Applying for your Initial Study Permit

A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which grants you temporary resident status and allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI), such as the University of Lethbridge.

• A study permit allows foreign nationals to remain in Canada temporarily as a student.
• Most foreign nationals coming to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada will need a study permit.
• To study in Canada for any period longer than six months, you will need a study permit. 

Application Fees

• The study permit application fee is $150.
• An additional $85 fee is charged for collecting your biometrics. If you use the services of a VAC, the biometrics fee will be included in the fee charged by the VAC.

Entry Documents

• If you are from a country that requires a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for entry to Canada, and your study permit application is approved, IRCC will contact you to submit your passport to add the TRV (a sticker in your passport). 
• If you are from a country that requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for entry to Canada, one will be issued upon approval of your study permit application. The details of the eTA will be listed in your Letter of Introduction.

Since your initial study permit application can take time to put together, we recommend that you apply for your study permit well before you plan to travel. Ideally, you should apply as soon as you receive a Letter of Acceptance from the University of Lethbridge. ​​

Study permit applications made from outside Canada are processed at Canadian embassies and consulates worldwide. Processing times vary by country and can normally be viewed on the IRCC website. 

Keep in mind that the IRCC processing times do not include:

• The time it takes to send an application between a Visa Application Centre and IRCC
• The time it takes for you to give your biometrics

Supporting documents required for a study permit application will vary depending on your country of residence and citizenship.

For most study permit applications, you will be required to submit:

• Proof of identity: valid passport or travel document
• Proof of acceptance to uLethbridge: Letter of Acceptance sent by Admissions (after you accept your offer of admission)
• Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada: (IMM1294)
• Proof of financial support: Check the IRCC website for required amounts
• Letter of Explanation: a document explaining why you wish to study in Canada and that you understand the regulations & limitations of the study permit

You may also need to submit the following additional documents:

• Biometrics: digital copies of your fingerprints, retinas and photos
• Medical Exam: You may arrange a medical exam with an IRCC panel physician and include their report with your study permit application, or apply for the study permit and wait for instruction from the visa officer.
• Family Information Form (IMM5645 or IMM5707)

Visa Office Instructions: In addition to the required documents you will need to provide in your study permit application, residents of some countries will have an additional list of required documents called "Visa Office Instructions". 

• Any documents required by your visa office, which are not already included in your document checklist, will need to be submitted as part of your study permit application. 
• Find the visa office instructions for your country of residence:
  • From the drop-down menu, select your country/territory of residence (the country from which you will be applying)
  • Find the document checklist and visa office instructions PDF (if applicable) and save or print both. Refer to these documents often.

We recommend that you apply for your initial study permit online. Applying online allows you to track your application and receive regular updates regarding the approval process of the application.

• Online through the IRCC Secure Account (Recommended option)
  • ​If you are applying for a Study Permit and a Work Permit for your spouse/partner at the same time, IRCC recommends applying through the IRCC Secure Account. 
     
• Online through the IRCC Portal
  • ​If you are applying for a Study Permit by yourself, IRCC recommends applying through the IRCC Portal.
    ​
• In-Person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
  • If you have a disability that prevents you from applying online, or you hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons, you can apply in-person at the VAC. 
     
• At the Port of Entry
  • ​If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder), a resident of Greenland, or a resident of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, you can apply for a Study Permit at the Port-of-Entry.