Refugees & Protected Persons

Study Permit Application Guide for Refugee Claimants and Convention Refugees/Protected Persons

 

Overview

Refugee Claimants and Protected Persons in Canada must hold valid permits to study and/or work in Canada until they become permanent residents.  If you are enrolled in a post-secondary program longer than six months, you are required to have a study permit.

 

      • You can apply online from within Canada
      • No application fee
      • No Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required



     

    Step 1: Create an IRCC Account

    Apply online through your IRCC account. If you cannot apply online due to a disability or technical issue, paper application instructions are available. Use the IRCC eligibility questionnaire to generate:

     

     

    Step 2: Complete the IMM5709 E Form

    Follow IRCC's instruction guide:



     

    Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

    Required Documents
        • Passport

          • IRCC or IRB certified copy of your passport if the original passport was seized at the time of your claim

        • It is also recommended to submit additional documents to help the IRCC officer understand your status in Canada. Depending on your situation, this may be one or more of the following:
          • Acknowledgement of Claim or Refugee Protection Claimant Document
          • Notice of Decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board, Refugee Appeal Division or Federal Court. Note: You are not required to upload the entire decision, just the “notice of decision” page that confirms that your claim for protection was accepted.
        • Letter of Acceptance – download from MyFile

        • Proof of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) Exemption – use this template to create your own

        • Digital Photo – follow IRCC’s photo specifications

        • Proof of Means of Financial Support – Refugee students are not required to meet the IRCC proof of funds threshold set out for international students. You can prepare a short letter to upload in this section and attach any proof of funding to cover your tuition fees and living expenses, such as OSAP, employment income, personal savings.

    Additional Documents
        • Client Information – upload your cover letter to provide an overview of your application. 
        • Schedule 1 – IMM 5287 only required if you answered “yes” to Q# 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the “Background Info” Section of the IMM 5709 E form. 
        • Application Fees – FREE* (exception: if your claim was rejected and you are under appeal, you need to pay for the study permit)