For new international students beginning their studies in the 2022-23 academic year, we recognize that there may be some additional challenges when getting a study permit. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is experiencing a backlog of applications due to COVID-19 and this has resulted in delayed processing of all applications, including study permits. We understand how frustrating this may be for so many new international students.
International students do not need a study permit to legally start a program from outside of Canada; however, you will need one to begin studying in Canada once you are able to travel. We strongly recommend that you begin your study permit application process as soon as you can.
Study permit application processing
IRCC is currently prioritizing study permit applications for those beginning their studies in September 2022. However, because of the backlog, many international students may not receive their study permit in time for the Fall semester.
For more information, visit our What to do if you study permit hasn't arrived page.
Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility
International students studying online from abroad or who submit a study permit application no later than August 31, 2022, will continue to be able to complete up to 100% of their program online without affecting their PGWP eligibility. However, study time completed from abroad starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of their post-graduation work permit, regardless of when a student began their studies.
The extension of temporary distance learning measures will affect those starting programs from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023. Specifically, these measures will apply:
- No more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
- Studies completed online from outside Canada starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.
For further information, visit the Transition period for distance learning measures page.
What to do if you receive a study permit refusal
For undergraduate students starting in the Fall 2022 or Winter 2023 semesters, York has some additional support for our new international students who receive a study permit refusal. If your first study permit application is unsuccessful, book an appointment with one of our immigration specialists at York International, or, for Schulich students only, through Schulich School of Business International Relations, to help you with a second application submission. If your application is still refused after receiving our help, you may be eligible for a tuition refund if you apply by the deadline.
Eligibility
To be considered for the extended tuition deadlines, you must meet the following criteria:
- New international undergraduate students beginning studies in the 2022-23 Fall or Winter semesters.
- Received at least two refusals for their study permit application with IRCC to begin their studies at York for the Fall/Winter 2022-23 year.
- Had an advising appointment with an immigration specialist at York International or Schulich School of Business (Schulich students only) to review their second application before submitting.
Deadlines
Fall |
Full Year |
Winter |
|
100% |
Up to and including Nov. 7, 2022 |
Up to and including Feb. 6, 2023 | Up to and including Mar. 13, 2023 |
50% |
Nov. 8 - Dec. 9, 2022 | Feb. 7 - April 10, 2023 | Mar. 14 - April 10, 2023 |
0% |
Dec. 10 onward | April 10 onward | April 10 onward |
If your study permit was not denied, you may still be eligible for a refund through the regular York refund tables. Please visit https://sfs.yorku.ca/refunds for more information.
How to Apply for the Tuition Refund
Students must have an advising appointment with an immigration specialist at York after the first refusal and before submitting their second refusal to be considered for the extended tuition refund deadlines.
Steps to apply:
- Apply for your initial study permit. If you would like support or help reviewing your completed application, book an appointment with one of our International Student Advisors via the York International Website.
- If your application is denied, book an appointment with one of our International Student Advisors via the York International Website, or, for Schulich students only, with Schulich School of Business International Relations. They will help you review your application for resubmission.
- If you receive a study permit refusal again and do not wish to submit another application, you can choose to apply for a tuition refund.
- Fill out and submit the New International Student Refund Request Form, uploading copies of both of your refusal letters from IRCC.
- You will receive a notification once your Request Form has been received and approved or denied.
- Please note, this temporary policy applies to study permit applications submitted for the current academic year.
If you have any questions about this process, please email iadvisor@yorku.ca.
When to expect your tuition refund
Student Financial Services will process refunds at two points in the Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 semesters, after each deadline listed above. You will receive notification from the University by email once your refund has been processed. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks from the application deadlines listed above for processing.
