International Centre

Study Permit

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What a Study Permit looks like


A Study Permit is a document issued by the Canadian Government that allows international students to study in Canada for a limited period of time. The Study Permit is linked to the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) where the learning takes place (e.g. Dalhousie).  

A Study Permit may also include provisions that allow international students to work on/off-campus when enrolled in full-time studies (see Working in Canada).

If your program of study in Canada is longer than six months, you require a Study Permit. In most cases, you will also require a Provincial Letter of Attestation (PAL). You must apply for both before arriving in Canada.

When you apply for a Study Permit, you will automatically be assessed for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at the same time. If you require a TRV or an eTA to enter Canada, you will receive your TRV or eTA at the same time your Study Permit application is approved. No separate application is required.

Applying for a Study Permit for the first time

To apply for a study permit, you require the following:

  • A valid passport
  • Your letter of acceptance to Dalhousie or University of King's College
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (if applicable)
  • Proof of financial sufficiency to live and study in Canada
  • A letter from your sponsoring agency (if applicable)
  • A co-op/internship letter (if applicable)
  • Payment of the $150 CAD processing fee

You should apply for a Study Permit as soon as you have gathered the required documents. Study Permit processing times can sometimes take several months, and you may be asked to provide additional documentation, so it’s best to start early. To check current processing times, visit the Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

To apply for a study permit, you will need to identify Dalhousie University by its DLI number on the study permit application form. Please use the following appropriate DLI number:

  • Dalhousie University (including Agricultural Campus): O19209939282
  • Dalhousie University ESL Programs: O19091594822
  • University of King’s College: O19391556768

For more information about applying for Study Permit, visit the IRCC website or contact the nearest Canadian Visa Office.

Most international students who are applying for a Study Permit for the first time will apply from outside Canada. They will receive their study permit when they arrive in Canada at their first port of entry (e.g. airport, land border).

Citizens & Permanent Residents of the USA, Greenland, & Saint Pierre et Miquelon have the option of applying for a Study Permit directly at a Canadian port of entry. For more information about this option, visit the New Student Immigration Information page.

Application Tips (when applying for a Study Permit for the first time)


Write a study plan

Study plans are not always requested as part of a study permit application, but it is a good idea to include key information in a Letter of Intent that you can include with your application. The Letter of Intent should focus on your academic goals in Canada. You should be cautious about mentioning other long-term goals which go beyond your studies in Canada. In partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University and Nova Scotia Community College, Dal has created the Guidance for Study Plans and Letters of Intent (pdf - 8.4 MB) document to support you.

Apply early

Once you have received an acceptance letter from Dalhousie University and secured a PAL (if required), you should begin the process of applying for your Study Permit as soon as possible. Processing times vary and can sometimes take several months.

Keep a copy of your medical certificate/police record

You may need a medical exam and/or be required to submit a police record as part of your application. Be sure to keep a copy of the medical certificate or police record when you come to Canada. You may need it/them for future immigration applications. 

Save your Study Permit Application Number 

Once you start your Study Permit application, you will be assigned an application number. Be sure to keep a record of this application number in a safe place. You may need it again for future immigration applications.

Bring the Study Permit Approval Letter with you

If your Study Permit application is approved, you will receive an approval letter from the Canadian Visa Office (included in the package they send back to you). This letter is not your Study Permit, but it authorizes you to receive a Study Permit when you arrive in Canada. IMPORTANT: show this letter to Immigration official(s) at your first port of entry in Canada. At this point, you will receive your official Study Permit. If you requested a Co-op Work Permit as part of your Study Permit application, you will also receive a Co-op Work Permit at the same time.

How do I renew/extend my study permit?


To extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must renew your Study Permit before it expires. Check the expiry date of your study permit and apply for an extension at least 3-4 months in advance. Renewing your study permit before it expires allows you to remain in Canada under maintained status while your application is being processed. During this time, you are permitted to continue studying and working in Canada, even if your study permit expires during the processing period. Find out more about the renewal process.