Study in Canada

An attestation letter is a supporting document from the province or territory where the student plans to study that is now a required document for an initial study permit application. Each province or territory is developing a process for applicants to get an attestation letter. These processes are expected to be in place by March 31, 2024.

Attestation letters will be required for students applying to undergraduate programs.

Applicants to graduate programs are not required to provide an attestation letter. 

The current enrolled students applying to extend their study permit do NOT need an attestation letter. 

You need an attestation letter when applying for a study permit if you are a student applying for an undergraduate program. 

Students applying to a Masters or PhD program do not require an attestation letter. 

The current enrolled students applying to extend their study permit do NOT need an attestation letter.

Each province or territory is developing a process to get an attestation letter. These processes are expected to be in place by March 31, 2024.

IRCC will provide more information as it becomes available from each province and territory.

IRCC will return any study permit application received on or after January 22, 2024, without an attestation letter, unless you are exempt.

Students applied to an undergraduate program: if you did not submit your application for a study permit before January 22, 2024, please wait for further instructions. We encourage you to start gathering the necessary  information for your study permit application and start preparing all required documents. Once the announcement is made about the attestation letter process, you will be ready to submit your application.

Students applied to a Master's program: if you have already received an offer letter for the Master’s program you applied to, you may submit your study permit application as soon as you are ready. You do not require an attestation letter. 

If you have not received an offer letter yet, our admission office is currently reviewing applications.  Check your My Applicant Portal for your application status. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that the current caps will not impact current study permit holders or study permit renewals (extensions), and new applicants to graduate programs are not included in the cap.

As of September 1, 2024, the PGWP will no longer be available for public/private institution partnership models that are part of a curriculum licensing arrangement. Laurentian University does NOT have this partnership model.

Graduates of master's will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit. 

IRCC has said that in the coming weeks, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master's and doctoral programs.

The spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.

All international students who wish to pursue a program of study of at least 6 months in length at Laurentian University must hold a valid study permit that authorizes studies at any Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

Download the Visa Office Instructions that are unique to your country of residence.

IRCC has a new study permit application portal. You may be able to access it from your country of residence.

Apply online for a study permit through the IRCC Portal 

DLI Number for Laurentian University: O19304259382

• The first digit is the capital letter “O”, not the number zero “0&rdquo
• Laurentian’s DLI number can be found on your Letter of Acceptance

International students are responsible for applying for their initial study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Please visit the IRCC website for further information, document requirements and application instructions.

Your current country of residence and status in that country will determine whether you apply online, by paper through a Canadian Visa Application Centre, or upon entry into Canada. Please note that only citizens of the USA and St. Pierre and Miquelon may apply for a study permit upon entry into Canada. 

Some international students can get their study permits faster by using the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

Students will need to prove that they have paid their tuition for their first year of study.

Apply early! Apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from our Admissions Office. It can take several weeks or months for IRCC to process your application.

You will need a Letter of Acceptance from Laurentian University before you apply for your study permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

As of January 22, 2024, every study permit application will require an attestation letter  from the Ontario provincial government.

The current enrolled students applying to extend their study permit do NOT need an attestation letter. 

Students applying to a Masters or PhD program do NOT require an attestation letter. 

Visit IRCC for current up-to-date processing times in your area.

Note: You may not begin your studies at Laurentian University until you have received a study permit that authorizes studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.  

If your situation requires a study permit, you must apply and get approved before you start your studies in Canada.

Unsure if you need a study permit?

You don’t need a study permit if your program or course is less than six months. However, you should still apply for a study permit if you:

• Want to work on campus

• Plan to extend your studies after your program ends

If you’re still unsure if you need a study permit, contact immigration@laurentian.ca 

Are you an international student coming from a Canadian high school?

If so, you already have a study permit. If your permit is still valid, then you don’t need to change or apply for a new permit. If your study permit is about to expire, then you need to apply to extend it. Read this page’s section on extending your study permit for more information.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit processing program for those who are applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI). The SDS is available to legal residents who also reside in:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam

Who can apply?

Learn about the SDS eligibility criteria

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer GICs. The bank that gives you the GIC must:

• Confirm that you bought a GIC by providing a letter of attestation, GIC certificate, Investment Directions Confirmation or Investment Balance Confirmation
• Hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada
• Make you confirm your identity before they release any funds to you
• Release the funds to you by providing:
  • An initial lump sum once you identify yourself upon arrival in Canada
  • The remainder of the funds in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10–12 months

If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream.

Getting a GIC

You can get a GIC from a bank listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website. Make sure the bank you choose offers a GIC and meets the criteria for the Student Direct Stream.

The following banks offer GICs that meet the criteria:

• Bank of Beijing
• Bank of China
• Bank of Montreal
• Bank of Xian Co. Ltd.
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
• HSBC Bank of Canada
• ICICI Bank
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
• RBC Royal Bank
• SBI Canada Bank

Medical exams and police certificates

Depending on where you’re applying from, you may need to get a medical exam and/or police certificate. To get faster processing through SDS, you must include these with your application (if applicable). If you don’t, your application won’t be processed any faster.

Find out if you need a medical exam

Find out if you need a police certificate

Apply for SDS online

You must apply online to get faster processing on your study permit. There is no paper application for the Student Direct Stream. Make sure you include all the documents required with your application.

Before you apply online, make sure you have:

• The instruction guide to fill out your forms
• A scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
• A valid credit or debit card for payment
• Biometric fee (if applicable): In most cases, you need to give biometrics. You should pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application online. If you don’t pay this fee, your application won’t be processed any faster.

Apply for Student Direct Stream

Has your “Initial Study Permit” application been rejected?

Refusals for the “Initial Study Permits” are typically a result of the applicant failing to satisfy one or more of the eligibility criteria. The immigration officer typically checks a number of things when reviewing an application, and there are many reasons why the officer may not be satisfied. To know why the immigration officer rejected your application, you can request your case file. In most scenarios, the immigration officer will have a note on your file that provides the actual details of the refusal. This will help you know exactly how to prepare to re-apply for a study permit. You are responsible to obtain your first study permit.

Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act (ATIP)

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act give you the right to access information and records held by government institutions.

Who can make a request for records and information?

Any Canadian citizen, permanent resident or individual in Canada has the right to access their personal information held by government institutions that are subject to the Privacy Act. A friend or family member based in Canada can help you request this. There are also companies that offer services online to help with the case file request. Laurentian University does not currently offer case file request or review services.

Make an online request

There are several options when making an access to information or personal information request. Using the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Online Request service is a fast, easy and convenient way to submit a request. This service allows individuals to make online requests for information to participating government institutions instead of having to print, scan, mail or email a paper form.

Request checklist

To request information about another individual with their consent, you will need:

• Access to a valid email account
• Electronic copies of any documents you wish to attach to your request (accepted formats are DOC, DOCX, PDF, TIFF, JPG and PNG)
• Proof that the individual you are making the request for has the right to make a request for their personal information, such as proof of their Canadian citizenship (a copy of their passport or citizenship certificate); or proof of their status as a permanent resident (a copy of their permanent resident card); or proof of temporary status in Canada (a work, study and/or visitor permit)
  • If the individual does not have a right to apply for their own personal information, then the request must be made under the Access to Information Act. You will need to provide: Proof that you have the right to make an access to information request, such as proof of Canadian citizenship (a copy of your passport or citizenship certificate); proof of your status as a permanent resident, ( a copy of your permanent resident card) or proof of temporary status in Canada ( a work, study and/or visitor permit)
• Credit card information to pay the $5 application fee (VISA, MasterCard or American Express are accepted. Payments cannot be made through debit or prepaid credit cards)
• Information about the individual you are making the request for, including name and date of birth
• If you are making a request on behalf of someone else, you must include consent to release their information. The consent must be signed and dated by the person authorizing the disclosure of their information.
• Once you have completed your request, it will be sent to the selected institution for processing. Institutions have up to 30 days to respond to your request, either by providing the records or explaining why more time is needed. When you receive the file on your rejected permit application, you can identify the officer’s concerns and then reapply for your permit accordingly.

Note: This is not a guarantee that the reapplication will be approved, but it can help with packaging your application better to address the officer’s concerns.

Before reapplying, you can contact immigration@laurentian.ca to get some tips on how to address those concerns.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@laurentian.ca.

What to do next with Laurentian?

If your study permit is rejected, you can either request a tuition refund or contact admissions@laurentian to request a deferral or re-apply.

Getting started

As an international student, you’re expected to apply for a study permit renewal before your current permit expires. We recommend that you apply three to four months before your current permit expires. If your study permit expires before you apply for an extension, you will be out of status and must stop studying immediately.

• Review the information by Canadian immigration on renewing and extending study permits.
• Choose if you are applying online or by paper. We recommend online applications because you save time, avoid courier fees and receive updates.

Note: Your study permit is not a visa. It does not allow you to enter Canada on its own. You will need to apply for a TRV or ETA to re-enter Canada, if you are from a visa required country.

Submitting your application online

1. Login to my application through a GC key or a sign-in partner. If you are a new user, you will need to register for an account.
2. Select “Apply to Come to Canada.” If you previously completed the eligibility questionnaire on the site, enter your personal reference code. Otherwise, select “I do not have a Personal Reference Code.”
3. Select “Visitor Visa, Study and/or Work Permit” and answer the questions that follow. (Please note, not all questions are listed here.)
   • What would you like to do in Canada?: Study
   • How long are you planning to stay in Canada?: Temporarily – more than six months
   • What is your current country/territory of residence?: Canada
   • What is your current immigration status in Canada?: Student
   • Do you also want to apply for a work permit?: Yes, if you have been accepted into a co-op program and wish to apply for both at the same time.
   • When does your status in Canada expire?: The expiry date of your study permit
   • Have you lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the last year?: If you have lived in a country for more than six months in the previous year and it requires an immigration medical exam (based on the IRCC website) then you must answer “Yes.” Otherwise, answer “No.”
4. You must have access to a scanner/camera and also a credit or debit card to pay the fees to complete the online application.
5. Once you answer the questions, the system will generate a checklist for your application:
   • Complete the application form – IMM5709. (Download our guide to completing the IMM 5709.) If you cannot open the forms, save the document then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.
6. Gather Supporting Documents.
   Note: Each document size should be 4MB or less:
   • Scan the page that shows your picture, birth date, country of origin and all pages with stamps, visas or markings as a single document.
   • Enrolment verification - request a proof of enrolment letter from International Student Services.
   • Proof of means of financial support: Includes bank statements, letter of sponsorship, etc.
   • Digital photo - Check the application photograph specifications
   • Optional Documents:
     • Letter of Explanation (client information). Include this if there are any issues you would like to clarify or that may be useful to the officer in assessing your application.
     • Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residence IMM 5257B form. The document is required only if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions: 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the “Background Information” section of the IMM 5709 form.
     • If you have been studying in Canada for the past 12 months, you do not need proof of medicals unless:
       • You have lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the past 12 months — or
       • You would like to work in a job that will bring you into close contact with patients, children, etc. Check here to see if you require a medical exam. If you need a medical exam, it must be conducted by an IRCC approved panel physician.

Questions?

Contact immigration@laurentian.ca.

If you already have a valid study permit from another post-secondary institution, you only need to change your designated learning institution (DLI) online. You don’t need to apply for a new study permit.

How to Change your DLI online:

1. Log in to your online account. If you applied on paper, you will need to create an account and then link your application.
2. You will need:
   • Your study permit number – begins with “S”
   • Your new school’s designated learning institution (DLI) number — Laurentian University is O19304259382
   • Your new student identification number (student ID)
   • Your new start date
3. If your study permit, work permit or temporary resident visa have any mistakes, such as name, date of birth, you must contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and request to amend your document(s).

Learn more about changing your post-secondary school in your account

Questions?

Contact immigration@laurentian.ca.

Getting started

If you are traveling outside of Canada, you will need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada, depending on your country of citizenship. Find out if you need a Visa or ETA.

• Review the information by Canadian immigration on applying for a TRV from within Canada
• Choose if you are applying online or by paper. We recommend online applications because you save time, avoid courier fees and receive updates.

Note: Citizens of specific countries require a TRV to enter Canada. A study permit does not allow you to re-enter Canada if you travel. Although a TRV is not needed inside Canada, it is advisable to have a valid visa in case of emergencies.

Apply for a TRV online

1. Log in to my application through the GC key or a sign-in partner. If you are a new user, you will need to register for an account.
2. Select “Apply to Come to Canada.” If you previously completed the eligibility questionnaire on the site, enter your personal reference code; otherwise, select “I do not have a Personal Reference Code.”
3. Select “Visitor Visa, Study and/or Work Permit” and answer the questions that follow.
4. You must have access to a scanner or camera, as well as a credit or debit card to pay the fees to complete the online application.
5. Once you answer the questions, the system will generate a checklist for your application:
   • Complete the application form for Temporary Resident Visa – IMM 5257. (Download our guide to completing IMM 5257.)
   • Complete the Family Information form (IMM 5707). This form requires a signature. If you cannot open the forms, save the document and then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.
   • Gather your supporting documents.
     Note: Each document size should be 4MB or less:
     • Passport: Scan the page that shows your picture, birth date, country of origin and all pages with stamps, visas or markings as a single document.
     • Copy of your study permit (or post-graduate work permit if applicable)
     • Recent Official Transcript: Complete this online form to request your official transcript: https://laurentian.ca/admissions/transcripts 
     • Proof of enrolment: Letter of Enrolment (LOE) for immigration purposes will be uploaded monthly in the my.laurentian.ca portal for international students. Please visit to your my.laurentian.ca under “My Received Documents”Proof of enrolment letters, for immigration purposes, are only valid for 30 days from the date on the letter. Please ensure that the information is accurate. (Registered full-time, year in program, expected graduation date)
     • Proof of means of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship
     • Digital photo - Check the application photograph specifications
     • Client information (optional): You may include an explanation letter for the IRCC officer. This is your chance to include any additional information that may be unique to your application.

Apply for an ETA online

An ETA is a requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by air. Here is the list of countries requiring an ETA.

1. Gather the necessary documents: valid passport, credit card
2. Visit ca/eta.
3. Select “Apply for an ETA.”
4. Answer the questions to determine eligibility.
5. Pay the application fee of $7 CAD.
6. You will receive an email confirming if your ETA is approved.

Note: ETAs are typically valid for five years.

Questions?

Contact immigration@laurentian.ca.

If you wish to invite your family or friends to Canada for a visit, to attend your graduation ceremony or would like to bring your family to Canada while you are living here, ensure they have the correct immigration documents.

Learn more about how to write a letter of invitation 

Depending on the country of citizenship, your family or friend may need to either apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

If a family member requires a TRV, please provide the following supporting documents to help them with their application. Some countries may have additional requirements. Please check the website of the specific visa office.

• Copy of proof of status in Canada, such as study permit, post-graduate work permit, P.R. Card, or Canadian citizenship
• Copy of your passport data page
• Letter of invitation written by you. You may want to include the invitation to the graduation ceremony in your letter of invitation.
• Proof of your relationships, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate
• Official enrolment letter or employment letter (PGWP)
• Proof of available funds to cover the visit.

Note: Your family or friends must provide proof of ties to their home country, such as bank statements, employment, investments, and dependants.

If an out-of-country family member wishes to attend convocation and your country of origin requires a visa to enter Canada, your family member will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Visiting Family Members. 

The family member must apply for a TRV from a Canadian consulate, embassy, or high commission in the home country. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for a list of visa offices. 

Your family member will need the following supporting documents for their application: 

• A letter of invitation. This is a letter written by you inviting your family member to come and visit or attend convocation. Details about the information required in the letter of invitation are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
• A proof of enrolment letter for immigration purposes confirming you are a registered student and the anticipated completion date of your studies. For both undergraduate and graduate requests, contact immigration@laurentian.ca to request the letter.
• A letter confirming the date of the convocation ceremonies. Contact international@laurentian.ca to request the letter.
• In some countries, a second variable may be required to prove the identity for the Visitor Visa to Canada. These variables may be a passport number, date of birth or identity number.
• Please confirm with the appropriate agency issuing the Visa as to what they wish to use and provide that information to the International Office at Laurentian University, so that they may include it in the official letter. A complete name match with passport information and relationship to the student must be confirmed as well.

Spouse and dependent children

If your spouse or dependent children come to Canada on a TRV (visitor visa), they may stay for up to six months only.

Visitor Records

A visitor record allows your spouse to stay in Canada for more than six months. Your spouse will not be eligible to work or study on a visitor record. You must request this document at the port of entry (POE) when you enter Canada.

You will need:

• A copy of your study permit
• Letter of enrollment/acceptance
• Copy of marriage certificate or common-law declaration
• Proof of funds
• Passport (data page plus any pages with stamps, visas or markings)

If your spouse is arriving separately, ensure that you also follow these instructions: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html#s2 

Spousal Work Permits

Your spouse/partner can apply for a work permit before or after they arrive in Canada; the permit will be the same length as your study time. No job offer is needed to apply for this permit. If they are going to apply in Canada, they must have a visitor record.

Learn about spousal work permits

Children

Minor children already in Canada can study without a study permit at a pre-school, primary and secondary level if at least one parent is authorized to work or study in Canada. You will need to apply for a visitor record to extend their stay in Canada past the usual six months.

Minor children applying from outside Canada to accompany a parent for work or study in Canada should apply for a study permit.

Learn more about Study Permits for minors

Questions?

Contact immigration@laurentian.ca.