A study permit is the official document that allows you to study in Canada legally, and it must remain valid for the entire duration of your program. You need a study permit for any program longer than six months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). All foreign nationals in Canada require a valid study permit unless they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Study permits will only be issued to applicants studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). York University's Designated Learning Institute (DLI) Number is O19361109242 (O stands for Ontario).
Applying for a study permit
International students admitted to York University must hold a valid study permit to study in Canada. Most new international students will need to apply for their first study permit from outside Canada and wait for approval. Only students already in Canada with a valid study or work permit, and some exchange or visiting students can apply from within Canada.
Apply for your permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance, since IRCC processing times vary and delays are common. You’ll need proof of acceptance or enrollment, financial support, and a valid passport. If your program will last longer than your current permit, submit an extension application before it expires. Visit the Study Permit Application Information for details on how and when to apply.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Starting January 22, 2024, most international students will need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as part of your study permit application package. PALs issued in a study permit cap year are valid until the end of year (i.e. 2025 PALs can be used until December 31, 2025). Your PAL needs to be valid when you apply.
Use the PAL Requirement Checker to find out if you need one. Learn more about how to request a PAL on PAL requirement.
Increased proof of funds
You must show that you have enough funds to cover your stay in Canada without working. This includes tuition fee for your program, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, and transportation costs to and from Canada.
For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, the minimum living expenses for one person is $22,895.00. The amount required for additional family members depends on how many dependents you have.
Study permit validity
It is your responsibility to ensure your study permit remains valid while you are in Canada. Your permit normally expires on the date printed on it, 90 days after you complete your program, or 150 days after you stop being enrolled, whichever comes first. Apply for an extension before your current permit expires if you plan to continue studying. Leaving Canada while an extension is in process ends your maintained status, so plan ahead and check IRCC processing times.
While in Canada, international students must remain enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed on their study permit and make reasonable progress toward completing their program of study.
Facing Extenuating Circumstances? If an academic suspension, financial block, or other challenges are preventing you from continuing your studies - or if you are considering a leave of absence - contact an International Student Advisor as early as possible. These situations can significantly impact your immigration status, and getting timely advice will help you understand your options and avoid complications.
Changing study permit conditions
Changing Schools: If you transfer from/to a different Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you must update your information with IRCC by applying for a new study permit.
Adding Work Authorization: If your initial study permit does not include work conditions and you have now become eligible to work, you must apply for a change of conditions and pay the required fee.
Correcting IRCC Errors: If IRCC made a mistake and your permit is missing work authorization despite eligibility, you can request an amendment through a paper application.
Lost or stolen study permit
Keep your study permit in a safe, secure place and store spare copies (digital or hard copy) for reference. It is not recommended to carry your study permit as everyday identification.
If your study permit is lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement and pay the applicable fee. For instructions, visit IRCC’s guide to replacing documents.
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and will be attending York University for more than 6 months, you must obtain a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If your program of study lasts six month or less in Canada, you do not need a study permit. However, if you think you may study for a longer time, you should consider applying for one prior to your arrival because the process of initial study permit can be lengthy and complicated.
If your study permit application is approved, you will be issued a Letter of Introduction (see example below). You must present this letter to the border officer when you enter Canada, and your study permit will be printed and issued at the border. A study permit does not authorize re-entry. Depending on your citizenship, you may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA to enter and re-enter Canada. Find out if you need to obtain a TRV or eTA on IRCC's website. Most newly-accepted international students can now apply for their study permits online from their home country. You are required to apply for the initial study permit before coming to Canada. Instructions on initial study permit applications can be found on IRCC's Study Permits page or on YI's Immigration Application Resources page. Processing time varies depending on the processing centre location. Please allow a minimum of one to six months.
International students should maintain a valid study permit throughout the entire length of their studies in Canada. If your study permit is going to expire before you complete your studies, you should extend your study permit at least 3 months prior to the expiry. Most study permits extensions are done online. Check IRCC's Extend your study permit page for more information.
Steps for Online Study Permit Extension
- Register for an IRCC secure account.
- Complete the questionnaire based on your current situation, and choose the "Study Permit" option when prompted.
- Fill out the Application Form IMM5709, scan and upload all other required documents.
- Pay the CAD$150 application fee. Please note that the application fee can only be paid online with credit card.
Tips for Extending Your Study Permit Online
- When you are applying to extend your study permit you can also apply for your co-op work permit at the same time (if your program requires it).
- Save a hard or soft copy of the application form and all documents for your reference in case IRCC requests additional documents.
- Your incomplete online application can only be saved on your IRCC secure account for 60 days. You must complete and submit within this period.
- IMM5709 has to be validated before being uploaded to your IRCC secure account
- As of December 3, 2019, all applicants — including those in Canada — must submit fingerprints and photos (biometrics). If you have not given biometrics in the last 10 years, find out where to give biometrics.
Please review IRCC's official guidance on Changing Your School or Program.
If you submit a study permit extension application before your current study permit expires, you will have maintained status, meaning that you can legally remain in Canada and continue to study until a decision is made by IRCC, as long as you remain in Canada.
If your study permit expires before you apply for an extension, you will be considered "out of status." You must speak with an advisor at York International immediately. When you are out of status, you may not be able to attend school until your application for restoration has been approved. You have 90 days from the day you lost your status to apply for restoration which can be done online or by paper application. If your study permit expired more than 90 days ago and you have not applied for restoration, you will NOT be able to renew your study permit. You will have to leave the country and apply for a new study permit outside of Canada.
For more information about Study Permits, feel free to check out the Immigration Application Resources and Tutorial Videos page.