Immigration Advising

If your situation requires a study permit, you must apply and get approved before you start your studies in Canada.

Unsure if you need a study permit?

You don’t need a study permit if your program or course is less than six months. However, you should still apply for a study permit if you…

• Want to work on campus
• Plan to extend your studies after your program ends

If you’re still unsure if you need a study permit, contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

Are you an international student coming from a Canadian high school?

If so, you already have a study permit. If your permit is still valid, then you don’t need to change or apply for a new permit. If your study permit is about to expire, then you need to apply to extend it. Read this page’s section on extending your study permit for more information.

Are you an international student coming from another Canadian post-secondary school?

If you already have a valid study permit from another post-secondary institution, you need to change your designated learning institution (DLI) online. You don’t need to apply for a new study permit. Read this page’s section on changing your DLI for more information.

Getting started

Start your application as soon as you accept your offer of admission from McMaster. Here’s how to get started:

• Review the information by Canadian immigration on the study permit application process.
• Follow Guide 5269: Applying for a Study Permit outside of Canada.

Submitting your application online

1. Log in to my application through the GC key or a sign-in partner. If you are a new user, you will need to register for an account.
2. Select “Apply to Come to Canada.” If you have previously completed the eligibility questionnaire on the site, enter your personal reference code; otherwise, select “I do not have a Personal Reference Code.”
3. Select “Visitor Visa, Study and/or Work Permit” and answer the questions that follow.
4. You must have access to a scanner/camera and a credit or debit card to pay the fees to complete the online application.
5. Once you answer the questions, the system will generate a checklist for your application:
   • Complete all the forms generated on your checklist. If you cannot open the forms, save the document and then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.
   • Gather your supporting documents. Each document size should be 4MB or less:
     • Study Permit Summary Letter (undergraduate students)/Letter of Acceptance (graduate students)
     • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) using McMaster’s PAL tool (undergraduate students)
     • Passport: Scan the page that shows your picture, birth date, country of origin and all pages with stamps, visas or markings as a single document.
     • Proof of means of financial support, which could be bank statements, letter of sponsorship, etc.
     • Digital photo (photo format)
     • Documents specific to your Visa Application Centre (VAC)
   • Optional documents:
     • Letter of Explanation (client information): Include this if there are any issues you would like to clarify or that may be useful to the officer in assessing your application.

The student direct stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit processing program for those who are applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI).

Who can apply?

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer GICs. The bank that gives you the GIC must:

• Confirm that you bought a GIC by providing a letter of attestation, GIC certificate, Investment Directions Confirmation or Investment Balance Confirmation.
• Hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada.
• Make you confirm your identity before they release any funds to you.
• Release the funds to you by providing:
  • An initial lump sum once you identify yourself upon arrival in Canada.
  • The remainder of the funds in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months.

If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream.

Getting a GIC

You can get a GIC from a bank listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website. Make sure the bank you choose offers a GIC and meets the criteria for the Student Direct Stream.

Medical exams and police certificates

Depending on where you’re applying from, you may need to get a medical exam and/or police certificate. To get faster processing through SDS, you must include these with your application (if applicable). If you don’t, your application won’t be processed any faster.

Apply for SDS online

You must apply online to get faster processing on your study permit. There is no paper application for the SDS. Make sure you include all the documents required with your application.

Before you apply online, make sure you:

• Review Guide 5269: Applying for a Study Permit outside of Canada.
• Have access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents.
• Have a valid credit or debit card for payment.
• Pay the biometric fee (if applicable): In most cases, you need to give biometrics. You should pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application online. If you don’t pay this fee, your application won’t be processed any faster.

Has your study permit application been rejected?

Refusals for study permits are typically a result of the applicant failing to satisfy one or more of the eligibility criteria. The immigration officer typically checks a number of things when reviewing an application, and there are many reasons why the officer may not be satisfied. To know why the immigration officer rejected your application, you can request your case file. In most scenarios, the immigration officer will have a note on your file that provides the actual details of the refusal. This will help you know exactly how to package your reapplication.

Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act (ATIP)

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act give you the right to access information and records held by government institutions.

• Who can make a request for records and information?: Any Canadian citizen, permanent resident or individual in Canada has the right to access their personal information held by government institutions that are subject to the Privacy Act. A friend or family member based in Canada can help you request this. There are also companies that offer services online to help with the case file request. McMaster does not currently offer case file request or review services.
• Make an online request: There are several options when making an access to information or personal information request. Using the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Online Request service is a fast, easy and convenient way to submit a request. This service allows individuals to make online requests for information to participating government institutions instead of having to print, scan, mail or email a paper form.

Request checklist

To request information about another individual with their consent, you will need:

• Access to a valid email account
• Electronic copies of any documents you wish to attach to your request (accepted formats are DOC, DOCX, PDF, TIFF, JPG and PNG)
• Proof that the individual you are making the request for has the right to make a request for their personal information, such as proof of their Canadian citizenship (a copy of their passport or citizenship certificate); or proof of their status as a permanent resident (a copy of their permanent resident card); or proof of temporary status in Canada (a work, study and/or visitor permit)
  • If the individual does not have a right to apply for their own personal information, then the request must be made under the Access to Information Act. You will need to provide: Proof that you have the right to make an access to information request, such as proof of Canadian citizenship (a copy of your passport or citizenship certificate); proof of your status as a permanent resident, ( a copy of your permanent resident card) or proof of temporary status in Canada ( a work, study and/or visitor permit)
• Credit card information to pay the $5 application fee (VISA, MasterCard or American Express are accepted. Payments cannot be made through debit or prepaid credit cards)
• Information about the individual you are making the request for, including name and date of birth
• If you are making a request on behalf of someone else, you must include consent to release their information. The consent must be signed and dated by the person authorizing the disclosure of their information.

Once you have completed your request, it will be sent to the selected institution for processing. Institutions have up to 30 days to respond to your request, either by providing the records or explaining why more time is needed. When you receive the file on your rejected permit application, you can identify the officer’s concerns and then reapply for your permit accordingly.

Note: This is not a guarantee that the reapplication will be approved, but it can help with packaging your application better to address the officer’s concerns.

Before reapplying, you can contact immigration@mcmaster.ca to get some tips on how to address those concerns.

Getting started

As an international student, you’re expected to apply for a study permit renewal before your current study permit expires. We recommend that you apply three to four months before your current permit expires. If your study permit expires before you apply for an extension, you will be out of status and must stop studying immediately.

• Review the information by Canadian immigration on renewing and extending study permits.
• Follow Guide 5552 Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada: Student.

Note: A study permit allows you to stay in Canada to pursue your studies, but it’s not a visa, which is required to enter Canada. You will require a TRV or eTA in addition to your study permit to enter Canada. Your visa is not automatically renewed when you extend your study permit. You will need to apply for a new visa once you have received your study permit extension.

Submitting your application online

1. Log in to my application through a GC key or a sign-in partner. If you are a new user, you will need to register for an account.
2. Select “Apply to Come to Canada.” If you have previously completed the eligibility questionnaire on the site, enter your personal reference code. Otherwise, select “I do not have a Personal Reference Code.”
3. Select “Visitor Visa, Study and/or Work Permit” and answer the questions that follow.
4. You must have access to a scanner/camera and a credit or debit card to pay the fees to complete the online application.
5. Once you answer the questions, the system will generate a checklist for your application:
   • Complete all the forms generated on your checklist. If you cannot open the forms, save the document, and then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.
6.  Gather supporting documents. Each document size should be 4MB or less:
   • Order your Enrolment Verification Letter
     • Undergraduate students: Order through Parchment Services
     • Graduate students: Contact your program administrator to request a Study Permit Extension letter which includes enrolment term, dates and status, program, degree, level, program duration, pending coursework/co-op work terms and expected graduation term.
   • Proof of means of financial support: Includes bank statements, letter of sponsorship, etc.
   • Scan the page of your passport that shows your picture, birth date, country of origin and all pages with stamps, visas or markings as a single document.
   • Digital photo (photo format)
   • Optional documents:
     • Letter of Explanation: Include this if there are any issues you would like to clarify or that may be useful to the officer in assessing your application.

If your application is approved, the IRCC will mail the new study permit to your mailing address.

If you already have a valid study permit from another post-secondary institution, you only need to change your designated learning institution (DLI) online. You do not need to apply for a new study permit.

If you are currently in Canada and have received your study permit, follow the instructions on how to change your post-secondary school in your account.

If you are currently outside of Canada, please follow the instructions on how to Change your DLI from outside Canada.

Getting started

If you’re travelling outside of Canada, you’ll need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada, depending on your country of citizenship. Find out if you need a visa or eTA.

• Review the information by Canadian immigration on applying for a TRV from within Canada.
• Follow Guide 5256: Applying for a visitor visa (TRV).

Note: Citizens of specific countries require a TRV or eTA to enter Canada. A study permit does not allow you to re-enter Canada if you travel. Although a TRV/eTA is not needed inside Canada, it is advisable to have a valid visa in case of emergency travel.

Apply for a TRV online

1. Log in to my application through the GC key or a sign-in partner. If you are a new user, you will need to register for an account.
2. Select “Apply to Come to Canada.” If you have previously completed the eligibility questionnaire on the site, enter your personal reference code; otherwise, select “I do not have a Personal Reference Code.”
3. Select “Visitor Visa, Study and/or Work Permit” and answer the questions that follow.
4. You must have access to a scanner or camera, as well as a credit or debit card to pay the fees to complete the online application.
5. Once you answer the questions, the system will generate a checklist for your application:
   • Complete all the forms generated on your checklist. If you cannot open the forms, save the document, and then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.
   • Gather your supporting documents. Each document size should be 4MB or less:
     • Passport: Scan the page that shows your picture, birth date, country of origin and all pages with stamps, visas or markings as a single document.
     • Copy of your study permit (or post-graduate work permit if applicable)
     • Recent Transcript: Request on Mosaic >Student Centre > Transcript: Request Official Transcript (Video: How to request an official transcript)
     • Order your Enrolment Verification Letter
       • Undergraduate Students: Order through Parchment Services
       • Graduate students: Contact your program administrator to request a Study Permit Extension letter which includes enrollment term, dates and status, program, degree, level, program duration, pending coursework/co-op work terms and expected graduation term.
     • Proof of means of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship
     • Digital photo (photo format)
     • Client information (optional): You may include an explanation letter if applicable.

Apply for an eTA online

An eTA is a requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by air. Here is the list of countries requiring an eTA.

1. Gather the necessary documents: valid passport, credit card.
2. Visit eTA application page.
3. Select “Apply for an eTA.”
4. Answer the questions to determine eligibility.
5. Pay the application fee of $7 CAD.
6. You will receive an email confirming if your eTA is approved.

Note: eTAs are typically valid for five years.

If you wish to invite your family or friends to Canada for a visit or would like to bring your family to Canada while you are living here, ensure they have the correct immigration documents.

Depending on the country of citizenship, your family or friend may need to either apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

If a family member requires a TRV, please provide the following supporting documents to help them with their application. Some countries may have additional requirements. Please check the website of the specific visa office.

• Copy of proof of status in Canada, such as study permit, post-graduate work permit (PGWP), permanent residency card, or Canadian citizenship
• Copy of your passport data page
• Letter of invitation written by you (there is no standard format for the letter): Please follow the guidelines on the immigration website.
• Proof of your relationships, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate
• Enrolment verification letter or employment letter (PGWP)
• Proof of available funds to cover the visit

Note: Your family/friends must provide proof of ties to their home country, such as bank statements, employment, investments and dependants.

Spouse

If your spouse comes to Canada on a visitor visa, they may stay for up to six months.

A visitor record allows your spouse to stay in Canada for more than six months. Your spouse will not be eligible to work or study on a visitor record.

Your spouse/partner may be eligible to apply for a work permit before or after they arrive in Canada. Your spouse must meet the eligibility criteria to be eligible to apply for an open work-permit. The permit will be the same length as your study time. No job offer is needed to apply for this permit.

Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada.

Children

Minor children already in Canada can study without a study permit at a pre-school, primary and secondary level if at least one parent is authorized to work or study in Canada. You will need to apply for a visitor record to extend their stay in Canada past the usual six months.

Minor children applying from outside Canada to accompany a parent for work or study in Canada should apply for a study permit. More information is on the Government’s website.

Learn about study permits for minors.

If you’re a full-time student, you’re usually eligible to work on campus. Your study permit must state that you’re allowed to work on- or off-campus.

You must stop working on-campus if you no longer meet the conditions of your study permit. For example, you’re no longer a full-time student, or your study permit expired.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

Temporary policy from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

• Students who are eligible for the previous temporary policy (applied for study permit before October 7, 2022) can work more than 20 hours per week until April 30, 2024. Amended temporary public policy to lift the limitation that eligible study permit holders can work without a work permit no more than 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions.
• Students who applied for a study permit between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023, can work more than 20 hours per week from January 1 to April 30, 2024. Second temporary public policy to lift the limitation that eligible study permit holders can work without a work permit no more than 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions. (Both provided they meet the other conditions.)

If you’re a full-time student, you’re usually eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week during the school session or full-time during the scheduled break.

Your study permit should state one of the following:

• May work 20 hours off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in section 186(v) of IRPR.
• May accept on- or off-campus employment if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186 (f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.

If you have one of these statements on your study permit, you are eligible to work as stated and do not need to apply for a work permit. Learn if you can work off campus.

If your study permit does not have either of the listed statements, you will need to apply to amend your study permit or you may be ineligible. Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca to discuss your case.

Note: Full-time graduate students holding external awards should refer to the terms and conditions of the award in regard to off-campus employment.

You may be eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) after completing your degree.

You can apply for a PGWP from inside Canada or overseas, as long as you meet the eligibility. Confirmation that you have completed your program could be a degree, diploma, transcript or official letter from McMaster.

• Review the information by Canadian immigration on eligibility for a Post Graduate Work Permit.
• Follow Guide 5553: Applying for a work permit inside of Canada.

Note: You have up to 180 days after completion of your program to apply for your PGWP. You may work full-time while you wait for your decision, as long as you meet the following criteria:

• You have submitted your PGWP application from within Canada
• Whichever comes first:
  • Your study permit is valid at the time you submitted your application.
  • It has been 90 days or less since you received notification that you have completed your program.
• You were enrolled full-time in a degree or diploma program that was longer than eight months.
• You did not work over the authorized number of hours per week when you were a student.

Please review the eligibility requirements. Some factors that may impact your eligibility include, but are not limited to:

• Taking a leave of absence during your studies can impact your eligibility for the PGWP. If you need to take a leave from studies, please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.
• Studying part-time during a schedule semester, other than your final term.
• Working more than the authorized number of hours per week when you were a student.

Note: If you plan on staying in Canada and your study permit will expire before you apply for a PGWP, you should change your status to a visitor. You have up to 90 days after your study permit expires to restore your status or you’ll have to leave the country. If this applies to you, please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

If your application is not approved, you must stop working and leave Canada immediately.

Submit your application online

1. Login to my application through the GC key or a sign-in partner. If you are a new user, you will need to register for an account.
2. Select “Apply to Come to Canada.” If you previously completed the eligibility questionnaire on the site, enter your personal reference code; otherwise, click select “I do not have a Personal Reference Code.”
3. Select “Visitor Visa, Study and/or Work Permit” and answer the questions that follow.
4. You must have access to a scanner or camera, as well as a credit or debit card to pay the fees to complete the online application.
5. Once you answer the questions, the system will generate a checklist for your application:
   • Complete all the forms generated on your checklist. If you cannot open the forms, save the document and then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.
6. Gather supporting documents. Each document size should be 4MB or less:
   • Order your Post-Graduation Work Permit Letter
     1. Undergraduate students: Order through Parchment Services
     2. Graduate students: Contact your program administrator to request a Study Permit Extension letter which includes confirmation of approval to graduate, degree, program and expected conferral date.
   • Passport: Scan the page that shows your picture, birth date, country of origin and all pages with stamps, visas or markings as a single document.
   • Digital photo (photo format)
   • Client information (optional): You may include an explanation letter if applicable.

Note: If you are applying for your PGWP from outside of Canada, you need to wait until you have received a decision before traveling back to Canada.  Please ensure you have a valid TRV/eTA when you return to Canada.

If your application is approved, IRCC will mail the PGWP to your mailing address.

Students who are eligible to work in Canada will require a social insurance number (SIN) before you start working. You can get your SIN using any of the following options:

• If you are arriving at Pearson International Airport, you may be eligible to receive your SIN through the SIN@Landing program by Service Canada. You can follow the SIN@Landing signs or ask for directions.
• You are able to apply for your SIN through the Service Canada website once you have arrived in Canada and received your study permit.

Service Canada issues social insurance numbers on campus in the SIN Clinics. Please check OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Events for dates.