Studying in Canada
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International students, who wish to study at Dalhousie University for more than six months must have a valid Study Permit that will allow them to study at a post-secondary institution in Canada.
Students should not begin their studies at Dalhousie without a valid Study Permit.
Visas and permits needed to study in Canada
Overview & definitions
| TYPE OF PERMIT | WHO NEEDS IT AND WHY YOU NEED IT |
| Study permit (also known as "First Time Study Permit") | If you are an international student, you require a valid study permit to study in Canada. The only exception: if you are accepted in a program that is less than six months (e.g. one term exchange students) and you will complete the program by the end of your original stay in Canada, you do not need a study permit. If you are in a mandatory co-op program, you require a co-op work permit. |
| Study Permit extension | Extends your stay in Canada as a student in order to complete your academic program. You must extend your permit before it expires; at least 2-3 months before your current permit expires. |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | Used only for entry into Canada. Only citizens of certain countries require a TRV. It is recommended that you maintain a valid TRV for the duration of your studies, but it is not mandatory while you are inside Canada. Learn more about a TRV. |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals to fly to or transit through Canada. Find out if you need an eTA. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. |
| Passport | All students need a passport issued by the government of your country of citizenship, certifying your identity. It is used when travelling to and from foreign countries. Must be valid for the duration of your time in Canada. Must be extended or renewed 6 months before expiration date. |
What type of permits do you need?
New students who want to study at Dalhousie
As an international student, there are number of documents you need to study in Canada.
Important: throughout your time in Canada, you are responsible for maintaining your immigration status and complying with Canadian immigration regulations.
More information and how to apply for the documentation you need to study in Canada
Study Permit
If you plan to study in Canada for more than six months, or your program is more than six months long, you require a study permit. In some cases, you may also require a Provincial Letter of Attestation. You must apply for both before arriving in Canada.
To apply for a study permit, you will need to identify Dalhousie University by its Designated Learning Institution number (DLI) on the study permit application form. Please use the following appropriate DLI number:
- Dalhousie University (including Agricultural Campus): O19209939282
- Dalhousie University ESL Programs: O19091594822
- University of King’s College: O19391556768
To apply for a study permit, you require the following:
- A valid passport
- Your letter of acceptance to Dalhousie or University of King's College
- Provincial Attestation Letter (if applicable)
- Proof of financial sufficiency to live and study in Canada
- A letter from your sponsoring agency (if applicable)
- A co-op/internship letter (if applicable)
- Payment of the $150 CAD processing fee
Other documents may be required. Refer to Preparing and Applying for a study permit page on IRCC’s website for more information about the requirements or contact the nearest Canadian Visa Office for more information.
It is recommended that you apply for your study permit as soon as you have the required documents.
United States citizens & Permanent Residents (USA)
United States citizens and permanent residents also have the option of applying for a study permit at any port of entry into Canada. If you choose this option, you are still required to secure a PAL in advance of reaching the port of entry. PALs have a validity period, so make sure that your PAL is still valid the date that you enter Canada.
International Students at Canadian High Schools
If you attended high school in Canada on a "secondary school" study permit, you can continue to use your existing study permit, but you must update it to a “post secondary” study permit. This will allow you to work on and off campus. To update your study permit you must complete an application to "Change Conditions and Extend your Stay in Canada as a Student."
Students bringing family members need to ensure their family members have all the required immigration documents to enter Canada.
Co-op/Internship Work Permit
International students who must participate in a mandatory co-op, internship, practicum, or placement (i.e. one that is a requirement for their program) must apply for a co-op work permit. This applies whether the work is on- or off-campus, paid or unpaid, during the academic year or during the summer, and regardless of the number of hours involved.
If accepted directly into a program requiring an internship (e.g., B. Commerce, Corporate Residency MBA, etc. ), you must apply for your co-op/internship work permit at the same time (i.e. request within the same application) as you apply for an initial Study Permit.
If you are accepted into a co-op/internship program after you begin your program, you can apply for the co-op/internship within Canada. View detailed instructions on how to apply for a Co-op Work Permit.
Visa
A visa is different than a study permit. A visa is a travel document that allows you to enter (and re-enter) Canada. A study permit allows you to remain in Canada. There are two types of visas, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Depending on your citizenship, you may require one or the other (or none at all). Visit the following IRCC website to determine if you require a visa and, if so, which visa.
Please note: if you are applying for a study permit for the first time, you do not need to submit a separate visa application. If your study permit application is successful, you will automatically be issued a visa at the same time.
Temporary Resident Visitor
Citizens and permanent residents of designated countries will require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The TRV allows you to enter Canada as a temporary resident. It is placed in your passport.
Please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC) website for an application guide, fees, and the necessary forms.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by air. To view the list of countries whose citizens require an eTA, please visit Canada.ca/eTA. An eTA is electronically linked to your passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new eTA.
You can verify the status and expiration of your eTA by using the Check eTA status tool. To do this, you will need the eTA number noted on the email confirmation and details from the passport you used to apply for your eTA.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
In 2024, the Government of Canada implemented changes that affect the study permit application process for some new international students. Students who are affected by this change are now required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit application. Please read the following section carefully to determine if you require a PAL.
Not all international students require a PAL. The following groups do NOT require a PAL:
- Students applying to a Master’s or Doctoral degree program.
- Master’s level students applying to a qualifying program less than 6 months.
- Exchange/visiting students who are coming to Dalhousie for less than 6 months.
- Students applying to an online Master’s or Doctoral degree program.
- Students with a valid study permit applying to extend their study permit from inside Canada.
Who else does not need a PAL?
- Students applying to extend their study permit from inside Canada.
- Students applying to restore their study permit status from within Canada.
Students in the following groups REQUIRE a PAL when applying for a study permit:
- Students applying to an undergraduate degree program.
- Exchange/visiting students coming to Dalhousie for longer than 6 months.
- Joint degree students coming to Dalhousie for longer than 6 months.
- Students applying to a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate (non-degree) program longer than 6 months.
- Students applying to a professional program.
- Master’s level students enrolled in a qualifying program longer than 6 months.
For more information about which groups require a PAL and which groups are exempt, visit IRCC’s Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) page.
How to request a PAL:
- Log in to your Application Portal and click on your Admission Offer Reply Form to accept your offer.
- Pay your confirmation deposit (if applicable). Refer to your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) in the application portal for more information.
- Return to the Application Portal to complete the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Form (the form will appear after your confirmation deposit has been processed).
- We’ll assess your form and follow up as soon as possible.
a) it’s determined that you do not require a PAL, you will be issued a revised LOA via your Application Portal.
b) If it’s determined that you do require a PAL, and if your PAL request is approved, you will be issued a revised LOA and a separate PAL via your Application Portal.
Application tips
Writing a Study Plan
Study plans are not always requested in a study permit application, but it is a good idea to include key information in a letter of intent that will accompany your application. In partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University and Nova Scotia Community College, Dal has created the Guidance for Study Plans and Letters of Intent (pdf - 8.4 MB) document to support you.
Apply Early
Once you have received an acceptance letter from Dalhousie University and secured financial assistance, begin the process of applying for your study permit, co-op work permit (if applicable to your program), and or visa immediately. Processing times can take several months.
Applying to “study”
The primary focus of your application is your intent to study in Canada. It is not recommended to mention other long-term interests.
Keep a copy of your medical/police certificate
You may need a medical exam and submit a police record as part of your application. Keep a copy of the medical certificate or record. You may need it for future immigration applications. Bring these certificates/records with you when you travel to Canada.
Keep your Study Permit/Visa Application Number
If you transfer to another university or college in Canada you will need to know your application number.
Bring the letter from the visa office with you
The Canadian visa office will issue a letter confirming the approval (included in the package sent back to you). This letter is not your Study Permit. Show this letter to immigration officials when you enter Canada. You will then be issued a Study Permit (and Co-op Work Permit if requested in your application).
Current students who want to extend or renew their study permit
Current students who want to travel outside of Canada
Graduating student who would like to stay in Canada
New student visiting Dal on an exchange or study abroad program
Study Permit
In order to study in Canada for more than six months, you must apply for a Study Permit at the nearest Canadian visa office in your home country.
In addition to the study permit, you may be also required to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) which gives students permission to enter Canada. It is only required for citizens of certain nationalities. Please check the list of countries and territories whose citizens require an entry visa.
If you are studying in Canada for less than 6 months AND choose not to apply for a study permit you will have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Many students who plan to study in Canada for less than six (6) months do not apply for study permits, they simply apply for a visa or an eTA. But we encourage all visiting students to apply for a study permit for the following reasons:
- It allows you to work part-time on campus while studying in Canada. A part-time job can be a great source of income while abroad.
- It is easy to extend if you want to stay in Canada longer. Some students love it here so much they want to stay longer. This could be you! It is much easier and less expensive to apply for a study permit before you begin studying in Canada, than after.
- It allows you to access cell phone plans and other utilities much easier. If you are simply a visitor to Canada you may not have access to alot of great utility plans and other business options that students with study permits can take advantage of.
Study Permit
A study permit gives students permission to undertake academic study in Canada and is required for students in programs that are longer than six months in duration. However, CIC recommends that "even if you do not need a study permit, it is a good idea to apply for a permit before you come to Canada." In addition, having a study permit will allow you to work on campus if you wish to do so. For detailed information on the study permit application process and the documents required, please visit the IRCC website.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
To apply for a temporary resident visa, visit the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada website to access the application form, an application guide, costs, and further instructions on how to apply. Applications for TRVs must be processed outside of Canada. You must also consult the Canadian Visa Office serving your country or region of residence as each office may have its own requirements.
When applying for a study permit and/or TRV, processing time can take several months, therefore apply early. To know how long it will take for your application to be processed, visit the CIC website for current application processing times.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Citizens of my country need an eTA. How should I apply?
Step 1: Gather supporting documents:
Valid passport
Credit card
Email address (that you regularly review)
Step 2: Got to Canada.ca/eTA and click on Apply online for an eTA
Step 3: Answer the eligibility questionnaire. Answer all the questions that follow.
Step 4: Pay the eTA application fee of $7 CAD online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). Please do not forget to print a receipt.
Note: If you apply for a study permit on or after August 1st 2015, you will automatically be issued an eTA along with your permit.
When should I apply?
Apply for an eTA a month in advance of the date you plan on travelling to Canada.
How long will my eTA be valid?
You eTA will be vaild for up to 5 years or until the expiry of your passport (whichever comes first)
You can verify the status and expiration of your eTA by using the Check eTA status tool. To do this, you will need the eTA number noted on the email confirmation and details from the passport you used to apply for your eTA.
Tips for your application
Apply Early
Once you have received an acceptance letter from Dalhousie University and secured financial assistance, you should begin the process of applying for your study permit and or visa immediately. Processing times can take several months.
Applying to “Study”
The primary focus of your application is your intent to study in Canada. Do not recommend mentioning other long term interests.
Keep yor medical receipt/certificate
You may be required to do a medical exam as part of your application. Keep a copy of the medical reciept/certifcate. You may need it for future immigration applications. Bring this receipt with you when you travel to Canada.
Bring the letter from visa office with you
The Canadian visa office will issue a letter confirming the approval (included in the package sent back to you). This letter is not your Study Permit. Show this letter to immigration officials when you enter Canada. You will then be issued a Study Permit.
Your responsibilities as a student
Actively pursue your studies
“As of June 1, 2014, all study permit holders in Canada will need to actively pursue studies. This means that:
- if you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your program; and
- failing to do so could lead to your removal from Canada.”1
Educational institutions "will report to IRCC on your continued enrolment and academic status. You may also be asked by an immigration officer to provide evidence of your continued enrolment and academic status."2
View important information on the requirement to actively pursue your studies, how this will be monitored, and exemptions from this requirement.
If you transfer to another institution
"If you apply for a study permit on or after June 1, 2014, you must notify IRCC via your MyCIC account when you are transferring from one designated learning institution to another, even if it is at the same level of study.
If you are thinking about changing your institution or your program, you need to ensure that you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit, as well as the conditions that allow you to work, should you wish to work during your studies."3
To ensure the validity of your Study Permit
Under new Regulations effective from June 1, 2014, “your study permit will become invalid 90 days after you have completed your study program. If you switch to a shorter-term program or finish your studies early, your study permit will expire 90 days after your study program has been completed. Your program is considered complete when you receive written notification of program completion (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from your institution or once you obtain your degree, diploma or certificate. This does not apply to you if your study permit application was received before June 1, 2014, or if you were issued a study permit before June 1, 2014.”4
If you experience or intend to change your academic status, there may be implications to your immigration status in Canada. Please contact the International Centre to meet with an International Student Advisor.
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