Study Permits
On This Page
Any international student admitted to a program of study that is six (6) months or longer is required to obtain a study permit. This includes degree-seeking students, ESL, and visiting/exchange students.
- Additional Resources
- Study Permit
- How to apply
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Study Permit FAQs
- Study Permit Workshops
When to apply?
You must receive your University of Alberta Offer of Admission and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) before applying for a study permit. The process can take months, so be sure to begin as soon as you can. Check the current Study permit processing times here.
How to apply?
Study permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government department that handles immigration. As an international student, you’ll either need to extend your existing study permit from inside Canada or apply for a new one outside of Canada.
Get your documents ready
- Study Permit Made Outside Canada (IMM1294) application form
- Letter of acceptance (offer of admission)
- Proof of financial support
- Valid passport
- Passport-style photo(s)
- Provincial Attestation Letter
- At this time, Graduate students (Masters and PhD) are exempt from this requirement, however, graduate students who apply for a study permit in 2025 will be required to submit a PAL, details to come. For more information, visit the PAL page
- At this time, Graduate students (Masters and PhD) are exempt from this requirement, however, graduate students who apply for a study permit in 2025 will be required to submit a PAL, details to come. For more information, visit the PAL page
- A study plan
Other requirements may be needed for your application:
- Biometrics
- An immigration medical exam
- Visa office-specific documents (click here and select your country of residence to find out if any additional documents apply to you)
Apply Online
You must apply online, whether you’re outside of Canada or already in Canada. Check the IRCC website if you qualify to apply on paper. If you will be applying online, you will need to create an IRCC account (GC Key).
The application fee is $150 CDN and must be paid when applying. Some applicants may also be required to pay the biometrics fee ($85 CDN).
When you apply for a study permit, you will automatically be considered for a visa or eTA without applying separately.
Video Resources
How to create a GCkey account
How to create a Study Permit application in your IRCC account
Documents needed for Study Permit application
How to complete the Study Permit form (IMM1294)
Proof of finances for Study Permit application
Study Plan for Study Permit application
What to expect after submitting your application
If you have questions, contact an International Student Specialist by submitting a general inquiry through our service portal.