, and
services at a visa application centre if you use one

You won’t pay these fees in your online account. You’ll pay them directly to the third party.

Biometrics fee

In most cases, you should pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo. Find out if you need to give your biometrics.

Step 5: Create your online account or sign in

If you need an eTA or visa

If you need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visa, we’ll issue it automatically at the same time as your study permit. You don’t need to apply separately or pay another fee.

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

pay your fees
submit your application
check your status

Continue to IRCC secure account

Apply online from outside Canada

Get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream

If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you’ll need:

a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
a valid credit or debit card.

To make sure you have everything you need to apply, get your local visa office instructions by selecting the country or territory from which you’ll be applying.

Select a country/territory

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burma (Myanmar)
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cabo Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China (People’s Republic of)
Colombia
Comoros Island
Congo
Costa Rica
Côte d’Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Holy See
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao SAR
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia (Federated States of)
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
North Macedonia (Republic Of)
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tahiti
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
US Virgin Islands
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.

Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include:

processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application and
biometrics

We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:

medical exams
police certificates
language testing, and
services at a visa application centre if you use one

You won’t pay these fees in your online account. You’ll pay them directly to the third party.

Biometrics fee

Step 5: Create your online account or sign in

If you need an eTA or visa

If you need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visa, we’ll issue it automatically at the same time as your study permit. You don’t need to apply separately or pay another fee.

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

pay your fees
submit your application
check your status

Continue to IRCC Portal

Apply on paper from outside Canada

Get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream

If you’re a legal resident of certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.

Who’s eligible to apply on paper

You’re eligible to apply on paper only if you

have a disability that prevents you from applying online
hold an identity document or a travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons

Apply on paper

Apply online from inside Canada

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you’ll need:

a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and
a valid credit or debit card.

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.

Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.

Step 5: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

pay your fees
submit your application
check your status

Continue to IRCC secure account

If you can’t apply online

You can submit a paper application if either:

you can’t apply online because of a disability
there’s a problem with the online application

What to do if you can’t apply online

You need to apply as though you’re outside Canada

Even though you’re physically in Canada, you must follow the instructions for applying for a study permit from outside Canada.

In our online tools, choose your country of citizenship when you’re asked for your current country or territory of residence. This is to make sure you get the correct application forms.

When you fill out the PDF forms, your answers must be accurate, since they’re now part of your application. If you’re in Canada, use your Canadian address.

How to apply for a study permit

Scroll back up this page and select “Outside Canada” to find out how to apply.

Apply to restore your status as a student

If you want to continue studying in Canada, but your study permit has expired, you need to restore your status as a student and apply for a new study permit.

On the application form, select both

an initial study permit or extension of study permit and
restoration of temporary resident status as a student

Find out if you’re eligible and how to restore your student status.

Apply at a port of entry

Before you come to Canada

If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States, and you want to apply at an airport, you must get an electronic travel authorization before you board your flight to Canada.

When you arrive at the port of entry

Tell the officer that you want a study permit. The officer will check

your passport or other travel document
that you meet the eligibility requirements and
that your medical certificate is valid, if you need one

If you’re eligible for a study permit, the officer will issue one to you. If you’re not eligible, the officer will refuse your study permit. If your permit is refused, you may still be able to enter Canada as a visitor.

You can’t apply at a port of entry

You can’t apply for a study permit at a port of entry. You need to apply from outside Canada.

Select “Outside Canada” to find out how you can apply for a study permit.

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Date modified:: 2024-01-23