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Study Permit

International students enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (external link)  (DLI), a school approved by the provincial or territorial government to host international students, for programs that are more than six months in length are required to obtain a study permit. International students are responsible for ensuring that their study permits are valid at all times.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s DLI number: O19395677651

Updates to study permit requirements for international students

As of January 22, 2024, the Government of Canada amended study permit application requirements (external link)  for most new international students applying for undergraduate degree and English language pathway programs. The new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (external link, opens in new window)  may be requested once a student has accepted their TMU Offer of Admission and paid their tuition deposit.

On September 18, 2024, the Government of Canada advised that beginning in 2025, most new international students applying for a study permit for graduate level studies will also require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). More information on how to obtain a PAL for graduate students is forthcoming.

Study permit requirements FAQ

In order to apply for a study permit, you must first receive an Offer of Admission. Your application must be approved before coming to Canada and you must apply for your initial study permit outside of Canada. 

Please note that as of January 22, 2024, the Government of Canada has amended its requirements for a study permit application (external link, opens in new window)  for undergraduate degree and English language pathway programs. These changes do not apply to Masters or PhD students.

When can I apply for my study permit?

Undergraduate degree and English language pathway program students:

  • Please do not submit your study permit application until you have received the newly required Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
  • Once you have received your Offer of Admission, you will be required to accept your offer and submit your tuition deposit. Upon receiving your acceptance and tuition deposit, TMU will request a PAL on your behalf if it is determined that you require one.
  • You will be able to check your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal to see if we have requested a PAL on your behalf and when it is ready. When we receive your PAL, we will notify you via your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal so that you can download it from MyServiceHub. 
  • Please continue to prepare your study permit application and gather relevant documents while you wait for your PAL.
  • It is important that you do not submit your study permit application without the PAL as this will result in the return of your study permit application. The resubmission of your application will delay its processing.
  • You can apply for an initial study permit (external link, opens in new window)  from outside of Canada either online or on paper. Where possible, we recommend applying online as processing times are quicker.
  • US citizens, permanent residents of the United States, residents of Greenland and residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon may choose to apply for a study permit at the Port of Entry (POE) upon entering Canada. Make sure you have the right documents (external link, opens in new window)  with you when crossing the border.  

Graduate degree students: 

  • We strongly recommend that you apply for a study permit as soon as you receive an offer of admission or confirmation of enrollment from the university in order to receive it on time.
  • You can apply for an initial study permit (external link, opens in new window)  from outside of Canada either online or on paper. Where possible, we recommend applying online as processing times are quicker.
  • US citizens, permanent residents of the United States, residents of Greenland and residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon may choose to apply for a study permit at the Port of Entry (POE) upon entering Canada. Make sure you have the right documents (external link, opens in new window)  with you when crossing the border.

 What documents do I need?

Minor children under the age of 18 will need to appoint a custodian, a responsible, adult Canadian citizen or permanent resident, in order to study in Canada. Please refer to studying in Canada as a minor (external link, opens in new window)  for more information.

You must apply to extend your study permit before it expires if you plan to continue studying in Canada past your study permit date of expiration. Study permit extension applications must be done from inside Canada. We recommend extending your study permit approximately 3 to 4 months before it expires.

You can extend your study permit online (external link, opens in new window)  or on paper (external link, opens in new window) . Where possible, we recommend applying online as processing times are quicker.

What documents do I need?

Document requirements may vary depending on your individual situation and are outlined in your GCKey/Sign In-Partner Account (external link, opens in new window)  (for online applications) after completing the questionnaire or Document Checklist IMM 5555 (external link, opens in new window)  (for paper applications).

Confirmation of enrolment letters are provided by ISS. Learn more about requesting a status letter. 

Please note that you may be required to obtain a medical examination (external link, opens in new window)  and/or biometrics (external link, opens in new window)  as part of your study permit extension application.

Did you know?

As of April 11, 2019 students transitioning between levels of study (primary, secondary and post-secondary) are no longer required to apply for a new study permit, provided their current study permit is still valid.

Students are still required to notify IRCC of changing Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). This may be done through their MyAccount.
 (external link, opens in new window) 

You can amend your study permit (external link, opens in new window)  if there was a mistake made by IRCC when the study permit was issued.

If you are eligible to work in Canada, but the wording on your study permit states you "may not work" or "may not accept employment", you will need to amend your study permit to get the right wording to apply for a SIN.

When and how can I apply for a study permit amendment?

In some cases, students are exempt from obtaining a study permit. Students who are pursuing short-term courses (external link, opens in new window) , meaning a course or program that is six months or less in duration, are not required to obtain a study permit.

For a full list of exemptions from obtaining a study permit, please refer to Who needs a study permit (external link, opens in new window)  on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Please note that due to COVID-19, students who meet the study permit exemption may be required to obtain a study permit in order to enter Canada. Please contact issask@torontomu.ca.

Did you know?

If you are exempt from obtaining a study permit, you may still be required to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) in order to travel to Canada.

Students who have previously studied at another Designated Learning Institution (DLI) (external link)  in Canada are not required to obtain a new study permit as a result of transferring to a new post-secondary institution. If you hold a study permit that is valid for post-secondary studies, please ensure to change the DLI number (external link)  associated with your study permit once you transfer.

This application is free of charge and must be done online.

As a result of the recently introduced Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement (external link, opens in new window)  for most study permit applications, TMU is unable to offer year-long inbound exchange placements for the 2024/2025 academic year. However, at this time, TMU can offer a one-semester placement as this duration of stay does not require a study permit or a PAL.

International students intending to study in Canada are typically required to apply for a study permit. It is recommended that students have a valid study permit at least two weeks ahead of their program start date. If you intend to begin your studies at TMU but have not yet applied for your study permit, please do so as soon as possible.

Please share the status of your study permit application with TMU:

How to Access TMU's Study Permit Form (external link) 

How to Update TMU's Study Permit Form (external link)