Applying for your study permit
A study permit is issued to students by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It authorizes an individual to study at a designated learning institution in Canada for the duration of the program of study.
How to apply for an initial study permit
If you're applying through a Canadian consulate located overseas:
- Most consulates around the world allow you to apply online for your study permit. You’ll need to on the Government of Canada's immigration website to do so. You can also apply using a paper form if you aren’t able to submit an online application
- Find out how to apply on the .
Not sure which visa office is responsible for issuing you a study permit?
Sample Study Permit
View a study permit and learn where to find your information
Documents you'll need to apply for an initial study permit
Required documents may differ depending on which country you're applying from. Please ensure you to check your specific visa office's instructions prior to applying. These when you indicate which country you’re applying from.
Here's a list of documents and information required for all initial study permit applications:
- Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà designated learning institution (DLI) number –&²Ô²ú²õ±è;O18886830282
- You’ll need our DLI for your study permit application form. Note: the first character is the letter O (as in onion) and the ninth is a zero.
- Letter of Attestation - Please refer to for more information if you need a PAL,
- Letter of acceptance from the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ.
- This letter must state your anticipated start date. If you decide to start at a later date, you’ll need to obtain a new letter of admission from either your department or Enrolment Services.
- Proof of financial support.
- You must provide proof that you can cover the cost of your first year's tuition, travel costs and an additional $20,635 in cost of living for a single applicant. (or $1720/month) available to you for a 12-month period. This amount will increase if you’re bringing with you.
- Your passport
- A valid passport that certifies your identity and nationality
- A photograph of yourself that meets the government's photograph .
- Client information. In this section, you can upload optional documents that may strengthen your application. Some students provide a letter of explanation (in Word document or PDF format) to explain some sort of exceptional circumstance. It is recommend to include proof of ties to your home country.
- Study Plan. A study plan explains to an officer why you are pursing your program of study at UCalgary and how it will benefit your employment and education prospects in your home country.
What are biometrics and how do I provide them?
Biometrics include your fingerprints and a photograph, and they're used by IRCC to confirm your identity. .
If you’re already in Canada and can apply for a new immigration document from within Canada (such as a study permit extension), you may be requested to provide biometrics if you haven’t given your biometrics in the last 10 years.
If you’re required to provide biometrics, you must do so within 30 days of submitting your immigration application. IRCC may provide you with a biometric instruction letter that has barcodes on it. If it does, you need to bring this letter with you when you provide your biometrics at a local visa application centre (VAC), application support centre (ASC) or designated Service Canada location.
There's an additional $85 CAD per person fee for biometrics. If you’re applying with your family, there's a maximum fee of $170 CAD.
Travelling while you're a student
Wondering how you can travel while on a student visa? We have the answers to your most common questions.