Study Permits - York International

A study permit authorizes you to study in Canada legally. International students will receive their Study Permits in the form of a paper document which will usually be attached into your passport at the Canadian port of entry.

Please Note:

Study permits will only be issued to applicants studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). York University is a designated learning institution: York University's Designated Learning Institute (DLI) Number is O19361109242 (O stands for Ontario).
Ensure that your contact information is accurate in your student record (click “Personal information” from Access My Student Records on My Online Services).

Increase to proof of funds

As of January 1, 2024, the minimum cost-of-living financial requirement will increase from $10,000 to $20,635 for 2024. The cost-of-living amount will be adjusted each year based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off.

- For applications submitted on or before December 31, 2023: You must show that you have at least $10,000 Canadian Dollars (CAD), plus an additional $4,000 for a spouse/partner, and/or $3,000 for each additional dependent family member (e.g., child).
- For applications submitted January 1, 2024, or later: $20,635 for the cost-of-living financial requirement in 2024. The cost-of-living amount will be adjusted each year based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off. The amount required for additional family members depends on how many dependents you have.

Starting January 22, 2024, you’ll need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as part of your study permit application package. Find out more about this new requirement.

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. Study Permit Sample

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. Letter of Introduction Sample

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

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.
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).

If you already have a valid study permit for post-secondary study in Canada, you may change your institution or program without applying for a new study permit. However, you need to change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) via your IRCC secure account.

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.