Initial Study Permit Application Webinar and Resources
This webinar and accompanying resources are to help guide newly admitted international students who are applying for a study permit for the first time. Please note that the information in this presentation is legal information, not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, please always refer to Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada.
Please review this information carefully and if you have questions, please start by first attending a virtual drop-in session with our International Student Advisors (“ISA”) and licensed Immigration Specialists. You can register for virtual drop-in advising via the York International Events calendar. York International also hosts study permit application webinars throughout the year. Please check the York International Events calendar for the next available session, where your ISA will walk through the application process in detail and provide time for a question and answer period.
Initial Study Permit Application Webinar Slides and Resources
Click the links below to download relevant files.
York International: Study Permit Webinar for New Students – December 2024
York International: Initial Study Permit_ Letter of Explanation or Study Plan Template
York International: Initial Study Permit_Proof of Financial Support Template
Initial Study Permit FAQ
What if my offer is conditional?
You should apply for your study permit as soon as you get your letter of acceptance, even if it is conditional. York University does not reissue letters of acceptance when conditions are cleared.
In your study plan, you can explain how and when you plan to clear the conditions.
How do I get a Provincial Attestation Letter?
Visit our Study Permit Application Information page for more details on how to get a PAL.
Do I need to hire a representative?
You are not required to hire a representative, however there are benefits to hiring a licensed representative who is experienced in this particular area of immigration law to assist you with your application if you are able to, including familiarity with the application process and knowledge about how to proactively address common reasons for refusal.
If you decide to hire a representative, ensure that they are licensed and experienced with study permit applications.
Find out if your representative is authorized
Tips on choosing an immigration legal representative
Do I have to pay my tuition in advance?
This depends on the country-specific requirements. Even if you are not required to pay tuition in advance, it can help strengthen your application if you pay your first year tuition either fully or partially in advance.
Proof of paid tuition can be one of your documents for the proof of financial support.
Use the estimate provided in your letter of acceptance for the tuition amount. You will not know the exact amount of tuition you owe until you are fully enrolled in courses which may be very late to start your study permit application.
If you overpay, you can either leave the extra amount on your student account for a future term or request a refund. If you have a balance owing, you will need to pay the difference by the deadline to avoid any interest fees.
What documents should I submit for proof of financial support?
This is one of the most important parts of your study permit application. You need to satisfy IRCC that you have enough funds to pay for your tuition, daily living expenses and return airfare for at least the first year of your studies. We recommend you provide as much documentation as possible, rather than focus on meeting the minimum requirements. Insufficient proof of financial support is one of the most common reasons for refusal.
When preparing your documents, check the country-specific requirements as there may be specific formats required.
See IRCC’s list of example documents.
If your parent or another person is supporting your education, you would need a letter from them (preferably notarized) explaining how they will support your studies in Canada. They must also provide proof of where their funds are coming from e.g. employment letter, proof of business ownership, bank statements.
Can I still apply for the Student Direct Stream or Nigeria Student Express?
As of November 8, 2024 at 2pm EST, the Student Direct Stream and the Nigeria Student Express stream are closed. Applications submitted to IRCC in either of these streams by November 8 at 2pm EST will be processed under SDS or NSE. Applications submitted to IRCC after this time will be processed in the regular study permit application process.
How long will it take to get my study permit?
You can check the processing times online, however these times are estimates. IRCC is still dealing with a backlog from COVID-19 and there may be significant delays. We recommend you apply for your study permit as soon as you get your letter of acceptance so that you can get a decision on time for the start of your studies.
If you haven’t received a decision and it has been longer than the posted processing times and you have not received any communications from IRCC, you can request an update via an IRCC webform. Please note there will be a delayed response.
Unfortunately, universities cannot intervene to expedite the processing of study permit/visa applications for individual students.
I am already in Canada on a study permit. What do I do?
If you are currently in Canada as a high school student or college/university student and you have a study permit, please check its expiry date and conditions. Unless the conditions state otherwise, you can continue to use your current study permit until it expires. You will need to update your study permit before starting at York according to your situation.
My study permit is valid for some time and I have the conditions to work on/off campus listed.
You need to update your DLI online before you start at York. You can continue to use your current study permit.
My study permit doesn’t have the conditions to work on/off campus.
If you would like to have these conditions added to your study permit, you will need to apply for an extension.
If your study permit is not expiring soon (within the next 5-6 months), you will need to explain that you are applying for an extension to have the conditions to work added to your study permit. You will need to state that you are starting a program at York University and are now eligible to work on/off campus.
My study permit is expiring soon (in the next 3-6 months)
You need to apply for an extension. You will need to provide your letter of acceptance to York as one of your documents for the application.
Co-op Work Permit Webinar and Resources
This webinar and accompanying resources are to help guide new and current international students who are applying for a co-op work permit to complete a work placement that is required for their program of study. Please note that the information in this presentation is legal information, not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, please always refer to Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada.
Please review this information carefully and if you have questions, please start by first attending a virtual drop-in session with our International Student Advisors (“ISA”) and licensed Immigration Specialists. You can register for virtual drop-in advising via the York International Events calendar. York International also hosts study permit application webinars throughout the year. Please check the York International Events calendar for the next available session, where your ISA will walk through the application process in detail and provide time for a question and answer period.
Study Permit Extension Webinar and Resources
This webinar and accompanying resources are to help guide current international students who are applying for a study permit extension. International students who are inside Canada require a valid study permit while in Canada. If your study permit is expiring in 6 months or less and your permit will expire before the completion of your studies, you must extend your study permit before it expires.
Note:
• The study permit extension application is not applicable to students currently outside of Canada. If you are outside of Canada and your study permit is expiring or has already expired, and you need more time to complete your studies, you must apply for a new study permit, similar to your initial study permit application. This process includes some important differences.
• For students who are already in Canada and are changing their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to York University for the Winter or Summer 2025 terms, you must apply for a new study permit before the start of the term. This is necessary to ensure that you can continue your studies at York University, as the study permit extension does not cover DLI changes. Please visit the Study Permit Application Information - York International.
Please note that the information in this presentation is legal information, not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, please always refer to Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada.
Please review this information carefully and if you have questions, please start by first attending a virtual drop-in session with our International Student Advisors (“ISA”) and licensed Immigration Specialists. You can register for virtual drop-in advising via the York International Events calendar. York International also hosts study permit extension application webinars throughout the year. Please check the York International Events calendar for the next available session, where your ISA will walk through the application process in detail and provide time for a question and answer period.
Study Permit Extension Webinar Slides and Resources
Click the links below to download relevant files.
Study Permit Extension - Inside Canada
Study Permit Extension - Letter of Explanation Template
Study Permit Bridging Extension - Letter of Explanation Template
Application for Study Permit from Outside of Canada - Continuing Student
Application for Study Permit from Outside of Canada - Letter of Explanation Template
Post-Graduation Work Permit Webinar and Resources
This webinar and accompanying resources are to help guide recent graduates who are applying for their post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Please note that the information in this presentation is legal information, not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, please always refer to Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada.
Please review this information carefully and if you have questions, please start by first attending a virtual drop-in session with our International Student Advisors (“ISA”) and licensed Immigration Specialists.You can register for virtual drop-in advising via the York International Events calendar. York International also hosts post-graduation work permit application webinars throughout the year. Please check the York International Events calendar for the next available session, where an your ISA will walk through the application process in detail and provide time for a question and answer period.
Post Graduation Work Permit Webinar Slides and Resources
Click the links below to download relevant files.
Post Graduation Work Permit Webinar – January 2023
Post Graduation Work Permit - Template Letter of Explanation
Permanent Residence in Canada
This webinar and accompanying resources are to help guide international students who are interested in applying for Permanent Residence in Canada. Please note that the information in this presentation is legal information, not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, please always refer to Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada. Please review this information carefully and if you have questions, please start by first attending a virtual drop-in session with our International Student Advisors (“ISA”) and licensed Immigration Specialists. You can register for virtual drop-in advising via the York International Events calendar here: https://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/calendar/. York International also hosts permanent residence webinars throughout the year. Please check the York International Events calendar for the next available session, where your ISA or a guest representative will walk through the application process in detail and provide time for a question and answer period.
Permanent Residence in Canada Webinar Slides and Resources
Click the links below to download relevant files.
Journey to Permanent Residence and COVID updates – presentation by IRCC
