A Guide for International High School Students Thinking About Coming to York

If you’re in high school and thinking about coming to York University, there are things you can start doing now to set yourself up for a smoother transition later. Whether you’re attending high school in Canada or in another country, we’ve got some tips for you to help you get to York. From immigration to academics to health and well-being, get informed on what you need to know to help you prepare for York early!

How to Prepare for University Immigration While You’re Still in High School

Study Permits: What You Need to Know

International students attending a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI) like York, require a valid study permit in order to study. If you're studying at a Canadian high school, there are a couple of things you can do to make your process a bit smoother.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students transitioning from secondary to post-secondary education must obtain a new study permit that specifically names York University as their Designated Learning Institution before beginning their university program.

High school students already holding valid study permits in Canada may begin their university program while waiting for approval of a new study permit, provided they apply for the new permit before their current permit expires. This is called “maintained status”.

High school students changing from visitor and other types of immigration status to study permit cannot begin university programs until their study permits are approved by IRCC. IRCC processing delays are common and may result in losing your legal status or facing interruptions in your studies. To ensure a seamless transition to university, we highly recommend that you apply for a study permit while still in high school, so you may benefit from “maintained status” when you apply for a new permit at a later time.

See your current status in Canada below to find out what to do for your study permit:

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You will need a new study permit with York University listed as your DLI before starting your studies at York. However, as a current valid study permit holder, you may begin your studies under maintained status while waiting for approval, as long as you apply for a new study permit before the expiry date of your current one.

See application guide for current study permit holders.

You must wait for approval of your new study permit to begin your studies at York University.

IRCC processing delays are common and may result in losing your legal status or facing interruptions in your studies.

International students must have their current Designated Learning Institution listed on their study permit Currently, international students transferring from one DLI to another are able to continue their studies while on "maintained status" as they wait for their study permit application to be processed. To minimize delays and benefit form "maintained status", you can apply for a study permit while still in high school.

Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Protected Persons and Convention Refugees in Canada are defined as “foreign nationals”. This means that Protected Persons and Convention Refugees are still considered “international students” from an immigration standpoint, even if you qualify for domestic tuition rates and financial aid like Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), as would domestic students. You are welcomed to access tailored support and services offered through York International – we are here to help you succeed!

Protected Persons and Convention Refugees must obtain a study permit before starting any university program longer than six months. This is a requirement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), even if you are already living in Canada. See Refugees & Protected Persons page for more information on how to apply.

A valid study permit is required for post-secondary programs that are longer than six months. If your previous permit has expired less than 90 days ago, you may be able to restore your temporary resident status. Please come speak with one of the International Student Advisors (ISAs) to find out how to apply for a study permit or restore your status.

See York International’s Immigration Advising page for more information.

When to Apply for a New Study Permit for York University

We recommend starting to prepare your application as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance from York University. Taking the time to prepare a complete and well-documented application, while also applying promptly, can help ensure a successful application as well as avoid delays due to processing times.

Required Documents

Your study permit application should include:

Letter of Acceptance from York University
Proof of financial support (funds sufficient to cover first year tuition fee plus a minimum of $22,895 CAD for living expenses for yourself, additional if you have accompanying dependents)
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) – needed in most cases

Not sure? Use the PAL Requirement Checker to find out if you need one.

Valid passport
Completed IMM forms
Letter of explanation or study plan

More information on how to apply for your study permit can be found on York International’s Study Permit Information FAQ page and immigration application resources page.

Admitted students also have access to the immigration advising hosted by York International's Student Advisors and Immigration Specialists. Please check the YI Calendar for upcoming dates.

Can I Start Studying Before Receiving My Permit?

In most cases, you will need to wait until IRCC issues a new study permit which names York University as the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before beginning your program at York. Your ability to start your program also depends upon your previous immigration status.