Apply for an Initial Study Permit at a VAC

Find the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for your country to: 

• be served in the local language
• benefit from their extended hours of service
• track your application online; and
• be sure your application is complete and is sent to the correct visa office.

Some VACs require an appointment and some are available for walk-in service.

• Make a plan to go to the VAC. Have your application completed and all documents ready for when you go to the VAC.
• Keep study permit application processing times in mind. Remember that posted processing times do not include the transfer times between the VAC and the consulate or embassy.

IMM 1294: Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada

From your application package, click on “Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” to download the latest version of the application form. When you click on this link, you may see a "Please Wait..." message on a white page. From here, use the download button in your browser to download the PDF document. If you do not have Adobe Reader, follow the instructions on the "Please Wait..." page to download it. Open the downloaded IMM1294 file in Adobe Reader, from the saved location on your computer.

Here are some important tips for completing the IMM 1294 application form:

• Use IRCC's step by step instructions to help you complete the form.
   
• UCI stands for “Unique Client Identifier” and is also known as Client ID. It is an eight or ten-digit number found on your immigration documents.
  • Note: If this is your first ever application to IRCC, you can leave the UCI (universal client identification number) blank.
     
• Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number: The University of Lethbridge's DLI (Designated Learning Institution) number for both the Lethbridge and Calgary campus is O18776949622 (the first letter is capital O and not zero)
  • ​Note: This number is also listed on your Letter of Acceptance.
     
• Letter of Acceptance: Use this document to answer duration of study questions.
   
• Employment: Enter the details of any paid employment from the past 10 years, whether part-time or full-time.
  • Note: If you have no work experience, include any secondary or post-secondary studies and duration and state that your occupation was “student”.
     
• Signature: No physical signature is required for the IMM 1294. DO NOT print and scan this form.
   
• Validate & Upload: When you have completed the application form, click the blue “Validate” button at the end of the form. If you have made mistakes or missed any fields, these sections will be highlighted red and you will need to complete these areas prior to attempting to validate again. Once you have successfully validated, a page of black bar codes will be generated as the final page of the document. Print, sign and date the validated form.

Find the Document Checklist and Visa Office Instructions that you saved or printed earlier.

• Gather all the documents listed in the Document Checklist (IMM5483)
• Gather all the documents listed in the Visa Office Instructions (if applicable)
• Take care in ensuring that all your documents are clear, legible and well organized

For a study permit application, there are two (2) types of fees:

• The application processing fee of $150 CAD and
• The Biometric fee of $85 CAD (per person) or $170 CAD (for a family of 2 or more if applying with dependents)
  • Note: Most applicants for a study permit will need to provide biometrics. If you’ve given your biometrics before, check if they are still valid. 

You can pay your fees at the VAC where you file your application. VACs charge a fee for services that help you apply.

Submit your completed application package at the VAC. The VAC can review your application to ensure it is complete.

Ensure you receive your study permit application number from the VAC.

You can create a online IRCC Secure Account to get updates on the processing of your application.

If you are creating an account, click the "Register" button at the bottom of the page and enter a username, password, and some security questions.

• In your account, under “View the applications you submitted”, click on “+ Add (link) your application to your account to check your status”.
• Enter the information exactly as you did on your original application. If you made updates after you applied, enter the most recent information.
• You can try to link an application 5 times. If it doesn’t work after 5 tries, you’ll be locked out for 24 hours.

After you link your application, you won’t receive paper letters about your application. We’ll send messages about your application to your account.

If your study permit application is approved:

• IRCC will provide you with a "Letter of Introduction". This letter is not your study permit, but a document stating it has been approved. You will bring this letter with you, when you come to Canada and a Border Services Officer will issue you your study permit at the port-of-entry.

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.
   

If your study permit application is refused:

• IRCC will send you a refusal letter that includes an explanation on the reasons for refusal. Please contact us for advice before re-applying.

If you have a Letter of Acceptance to the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Nursing After Degree or Bachelor of Education, you will require a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. The co-op work permit will allow you to complete the practicum components of your program.

To apply for the co-op work permit:

• Review your Letter of Acceptance. In Box 24, ensure that "yes" is checked.
• Include the letter from the faculty regarding practicum work as a supporting document in your study permit application. This letter has been provided to you by email together with your Letter of Acceptance.

Please note that work which brings you in close contact with people, such as nursing or teaching, requires a medical exam performed by an IRCC panel physician.

Your co-op work permit will be issued to you along with your study permit at the port of entry upon your arrival to Canada.