Immigration and Visas
The Canadian federal government recently announced a temporary cap on study permits for international students seeking undergraduate post-secondary education in Canada. As of January 22, 2024, study permit applications will require potential students to obtain Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) from the province where they plan to study. Currently, master’s and doctoral students do not require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to apply for their study permit, but will require a PAL in 2025.
Other resources:
Government of Canada’s website
Newsroom – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Steps to Apply for a Study Permit
It is important for you to start your study permit process immediately after receiving acceptance to UNBC. It is your responsibility to apply with enough time to arrive for the start of the semester and acquire the correct visa or study permit before you arrive in Canada. The following are general guidelines. Please always refer to the Government of Canada's website for official information.
Step 1: Check study permit processing times. Please ensure enough time to apply, receive your study permit and make travel arrangements before the start of the semester. When estimating the time it will take to receive a study permit and arrive in Canada please consider the following:
- 8 to 12 weeks may be needed to complete an application, and gather the required documents. You may be required to submit biometrics and complete a medical exam.
- 4 weeks (1 month) of additional processing times in case of delays or interruptions.
- 2 to 3 weeks if you require a temporary resident visa (TRV) as you will be required to mail in your passport.
Step 2: Create an account or sign in on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website
Step 3: Answer the online questionnaire (be sure to select “Study Permit” when prompted)
Step 4: Upload your supporting documents and a completed application form
Step 5: Press “Submit” and pay the application fee
UNBC's Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is O19283889692. Please use this number when applying for your study permit.
Common Study Permit Questions
How do I know if I need a study permit?
All students who plan to study in Canada for greater than 6 months require a study permit.
Is there another option to applying online?
Yes. You can go to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and submit your application through them. Visa application centres are private companies that have formal contracts with the Government of Canada.
What is the difference between a visa and a study permit?
A study permit allows you to study in Canada for greater than six months.
A temporary resident visa (TRV) is issued to most passport holders before they can travel to Canada. Some travellers, for example citizens of the European Union or Australia, will not require a TRV, but will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
I have heard about the Study Direct Stream. What is this and can I apply through it?
The Student Direct Stream was ended in November 2024.
I want to start studying at UNBC, but my study permit was issued for another post-secondary institution. Can I still study at UNBC?
Yes. It is important that you change the post-secondary institution you are studying at. This can be done through your online portal.
If you change schools and don't tell IRCC, your old school will report you as not being registered to study. If you aren’t registered to study, you’re breaking the conditions of your study permit. You may be asked to leave the country, and this may prevent you from coming to Canada in the future.
I still have more questions about study permits and immigration issues. What should I do?
Contact us at ie@unbc.ca for further support, or to ask specific questions.