Study Permit (Outside Canada)

Study permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government department that handles immigration. You will be issued the permit upon entry to Canada by presenting your letter of invitation (LOI).

Do you need a study permit?

You need a study permit if you are admitted to the U of A to a program of study that is longer than six months.

• If you are in an undergraduate (bachelor’s, diploma, certificate) or graduate (master’s, PhD, certificate) program
• If you are an exchange student, studying for longer than six months
• If you are a visiting student, studying for longer than six months
• If you are in an English or French as a second language program, and you plan to study for longer than six months
• If you are in an online program that is longer than 6 months, with an in-person component.

You do not need a study permit

• If you are an exchange student studying for less than 6 months
• If you are a visiting student studying for less than 6 months
• If the duration of your program of studies is six months or shorter, and will be completed within the period of your stay authorized upon entry into Canada
• If your program is 100% online. If there is any type of in-person component, such as an exam or a lecture, a study permit is needed.
• If you hold a valid work permit that you applied for on or before June 7, 2023, you can study without a study permit until June 27, 2026. To study beyond this date, you must have been approved for a study permit. See eligibility

Find out if you need a study permit

Exchange and visiting students seeking immigration advice, contact ISVS.

Create a GCkey Account → Watch Video

Create a Study Permit Application → Watch Video

Documents Checklist → Watch Video

Complete the IMM1294 Form → Watch Video

Proof of Finances → Watch Video

Study Plan → Watch Video

Before You Submit Your Study Permit Application

If you are submitting your study permit application from outside Canada, or if you are submitting a study permit extension application from inside Canada after changing programs to a program that may be in a sensitive research area, it is especially important that you take the following pre-emptive measures to try to avoid processing delays:

• Include a study plan
  • Study plan instructions
  • Study plan instructions
• Follow the country specific requirements for your country of citizenship and the country you are applying from. (For example, a CV and resume, military service exemption certificate, or additional months of bank statements are some examples of documents that are required for applicants from certain countries)
• If you answered “Yes” to any of the background information questions in the IMM-1294 application form, fill out and sign the IMM-5257 Schedule 1 and upload it in its designated section under “Optional Documents”
• If you answered “Yes” to any of the background information questions in the IMM-1294 application form, include a letter of explanation of no more than 1 page to provide more information and any supporting documents
• If you have ever served in the military, including mandatory military service, militia, civil defence unit, security organization, or police service, provide a letter of explanation with your service documentation and the Details of Military Service IMM-5546 form
• If you have a military service exemption, provide a letter of explanation and your military service exemption certificate
• If you have previous employment in government-related positions (such as civil servant, judge, police officer, mayor, member of parliament, hospital administrator), include a letter of explanation with any supporting documentation to further explain your role and duties
• If you will be studying in an area that could be deemed sensitive, request a supervisor support letter to help explain your research

Note:

• Study plans, letters of explanation, and supporting documentation such as military service certificates and CVs should be uploaded under the Client Information section
• If your Client Information section contains more than 3 separate documents, it is recommended that you include a table of contents with page numbers as the first page
• Supporting documentation must either be in English or French, or you must provide translations from a certified translator along with the originals
• All documents related to your financial sufficiency should be uploaded under the “Proof of Funds” section
• Ensure that all the information contained in your application is consistent and does not conflict with information elsewhere in the application, or information contained in previous IRCC applications
  • If there are discrepancies, these discrepancies must be addressed and explained

Applying at A Port of Entry (POE)

Only available for citizens or permanent residents of the USA, Greenland, or St. Pierre and Miquelon. Find out which documents you will need to apply.

We advise that students apply for their study permit online to avoid any issues or delays with applying at the Port of Entry.

Have the contact information for the Student Services Centre available, in case verification with the university is required upon entry.

After You Apply: What to Expect

• Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL): If you indicated in the questionnaire that you have not done your biometrics within the last 10 years, you will receive a biometrics request from IRCC. A study permit cannot be issued beyond the expiry of your biometrics.
  
• Immigration Medical Exam (IME): If you have spent more than 6 months in a designated country within the last 12 months.
• In some cases, you may receive a request for new or additional documents from IRCC.
• Approval:
  • Expect to receive an eTA or a request to submit your passport for a TRV. 
  • You'll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.​
• Refusal: Learn more about the next steps on the study permit refusal webpage

What to expect after you apply → Watch Video

Study Permit Delays: Next Steps

If you are experiencing a delay, learn about your options.

Additional Resources

• Entering Canada as a New Student
• Prepare for the U of A
• Welcome Services

These steps provide general information that was accurate at the time of publication. For any advice on your specific situation, consult the International Student Specialist. For the most up-to-date immigration information, visit the official Canada.ca website.

If you have any questions, contact us