Canada is known for its educational excellence, and it is a popular destination for international learners who want to study abroad. Residents from many countries are able to study in Canada for up to six months without a study permit. Visitors from some countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. To learn about the visa requirements for your country, please visit the Canadian Office that administers visas for your country. If you plan to stay in Canada longer than six months, you need to obtain a Study Permit. For more information on a Study Permit application, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Please note: It is your responsibility to arrange the correct visas and permits in order to study in Canada by following the application procedures set by IRCC in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a study permit?
After successful registration in the English Language Program, you will receive a learner information package that includes an official receipt and a confirmation of acceptance letter. To apply for a Study Permit, you may be required to provide the official receipt and confirmation of acceptance letter to a Canadian embassy.
How long does it take to obtain a Study Permit?
Some countries have long waiting lists to process Study Permit applications. We advise you to contact the Canadian embassy or visa-processing centre as soon as possible once you decide to apply. It typically takes at least three months to obtain a Study Permit. In some cases, a medical examination may be required. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides information about estimated processing times.
What if I am refused entry or I do not obtain my Study Permit in time for the course?
If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) denies your application, please contact us immediately in writing (email learn.english@utoronto.ca). The University of Toronto must receive both the written request for withdrawal and the original letter refusing entry by IRCC before the first day of class in order to provide a refund. Please see our Registration Policies regarding refunds.
Can I extend my visa once I am in Canada?
Yes. Information on how to extend your study permit is available here on the website for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What do Canada’s changes for international students mean for me?
The new measures are not intended to impact the number of students allowed at the University of Toronto and other universities in Canada but implementation details remain to be decided.
If you are applying for your study permit outside of Canada for six months or longer, you will now need to submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the provincial government of Ontario, unless exempted, along with your study permit application to the Government of Canada. Current valid study permit holders will not be affected.
Who needs a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
Most international students applying for a study permit for six (6) months or longer outside of Canada will need to provide a PAL.
Any exceptions will be determined by the Government of Canada, and more information can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/provincial-attestation-letter.html#exemptions
Currently, if you are planning to study in Canada for less than six (6) months you may not be required to provide a PAL as part of your application. For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html
Important Note: A confirmation of registration and acceptance or enrolment letter issued by the School of Continuing Studies is not equivalent to a PAL.
How do I receive a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
To receive a provincial attestation letter (PAL), you will need to follow these steps:
1. Register into the English Language Program (ELP) courses you wish to take. Full payment for each course is required upon registration.
2. Email academic.elp@utoronto.ca to request PAL application form.
3. Complete and submit the online PAL application webform.
All eligible PAL applications submitted will be sent to the University Registrar’s Office and the IRCC. You will be notified once the PAL is available.
Important Note: PALs are only issued by the Ministry of Ontario. A confirmation of registration and acceptance or enrolment letter issued by the School of Continuing Studies is not equivalent to a PAL.