Immigration News and Updates
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. Some students may be exempt from having to receive a PAL.
Master’s and doctoral students 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. You must apply for your initial permit from outside of Canada. 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 information is 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, allow for additional time considering 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: Review the IRCC website to begin gathering the required documents.
Step 3: Create an account or sign in on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Step 4: Answer the online questionnaire (be sure to select “Study Permit” when prompted).
Step 5: Upload your supporting documents and a completed application form.
Step 6: Press “Submit” and pay the application fee.
Step 7: If your study permit is approved, you will also be issued either a:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), and theIRCC will request your passport or
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
UNBC's Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is O19283889692. Please use this number when applying for your study permit.
Common Study Permit Questions
Is UNBC a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Yes. UNBC's Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is O19283889692. Please use this number when applying for your study permit.
How do I know if I need a study permit?
All students who plan to study in Canada in a program greater than 6 months requires a study permit.
Is there another option to applying online?
Yes, there are alternate options to applying online
- You can apply in person at 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.
- Apply by paper if you have a disability which prevents you from applying online, or you hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons.
- US citizens, US permanent residents, and residents of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon can also apply in person upon entry to Canada at the border or airport.
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 travelers, 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 ended in November 2024.
I want to start studying at UNBC, but I applied for my study permit with a different school. Can I still study at UNBC?
If your application is still in process, submit a new letter of acceptance and a provincial or territorial attestation letter (if needed) in the IRCC web form.
If your study permit application was approved but you are still outside of Canada, you must submit a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance and a provincial or territorial attestation letter (if needed).
If you would like to change your school after receiving your study permit and starting your program. Starting November 8th, 2024 students will need to apply for and receive a new study permit if they wish to change institutions. Please see the IRCC website for more information. They can no longer update their DLI through the IRCC website.
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.