Immigration Application Resources

What if my offer is conditional?

You should apply for your study permit as soon as you get your letter of acceptance, even if it is conditional. York University does not reissue letters of acceptance when conditions are cleared.

In your study plan, you can explain how and when you plan to clear the conditions.

How do I get a Provincial Attestation Letter?

Visit our Study Permit Application Information page for more details on how to get a PAL.

Do I need to hire a representative?

You are not required to hire a representative, however there are benefits to hiring a licensed representative who is experienced in this particular area of immigration law to assist you with your application if you are able to, including familiarity with the application process and knowledge about how to proactively address common reasons for refusal.

If you decide to hire a representative, ensure that they are licensed and experienced with study permit applications.

Find out if your representative is authorized

Tips on choosing an immigration legal representative

Do I have to pay my tuition in advance?

This depends on the country-specific requirements. Even if you are not required to pay tuition in advance, it can help strengthen your application if you pay your first year tuition either fully or partially in advance.

Proof of paid tuition can be one of your documents for the proof of financial support.

Use the estimate provided in your letter of acceptance for the tuition amount. You will not know the exact amount of tuition you owe until you are fully enrolled in courses which may be very late to start your study permit application.

If you overpay, you can either leave the extra amount on your student account for a future term or request a refund. If you have a balance owing, you will need to pay the difference by the deadline to avoid any interest fees.

What documents should I submit for proof of financial support?

This is one of the most important parts of your study permit application. You need to satisfy IRCC that you have enough funds to pay for your tuition, daily living expenses and return airfare for at least the first year of your studies. We recommend you provide as much documentation as possible, rather than focus on meeting the minimum requirements. Insufficient proof of financial support is one of the most common reasons for refusal.

When preparing your documents, check the country-specific requirements as there may be specific formats required.

See IRCC’s list of example documents.

If your parent or another person is supporting your education, you would need a letter from them (preferably notarized) explaining how they will support your studies in Canada. They must also provide proof of where their funds are coming from e.g. employment letter, proof of business ownership, bank statements.

Can I still apply for the Student Direct Stream or  Nigeria Student Express?

As of November 8, 2024 at 2pm EST, the Student Direct Stream and the Nigeria Student Express stream are closed. Applications submitted to IRCC in either of these streams by November 8 at 2pm EST will be processed under SDS or NSE. Applications submitted to IRCC after this time will be processed in the regular study permit application process.

How long will it take to get my study permit?

You can check the processing times online, however these times are estimates. IRCC is still dealing with a backlog from COVID-19 and there may be significant delays. We recommend you apply for your study permit as soon as you get your letter of acceptance so that you can get a decision on time for the start of your studies.

If you haven’t received a decision and it has been longer than the posted processing times and you have not received any communications from IRCC, you can request an update via an IRCC webform. Please note there will be a delayed response.

Unfortunately, universities cannot intervene to expedite the processing of study permit/visa applications for individual students.

I am already in Canada on a study permit. What do I do?

Students transferring Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), such as moving from high school to post-secondary or between post-secondary institutions, are now required to apply for a new study permit and submit a PAL with their application. Newly admitted students will automatically receive a PAL after they pay their enrolment deposit. is valid for some time and I have the conditions to work on/off campus listed. Please visit the Study Permit Application Information - York International.

My study permit doesn’t have the conditions to work on/off campus.

If you would like to have these conditions added to your study permit, you will need to apply for an extension.

If your study permit is not expiring soon (within the next 5-6 months), you will need to explain that you are applying for an extension to have the conditions to work added to your study permit. You will need to state that you are starting a program at York University and are now eligible to work on/off campus.

My study permit is expiring soon (in the next 3-6 months)

You need to apply for an extension. You will need to provide your letter of acceptance to York as one of your documents for the application.