Study Permits

Students on computers

Important updates

New Study Permit Cap Announcement

The Canadian government announced on January 22, 2024 a cap on new study permits for the next two years. For initial study permit applications submitted after January 22, 2024, undergraduate international students must now include a ‘provincial attestation letter’ (PAL) from the Ontario provincial government.

Current undergraduate and graduate students with valid study permits, prospective Master’s and doctoral degree students, as well as exchange and visiting students applying outside of Canada for a stay shorter than six months are exempt from this requirement.

Details about how to acquire the PAL will be provided to applicants when the process is finalized.

This content will be updated as new information becomes available.

If you have questions, please reach out to our International Student Advisors.

Minimum Financial Requirements Change

As of January 1, 2024, the minimum financial requirement for living expenses for new study permit applications is $20,635 for an individual student. Please see the Documents Required for a Study Permit Application section for more details.

Western University | Designated Learning Institution # O19375892122

New Study Permit Cap Frequently Asked Questions

I am a currently enrolled Western undergraduate student. Will the new cap on study permits have any impact on me?

No, the study permit cap will only apply to new study permit applications.

I am a currently enrolled Western graduate student. Will the new cap on study permits have any impact on me?

No, the study permit cap will only apply to new undergraduate student study permit applications. Current study permit holders, as well as prospective Master's and doctoral degree applicants are exempt from this requirement. Furthermore, starting February 15, 2024, students who graduate from Master’s degree programs of less than 2 years (8 months minimum) may be eligible for a 3 year PGWP.

I am interested in applying to Western as an international undergraduate student. Can I apply for my study permit now?

Study permit processing is paused, so do not submit your study permit application now. We will email all applicants as soon as provincial attestation letters (PALs) are available and new study permit applications are open.

If you haven’t already applied to Western on the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), now is a great time to apply. Learn more about applying.

When will the process for provincial attestation letters be ready?

According to the government announcement, provinces are required to have their provincial attestation letter (PAL) process developed by March 31.

I applied for a new study permit before January 22, 2024 but have not received a response yet. Will the new study permit cap affect me?

If you submitted your completed study permit application prior to January 22, 2024 the new cap does not apply to you and your application will be processed.

I applied for a new study permit after January 22, 2024. What happens now?

There is no change to the process if you have applied to a Master's or PhD program; your application will continue to be processed. If you applied for your study permit after January 22 2024, and are not pursuing a Master's or doctoral degree, your study permit will not be processed and you will be issued a refund. This doesn’t mean your application was rejected; you will still be able to apply again once the new process is in place for provincial attestation letters (PALs).

I am a current high school student with a valid study permit. Will I need a new study permit?

If you have a valid study permit, you will not need to apply for a new one.

I am a current high school student studying in a Canadian province outside Ontario. Will the new study permit cap impact me?

Your study permit will be valid for any Canadian province as long as it has not expired.

I'm currently enrolled in another university/college in Canada. I'd like to transfer to Western. Am I exempt from this cap?

Yes, if you have a valid study permit you are exempt from the cap and can apply to transfer to Western.

I have a valid study permit but it will expire soon. Can I renew it?

Yes, you can renew an existing valid study permit. IRCC is launching a new version of the study permit extension form on January 30, 2024  - if you are applying on or after this date, you MUST use the new version of the form. IRCC will not accept applications using the old form.

I have questions, who should I contact?

Please send any questions to Western International. Our International Student Advisors can support you during this process. 

Application Process

Applying for Your First Study Permit

All international students who wish to pursue a program of study of at least 6 months in length at Western University must hold a valid study permit that authorizes studies at any Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, such as Western University or its affiliates (King’s University College, Huron University College or Brescia University College). See below if your program of study is less than 6 months in length.

DLI Numbers for Western University and its affiliates

Western University
Brescia University College
King’s University College
Huron University College

O19375892122
O19331472822
O19376872842
O19332573852

  • The first digit is the capital letter “O”, not the number zero “0”
  • Western’s DLI number can be found on your Letter of Acceptance

International students are responsible for applying for their initial study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Please visit the IRCC website for further information, document requirements and application instructions. If you are applying as an undergraduate student, you will require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province. More information about that process will be available soon.

Your current country of residence and status in that country will determine whether you apply online, by paper through a Canadian Visa Application Centre, or upon entry into Canada. Please note that only citizens of the USA and St. Pierre and Miquelon may apply for a study permit upon entry into Canada. 

Some international students can get their study permits faster by using the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

Students will need to follow the steps to order an official SDS Western Letter to prove that you have paid your tuition for your first year of study.

When to Apply?

The Canadian government announced on January 22, 2024 a  cap on new study permits for the next two years and a pause on processing of any new study permits.

For initial study permit applications submitted after January 22, 2024, undergraduate international students must now include a ‘provincial attestation letter’ (PAL) from the Ontario provincial government. You must wait until you have this letter before applying for your study permit.

Current study permit holders, Master's, Doctoral, or other graduate program applicants and students are exempt from this requirement.

Details about how to acquire the attestation letter will be provided to applicants and added to this web page when the process is finalized. The government has asked provinces to have their process in place by March 31, 2024.

You will also need a Letter of Acceptance from Western University  before you apply for your study permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

Visit  IRCC for current up-to-date processing times in your area.

If you are applying as an undergraduate student, you will require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province. More information about that process will be available soon.

Note: You may not begin your studies at Western University until you have received a study permit that authorizes studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.  

Applying for a Study Permit Extension from Within Canada (including secondary school students)

If you are currently in Canada and can’t complete your program before your study permit expires, you must apply to extend your study permit before it expires.

If you have been studying at a secondary school in Canada and your study permit is still valid, you don’t need to apply for a new study permit. If you want to work while you study, you may need to change the conditions of your study permit. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a new study permit from within Canada.

If you are applying for a study permit extension from within Canada, the study permit will be mailed to your Canadian mailing address. If you also need a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for travel and re-entry into Canada during your studies, you can apply for a TRV separately from inside Canada.

Short-term Studies Under 6 Months

International students who will be attending Western University for a short-term program of under 6 months in duration such as a one-term exchange, may enter Canada as a visitor for the purpose of short-term studies. Please note that if you plan on using that course/program as a prerequisite for a subsequent program of study (e.g., English as a Second Language), you must apply for a study permit.

Students who wish to conduct research only, under the supervision of a host faculty member at Western University, please visit the  Visiting Research Only students sections. Research students are responsible for securing their own host supervisor abroad in a research area that aligns with their program.  

Documents Required for a Study Permit Application

Please carefully read the instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and follow the Document Checklists provided on their website and by their regional visa offices.

Generally, you will be required to provide the following documents in addition to the application form(s):

  • Passport or Travel Document
    *Note: A study permit cannot be issued for longer than the duration of your passport validity. If your passport will expire during your studies in Canada, it is your responsibility to renew it as soon as possible and apply for a study permit extension before your study permit expires.
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (if applying as an undergraduate after January 22, 2024)
  • Letter of Acceptance from Western University
    Visit your Student Center account online to download your Letter of Acceptance. This letter is not the Offer of Admission letter. (Your browser settings must allow pop-up windows).
  • Proof of means of financial support
    You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of upcoming year’s tuition fees plus living expenses (for you and your family members if accompanying you to Canada) for a year. As of January 1, 2024, the minimum financial requirement for living expenses for new study permit applications is $20,635 for an individual student.
    Please note that this is the minimum financial requirement to apply. You are expected to have sufficient funds or make arrangements for sufficient funds to be transferred to you for the duration of your studies. We DO NOT recommend relying upon employment in Canada to prove your financial status as this is not guaranteed and may not provide sufficient income to meet the minimum requirements. Further information about required documents.
  • Visa photos (digital if applying online)
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
    You will be asked to go to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) abroad or a Biometrics Centre in Canada.
    Find out more about providing your biometrics.
  • Study Plan
    It is recommended that graduate students provide a letter of explanation about why they have chosen a program at Western University (academic reasons), and how the program is related to any past education and/or future career goals. Undergraduate students may also wish or be required to provide a Study Plan.
  • Depending on your country of residency, you may also be asked to provide:
    • An immigration medical exam that has been performed by a Panel Physician who has been approved to conduct immigration medical examinations
    • Specific documents to prove financial support
    • A police certificate
    • Any additional documents as requested by the responsible visa office
  • Fee payment

Custodianship for Minors (Students under 18 years)

"Minor children who are less than 17 years of age and come to Canada to study without a parent or legal guardian must be cared for by a responsible adult in Canada. This person is known as a custodian. A notarized custodianship declaration, such as the form Custodianship Declaration - Custodian for Minors Studying in Canada (IMM 5646) (PDF, 1 MB), must be completed by the parents or legal guardians in the country of origin and by the custodian in Canada.

Minor children between 17 years of age and the age of majority in the province or territory (18 or 19 years old) where they intend to study, may need a custodian at the discretion of an immigration officer." 1  

It is the responsibility of the student's family to satisfy this requirement. Western University is not able to serve as a custodian.

See IRCC's information on minor children studying in Canada.

Applying for Family Members to Come with You

Spouses and children of international students may apply to accompany the international student to Canada during their studies. Further information.

Applying for Restoration of Status

You have lost your status if you are still in Canada and:

  • The expiry date of your permit passed before you had applied for
    • a new study permit
    • a work permit, or
    • to stay in Canada as a visitor
  • You didn’t respect the conditions of your permit

In some cases, you may apply to restore your status as a student. To apply, you must:

  • Submit your application within 90 days of losing your status
  • Clearly and completely explain how you lost your status
  • Pay your fees
    • Restoration ($200) and
    • Study permit ($150)

NOTE:You may stay in Canada while we make a decision on your application. But, you aren’t allowed to study until your status has been restored. The application for restoration does not guarantee restoration of student status.

Once Your Application is Approved

Once your study permit is approved by IRCC, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to confirm the decision. This is not your study permit. You will need to present this letter to an immigration official upon entry i nto Canada and your study permit will be printed and issued to you upon arrival.

  • If you are a national of a country that requires a visa to travel to Canada, you will be asked to provide your passport for visa issuance during application processing.
  • If you are a national of a country that does not require a visa to travel to Canada (visa-exempt), an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will be automatically issued and this is linked to your current passport.

    The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA for visa-exempt nationals) allow you to travel to and enter Canada

What a Study Permit Authorizes

The study permit authorizes your stay in Canada, student activities, and in some cases, employment

Note: If your academic program requires you to complete co-op/internship as a mandatory part of your program requirements, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit.

More Information

For more information about preparing for your arrival in Canada and what to expect when you enter Canada, please visit IRCC’s information on “ Prepare for Arrival”.

Your Responsibilities as an International Student in Canada

International s tudents in Canada are required to:

  • Ensure that their study permit remains valid. Don’t let it expire! Apply for an extension at least 2-3 months before it expires.
  • Actively pursue your studies (remain enrolled, attend classes, and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your degree).
  • Notify IRCC if you transfer institutions – you must notify IRCC if you change Designated Learning Institutions. You can do this through your GCKey account online with IRCC.
  • Comply with the conditions on your study permit.