Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced some changes that will impact study permits for new international students. Please explore the information on this page as it may relate to your situation. We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
There is an outside Canada and an in-Canada process for study permit applications. Most newly-admitted students must follow the outside Canada application process. The in-Canada application process is primarily available for those who are in Canada with a study permit or work permit (including their dependents) as well as exchange and visiting students studying without a study permit.
A study permit is not a travel document and does not authorize entry or re-entry into Canada on its own. You may also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Guidance for Students Transitioning from High School to Post-Secondary or Transferring Institutions
On June 24, 2025, IRCC shared two key clarifications affecting students who are transitioning from High School to Post-Secondary Studies or Transferring from one Designated Learning Institution to another.
- Students transitioning from high school to post-secondary education in Canada may begin their post-secondary studies while their study permit extension is still in process, as long as their application was submitted before their current study permit expired.
- IRCC is prioritizing applications for students transferring between post-secondary DLIs and has committed to finalizing all outstanding applications in this category by mid-July 2025.
In addition, IRCC is working to launch a new application feature by August 2025 that will allow students to indicate they are transferring to a new DLI, helping to prioritize and speed up the processing of their study permit extensions.
IRCC will be updating its website and instructions in the coming weeks. We will share those official links as soon as possible after they become available.
Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL)
The Province of Ontario has begun issuing PALs for the 2025 academic year.
International students who require a PAL must deposit $2,000 CAD into their student account. Once the deposit is received, the PAL will be requested and made available in MyFile once issued by the Province of Ontario.
This process is automated, and there is no need to contact York University regarding PAL issuance.
Current international students in Canada do not need a PAL for study permit renewals if they remain at the same Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and level of study.
What’s New in 2025?
Study Permit Requirements for Students in Canada Changing DLIs to York University (Winter and Spring 2025)
*Updated May 05, 2025
Students already in Canada who are changing their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to York University for the Winter or Summer 2025 terms (starting from January 1, 2025 to May 1, 2025) must apply for a new study permit before the start of the term.
If you are already in Canada and have been accepted to York University for Spring 2025 semester (May 01, 2025), you may begin studying at York under the following conditions:
- You have been accepted to York University for the Spring 2025 semester.
- You have applied for a study permit extension.
- Your current study permit remains valid and does not list the York University DLI name printed on it.
- You continue to meet all conditions of your existing study permit.
If you meet these criteria, you may attend York University while your study permit extension is being processed.
For more information:
Visit IRCC’s official guidance.
Study Permit Requirements for Fall 2025 Students
Students in Canada who are changing their DLI to York University for the Fall 2025 term must obtain an approved study permit with York University listed as their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before they can start their studies.
PAL Requirements
- For Summer 2025 Students:
Students already in Canada with a valid study permit and starting at York University in Summer 2025 do not require a PAL, provided they have already applied for their new study permit. - For Graduate Students (Master’s and PhD):
Graduate students beginning their studies in May 2025 or September 2025 will require a PAL.
Important Reminder:
Newly admitted international students applying from outside Canada require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to apply for a study permit.
The University will request the PAL automatically once a $2,000 CAD deposit is received in the student's account.
Do I need a PAL for my Study Permit Application?
Most new international students will need to submit a PAL with their study permit application. Generally, the following groups will need a PAL:
- International students applying for a new study permit to begin their studies at York
- Current international students studying at a DLI with a valid study permit who will be changing DLIs. This includes current international students studying at a high school, or a university/college other than York in Canada and will be beginning their studies at York.
- Current international students studying at a DLI with a valid study permit who will be changing study levels, ie. going from undergraduate to graduate studies.
Some students will not need to submit a PAL with their study permit application. The following is a list of groups who are EXEMPT from needing a PAL:
- You’re applying to study at a:
- school participating in the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) and you have a letter of acceptance from this school identifying you as an applicant under the FMCSP
- federally designated military college or
- school in Quebec in a vocational training program that leads to one of the following:
- a diploma of vocational studies (DVS)
- an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS)
- a skills training certificate (STC)
- You’re an exchange student studying under an exchange arrangement between your home institution and a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, and you don’t pay tuition fees to the DLI.
- You’ve received a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada.
- You’re in Canada or entering Canada at a port of entry and are eligible for an exemption from certain study permit requirements based on a public policy as part of a migration response to a crisis or other pressure.
- You’re exempt from certain study permit requirements under the temporary measures to reunite families of Indigenous people separated by Canada’s border.
- You’ve entered Canada and one of the following situations applies to you:
- You’re applying for a study permit extension at the same DLI and level of study as your current study permit.
- You’re under a removal order, but can’t be removed from Canada at this time.
- You have a temporary resident permit valid for at least 6 months.
- You’re a protected person.
- You’re eligible for permanent residence
- based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds , or
- based on a current public policy, or
- as a spouse or common-law partner (through the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class)
You need to provide proof that you meet one of the above exceptions if you don’t provide a PAL/TAL with your study permit application.
For full information on PALs, visit IRCC's website.
Do I need a PAL if I am transferring to York University from high school or another post-secondary institution?
Students transferring Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), such as moving from high school to post-secondary or between post-secondary institutions, are now required to apply for a new study permit and submit a PAL with their application. Newly admitted students will automatically receive a PAL after they pay their enrolment deposit.
How do I get a PAL?
Admitted Undergraduate International Students:
To obtain a PAL, admitted undergraduate international students must:
- Accept their offer of admission to York
- Pay the non-refundable* enrolment deposit of $2000 CAD**
- Download the Attestation Letter on MyFile.
Your PAL will not be immediately available after you pay your new student deposit. Processing times will vary depending on the volume of letters we are processing. Please check your MyFile for updates.
You cannot pay your deposit using any scholarships or awards you receive from York as these will be applied to your student account in September.
Visit the Admitted Students website for additional instructions on how to pay your acceptance deposit.
*Students who receive a study permit refusal and are not able to attend York will be refunded the enrolment deposit. Students will be asked to provide a copy of their refusal in order to process the refund request.
**If you paid a deposit of $1500 before January 2025, no further action is required. York will still issue you a PAL.
How long will it take for my PAL to be issued?
My PAL expired. Can I still use it if I deferred my start to Winter, Summer, or Fall 2025?
I've been admitted to the School of Continuing Studies. How do I get my PAL?
To get your Provincial Attestation Letter, please follow the steps below. If you currently already have a valid study permit and will be starting a new program, you will not need a PAL to extend your current permit.
Steps to get a PAL for School of Continuing Studies students:
- Accept your offer to the School of Continuing Studies.
- Pay your deposit to secure your spot in the program. Paying your deposit allows you to be registered and will ensure that you are issued a PAL, if eligible.
- Fill out the School of Continuing Studies PAL Survey.
- The PAL will become available in MyFile within 3-5 business days following the successful receipt of your deposit.
MyFile can be accessed at the following link: http://www.yorku.ca/myfile.
Please be advised that a student number and date of birth are required to log into MyFile. Once logged into MyFile, please navigate to the “Admissions Documents” link on the lefthand sidebar. If a PAL is available, there will be a link listed there for download. If there is no link to the Provincial Attestation Letter within the “Admissions Documents” tab, then the letter has not yet been processed by the Ministry and is not yet available — please check back within 24-72 hours.
Please email regscs@yorku.ca if requesting for PAL re-issuance due to visa denial and/or for any additional questions.
Applying for your Study Permit from outside of Canada
We strongly encourage you to apply for your study permit as soon as you have the letter of acceptance and all other required documents.
Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Only citizens and permanent residents of the United States and residents of Greenland or St. Pierre et Miquelon can apply when entering Canada.
You can check the estimated study permit application processing time for applications submitted from outside of Canada.
Standard documents required for a regular application
Important: We recommend you check your personal checklist (generated based on your answers in the online eligibility questionnaire) for these and any other required documents. Please also remember check the country-specific application requirements provided by IRCC for additional documents that may be required or recommended.
Note: There is a $150 CAD processing fee.
| Document Type: | Document information: |
|---|---|
| Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM1294) | Look for the title at the top of the application, or the code at the bottom-left corner of each page. |
| Letter of acceptance (for new students) | You can find it in MyFile. It Should include your:
|
| Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province of Ontario |
Master’s and PhD program students now require a PAL. Study permit extension applications for students who are not changing DLIs or study levels are exempt from needing a PAL. To see a full list of all exemptions, please visit the IRCC website. |
| Proof of financial support |
Study permit applicants will need to prove access to funds to cover a minimum of annual tuition plus at least $20,635 CAD for your first year’s living expenses. Additional funds are required if you are bringing a spouse/partner and/or children. The IRCC explains further on their website. Details about fees and expenses can be found on Tuition and Fees page. IRCC expects you to be able to show access to enough funds to pay for at least one year of studies, and to be convinced you will still have access to funds for any further studies. Examples of financial proof documents include but not limit to:
You can make a deposit of any amount using one of the two methods listed on the SFS website, and a payment receipt will be added to your MyFile in 4-5 working days from the payment receipt. |
| Copies of your passport or travel document |
Including the biographical data page and all pages with visas, stamps or markings (your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected date of your arrival to Canada). If you have a brand new passport, you can provide copies of both your new and old passports, but provide the new passport first, and indicate "New Passport" on the file name. |
| Passport-style photograph | Taken within the last six months following IRCC recommendations, noting that the frame size specifications do not apply for digital photos. |
| Letter of explanation including your study plan and proof of ties to your country of citizenship |
Although it may not specifically be requested, we consider this a necessary document for outside of Canada applicants. The letter should outline how pursuing your studies at York University is important and fits with your current or previous studies, work (if applicable) and long-term plans (unless included in a study plan requested separately). The letter should also highlight ties to your country of residence and/or citizenship to help an immigration officer understand you will have a reason to leave Canada if your status is going to expire and you are unable to extend it. A letter of explanation and any other additional documents can be uploaded in the “Client Information” field of the Optional Documents section. Only one file can be uploaded, but it can be multiple pages. |
| You may need other documents, including (but not limited to): |
|
| Co-op letter |
This is necessary if a work placement is a requirement of your program of study. The co-op letter can be its own letter or included in letter of acceptance for new students. |
| Proof of a Custodian | Students 16 and under will require proof of a custodian. Students between 17 and 18 may be asked for proof. |
| Additional Documents | Immigration officers may ask you for additional documentation to make a decision about your application. If they ask you to attach the documents to your online application, you must login to your account, upload the documents and re-submit the application. IRCC provides specific details about how to do so. Failure to do so will likely result in a refusal of your application. |
Visit our Immigration Application Resources page for more info on submitting a study permit application.
How to apply
Apply online using the IRCC's Online Application. Make sure to check current processing times and submit your application as soon as possible.
Please check the Initial Study Permit Application Webinar and Resource section on the YI website. This resource is to help guide newly admitted international students who are applying for a study permit for the first time.
Application Tips
Start by reviewing IRCC’s instruction guide for this application.
Admitted students also have access to the immigration advising hosted by York International's Student Advisors and Immigration Specialists. Please check the YI calendar for upcoming dates.
Other considerations for your application:
| Consideration | information: |
|---|---|
| Medical Examination |
You must have an immigration medical exam if you have been in a ‘designated’ country for at least 6 of the past 12 months. You will also require one if you are planning to work in a health-care setting, primary/secondary school setting, or other jobs where the protection of public health is important. IRCC provides details about who requires immigration medical exams, who can offer them, and more. If you require one, you can book the appointment before submitting your application, or you can do so once requested by IRCC. It is usually a good idea to do so in advance. This is called an upfront medical exam and is mandatory if applying through the Student Direct Stream (see below). If you had an immigration medical exam within the 12 months prior to applying for your study permit, attach proof (i.e. a copy of your medical receipt). |
| Biometrics |
Required by most temporary resident applicants (excluding US citizens) unless they have already submitted them to IRCC in the past 10 years. IRCC provides additional details about requirements and exemptions. If you have previously given biometrics, but they will expire before you finish your studies, you should plan to give them again. IRCC has a tool to check the status of your biometrics. If you are required to submit biometrics, you must pay an $85 CAD collection fee. After submitting the application, you will be sent a Biometric Instruction Letter that will guide you through booking a biometric collection appointment at a Visa Application Centre or Application Service Centre (ASC). |
If you need to notify IRCC about a change regarding your application, you can use their web form.
If you wish to track the status of your application, you can create a special IRCC “tracker account” to do so (note: this is not the same account where you submitted the online application).
Even if you already have a visa or travel authorization that may allow you to travel to Canada, we usually recommend waiting outside Canada for the study permit to be approved, because you are not generally eligible to begin studying until the study permit has been issued.
If your study permit has been approved
If your application is approved, the Canadian visa office serving the country where you submitted your application will issue you an approval letter, known as a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, and an entry visa or an eTA (if applicable). Do not book travel to Canada until you’ve received your Letter of Introduction. Present the letter to the border officer when you enter Canada to get the hard copy of your study permit.
If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, also known as an entry or visitor visa), you will be asked to submit your passport so that the visa officer can affix the visa into it. You do not need to make a separate application.
If you require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you don’t have to submit your passport. An eTA will be issued electronically and associated with your passport number. Your eTA number and expiry date will be included in the Letter of Introduction.
Find more information about entering Canada or check out our Arriving at the Canadian Border Pre-Arrival Webinar (under Fall 2023).
Note:
If you decide to change schools after your study permit for York University has been approved, but before you travel to Canada, you must re-apply for a new study permit.
If you change schools after arriving in Canada, you will need to apply for a new study permit and receive an approval before you can begin your studies at the new school. You will need a new PAL for this application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Study Permit Application Questions
Where can I get help on my study permit application?
We recommend that you review the information about Initial Study Permit applications our Immigration Application Resources page first. You can then try filling out the application on your own and make note of any questions you have. YI will be hosting regular Study Permit Webinars for new students who have paid their enrolment deposit in April and May. Bring your questions to one of these sessions, where you can get more tips and ask your questions to one of our International Student Advisors.
Make sure to pay your enrolment deposit asap to get an invitation to our study permit webinars.
What are my options if I need urgent processing of my application?
Estimated processing times give an idea of how long an application could take to be processed. If something outside of your control makes urgent processing important, you can contact IRCC through their web form to inquire. It may take up to two weeks to get a response. Use the ‘Update or ask about your application’ option and then the ‘Other’ section, as the ‘Ask for urgent processing for your permanent resident card’ section doesn’t include study/work permits.
If you already have status in Canada, and have applied from within Canada for a new permit, you can remain in Canada under ‘maintained status’ (formerly known as ‘implied status’) while you wait for an answer. While you can remain in Canada, you cannot necessarily begin studying until the permit is issued. Only those already in Canada on a study permit or exchange students transitioning from visitor to student status can begin studying while waiting for a decision to be made on their application. If the application is refused, you must stop studying immediately. If you are changing schools, you must have an approved study permit for your new DLI before you can begin studying at your new school.
If you applied outside Canada, you generally need to wait until your application is approved to travel to Canada. Even those who may be allowed to travel to Canada as a visitor are encouraged to wait and only travel to Canada after the study permit is approved and the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is issued (if required).
Only citizens or permanent residents of the United States and residents of Greenland, or St. Pierre and Miquelon are eligible to apply at a port-of-entry.
When should I submit my study permit application?
We strongly encourage you to apply for your study permit as soon as you have the letter of acceptance and all other required documents.
Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Only citizens and permanent residents of the United States and residents of Greenland or St. Pierre et Miquelon can apply when entering Canada.
You can check the estimated study permit application processing time for applications submitted from outside of Canada.
For more information about applying for an initial study permit, visit our Application Resources page. If you have further questions about your study permit application, connect with an International Student Advisor & Immigration Specialist via virtual drop-in advising or one of our workshops. Find the schedule and sign up via YI’s Events Calendar.
What happens if my current permit expires before my new permit arrives?
If you applied through the in-Canada application process, from within Canada you can remain in Canada under maintained status. However, if York is not the school listed on your expired study permit, your application for extension must be approved before you can resume your studies.
What if the decision on my application is taking longer than the IRCC's estimated processing times?
If you are in Canada, you can contact IRCC through their in-Canada call centre (1-888-242-2100) or through their web form.
If you are outside Canada, you can contact IRCC through their web form.
How do I upload multiple documents to a single section on the online application?
Each section will only allow one file to be uploaded. You will need to use software to merge the documents into a single file that is an acceptable format (ie. PDF) and fits within the file size limits.
IRCC provides instructions in their Help Centre.
The address on my PAL is different than the address I'm using on my study permit application. Will York issue a new PAL with my current address?
IRCC has confirmed that the mailing address on your PAL can be different than the address you are using on your study permit application. You do not need a new PAL if the addresses don't match. As each Designated Learning Institution only has a limited number of PALs, York will not issue more than one PAL per student.
An exception may be made for students who receive a study permit refusal.
New Undergrad Student Deposit Questions
My study permit application was refused. Can I get my enrolment deposit back?
If your study permit application is refused, York will return your enrolment deposit to you. You'll be asked to provide a copy of your refusal letter to York before your deposit is returned.
Can I use my York scholarship to pay for the deposit?
Scholarships are applied to a student’s account in September when they begin their studies. The deposit is required shortly after you accept your offer. As a result, the scholarship cannot be used to pay your enrolment deposit.
Do I have to pay the deposit to get a PAL? / I can’t pay the deposit, can I still get a PAL?
All admitted undergraduate international students must pay the non-refundable $2000 CAD enrolment deposit. We cannot issue a PAL without this deposit.
The enrolment deposit must be paid shortly after you accept your offer while scholarships are applied to your student account in September. You will not be able to use any York scholarships or awards to pay the deposit.
I don't need a PAL. Do I still have to pay the $2000 deposit?
Most new students will need a PAL.
However, even if you do not require a PAL, you will still be required to pay the deposit. All new students must pay a non-refundable deposit when they accept their offer to York so they can enrol in courses. Please ensure to pay your deposit as soon as possible after receiving your offer of admission.
I'm an international student but I'm eligible to pay domestic fees. Do I pay $300 or $2000 for the deposit?
Some international students are eligible to pay domestic fees. This includes those who have a work permit or who are dependents of a work permit holder. You can check the Academic Tuition Fees webpage for eligibility and to apply.
Only students who have already been approved to pay domestic fees are able to pay the $300 deposit. If you still need a PAL, we will have a form you can fill out to make this request. Check back here for the updated form coming soon.
If you have applied for a tuition category change but not yet heard back from York, please pay the non-refundable $2000 deposit. This amount will be applied to your tuition fee.
I'm an international graduate student. How do I pay my deposit?
International graduate students should check the Admitted Graduate Students page for the Incoming Student Checklist to see what your next steps are in order to accept your offer and get you started!
Current International Student Questions
How does this impact international students who are currently in Canada with a valid study permit?
If you need to extend your study permit, check to see if York is listed as your Designated Learning Institution on your current study permit.
If York is listed on your study permit and you will not be changing study levels, ie you're in undergraduate studies and remaining in undergraduate studies, you do not need a PAL.
If York is not listed on your study permit and/or you will be changing study levels, ie going from undergraduate to a Masters, you will be required to submit a PAL with your extension application
Do the new requirements apply to all international students?
The requirement of a PAL applies to most new undergraduate international students, and to international students currently studying in Canada who need to change their DLI or their study level.
I'm a current international student and I need to apply for a new study permit from outside Canada. How do I get a PAL?
Current international students may need a NEW study permit for a variety of reasons. An updated request form for 2025 will be made available soon.
We also recommend you speak with an academic advisor about your course selections or if you have deferred exams or grades.
Incoming Exchange & Visiting Student Questions
Do I need a PAL for my exchange?
Students on exchange to York University do NOT require a PAL.
For any additional questions, please contact exchange@yorku.ca
Do I have to pay a tuition Deposit as an exchange student?
Incoming exchange students to York University are NOT required to pay a tuition deposit. Students should proceed to accept their offer, and disregard the prompt to pay a deposit.
Do I need a study permit for my exchange?
Students on exchange to York University for one semester (less than 6 months) typically do not require a study permit. Please refer to the following Government of Canada website and refer to section “Short-term courses [R188(1)(c)]”.
Students who will be studying for two semesters (more than 6 months) at York University WILL require a study permit. Once you receive the admission letter, please proceed to apply for the study permit to Canada.
Whether you’re coming to York for one semester or two, you may still need an entry visa or eTA. Visit the York International Entry Visa webpage for more information.
I'm a Global Affairs Canada Scholarship recipient - do I need a PAL?
Global Affairs Canada Scholarship recipients are admitted to York University as either exchange students or international visiting research trainees (IVRT). Students coming to York on exchange will not require a PAL. Students comings under the IVRT program will need to complete the application process and further information will be provided by the immigration team about visas/permits required to enter Canada. Further questions about the Global Affairs Canada Scholarship can be directed Ashley Laracy, Associate Director, Global Learning at alaracy@yorku.ca
Additional Support
Where can I find this information on the Government of Canada’s website?
More information can be found on Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Study Permits website, and the official news release.
Rest assured that York will email you important information and updates as soon as they are available, to guide you through this process. Please check this FAQs page often for any additional updates.
I still have questions, where do I get more help?
Check out our Immigration Application Resources page for more support. International students who pay the enrolment deposit will also be invited to a Study Permit Application Webinar for New Students. To ensure you get an invitation, please pay your enrolment deposit as soon as you can.
