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.
• Choose if you are applying online or by paper. We recommend online applications because you save time, avoid courier fees and receive updates.

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 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. (Please note, not all questions are listed here.)
   • What would you like to do in Canada?: Study
   • How long are you planning to stay in Canada?: Temporarily – more than six months
   • Do you also want to apply for a work permit?: Yes, if you have been accepted into a co-op program and wish to apply for both at the same time
   • Have you lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the last year?: If you have lived in a country for more than six months in the previous year and your country requires an immigration medical exam, based on the IRCC website, then you must answer “yes.” Otherwise, answer “no.”
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 the application form IMM 1294. (Download our guide to completing IMM 1294.)
   • Complete the Family Information form (IMM 5707). This form requires a signature. 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 Studies)
     • 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: Format here
     • Documents specific to your visa office: Check here for any additional documents required by your country’s visa office.
   • 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.
     • Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residence IMM 5257B form. The document is required only if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions: 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the “Background Information” section of the IMM 5709 form.
     • If you have been studying in Canada for the past 12 months, you do not need proof of medicals unless:
       • You have lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the past 12 months — or
       • You would like to work in a job that will bring you into close contact with patients, children, etc. Check here to see if you require a medical exam. If you need a medical exam, it must be conducted by an IRCC approved panel physician.

Visa Application Centre (VAC) applications

VACs are private companies that have formal contracts with the Government of Canada. You can apply for a study permit in person at a VAC in your country.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

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). The SDS is available to legal residents who also reside in…

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam

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 10–12 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.

The following banks offer GICs that meet the criteria:

• Bank of Beijing
• Bank of China
• Bank of Montreal
• Bank of Xian Co. Ltd.
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
• HSBC Bank of Canada
• ICICI Bank
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
• RBC Royal Bank
• SBI Canada Bank

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 Student Direct Stream. Make sure you include all the documents required with your application.

Before you apply online, make sure you have:

• The instruction guide to fill out your forms
• A scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
• A valid credit or debit card for payment
• 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.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

Getting started

As an international student, you’re expected to apply for a study permit renewal before your current 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.
• Choose if you are applying online or by paper. We recommend online applications because you save time, avoid courier fees and receive updates.

Note: Your study permit is not a visa. It does not allow you to enter Canada on its own. You will need to apply for a TRV or ETA to re-enter Canada.

Submitting your application online

1. Login 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 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. (Please note, not all questions are listed here.)
   • What would you like to do in Canada?: Study
   • How long are you planning to stay in Canada?: Temporarily – more than six months
   • What is your current country/territory of residence?: Canada
   • What is your current immigration status in Canada?: Student
   • Do you also want to apply for a work permit?: Yes, if you have been accepted into a co-op program and wish to apply for both at the same time.
   • When does your status in Canada expire?: The expiry date of your study permit
   • Have you lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the last year?: If you have lived in a country for more than six months in the previous year and it requires an immigration medical exam (based on the IRCC website) then you must answer “yes.” Otherwise, answer “no.”
4. You must have access to a scanner/camera and also 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 the application form – IMM5709. (Download our guide to completing the IMM 5709.) If you cannot open the forms, save the document then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.
6.  Gather Supporting Documents. Each document size should be 4MB or less:
   • Scan the page that shows your picture, birth date, country of origin and all pages with stamps, visas or markings as a single document.
   • Enrolment verification –> Go to Parchment link (Enrolment verification for Undergraduate Students) (Enrolment verification for Graduate students)  
   • Proof of means of financial support: Includes bank statements, letter of sponsorship, etc.
   • Digital photo: Format here
   • 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.
     • Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residence IMM 5257B form. The document is required only if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions: 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the “Background Information” section of the IMM 5709 form.
     • If you have been studying in Canada for the past 12 months, you do not need proof of medicals unless:
       • You have lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the past 12 months — or
       • You would like to work in a job that will bring you into close contact with patients, children, etc. Check here to see if you require a medical exam. If you need a medical exam, it must be conducted by an IRCC approved panel physician.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

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 don’t need to apply for a new study permit.

How to Change your DLI online

1. Log in to your online account. If you applied on paper, you will need to create an account and then link your application.
2. You will need:
   • Your study permit number – begins with “S”
   • Your new school’s designated learning institution (DLI) number — McMaster University is O19395535729 while McMaster Divinity College is O19395535687
   • Your new student identification number (student ID)
   • Your new start date
3. If your study permit, work permit or temporary resident visa have any mistakes, such as name, date of birth, you must contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and request to amend your document(s).

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

Getting started

If you are travelling outside of Canada, you will 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
• Choose if you are applying online or by paper. We recommend online applications because you save time, avoid courier fees and receive updates.

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

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 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 the application form for Temporary Resident Visa – IMM 5257. (Download our guide to completing IMM 5257.)
   • Complete the Family Information form (IMM 5707). This form requires a signature. 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)
     • Proof of enrolment: Download from Mosaic > Student Centre > My Academics > Enrolment/Financial Letters (Website: Enrolment Verification)
     • Proof of means of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship
     • Digital photo: Format here
     • 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 ca/eta.
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.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

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, P.R. 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
• Official enrollment 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 can apply for a work permit before or after they arrive in Canada; the permit will be the same length as your study time. No job offer is needed to apply for this permit.

You will need:

• A copy of your study permit
• Letter of enrollment/acceptance
• Copy of marriage certificate or common-law declaration
• Proof of funds
• Passport (data page plus any pages with stamps, visas or markings)

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.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

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.

Note: Full-time graduate students can be employed no more than an average of 20 hours per week on-campus to a maximum of 1005 hours in an academic year (September to August).

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

Temporary policy: From November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, international students can work more than 20 hours a week. Please note that you’re still required to be a full-time student actively pursuing studies.

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.

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.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

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. You must apply within 180 days of completing your program requirements. 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.
• Choose if you are applying online or by paper. We recommend online applications because you save time, avoid courier fees and receive updates.

Note: You may work full-time while you wait for your decision as long as you meet the following criteria:

• Your study permit is valid at the time you submitted your application.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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 contactimmigration@mcmaster.ca.

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. (Please note, not all questions are listed here.)
   • What would you like to do in Canada?: Work
   • How long are you planning to stay in Canada?: Temporarily – more than six months
   • What is your current country/territory of residence?: Canada
   • What is your current immigration status in Canada?: Student
   • Do you plan to work on campus?: No
   • Are you a full-time student at a participating post-secondary institution and want to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week?: No
   • Have you recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution for which your study program was full-time and a minimum of eight months?: Yes
   • Is your work an essential part of your studies (for example, a co-op or internship program)?: No
   • Do you have a written job offer?: No (even if you have received a job offer)
   • When does your status in Canada expire?: The expiry date of your study permit
   • Have you lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the last year?: If you have lived in a country for more than six months in the last year and your country is listed as the country where an immigration medical exam is required on the IRCC website, then you must answer “yes.” Otherwise, answer “no.”
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.
6. Fill the application form IMM 5710. (Download our guide to completing IMM 5710 – PGWP).
7. Gather 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.
   • Program completion letter/formal notification.
   • Digital photo: Format here
   • Client information (optional): You may include an explanation letter if applicable.

If your application is approved, the IRCC will mail the Post Graduate Work Permit to your mailing address.

Applying from outside Canada

1. Log in to my application through GCkey or a sign-in partner. If you are a new user, you will need to register for an account.
2. Click on “Apply to Come to Canada.”
   • If you previously completed the eligibility questionnaire on the site, enter your personal reference code. Otherwise, click on “I do not have a Personal Reference Code.”
3. Click on “Visitor Visa, Study and/or Work Permit.”
   • Answer the questions that follow.
   • FAQ (note: not all questions and answers are listed here):
     • What would you like to do in Canada?: Work
     • How long are you planning to stay in Canada?: Temporarily — more than six months
     • What is your current country/territory of residence?: Country of residence
     • Do you have a written job offer?: No (even if you have received a job offer)
     • Have you recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution for which your study program was full-time and a minimum of eight months?: Yes
     • Is your work an essential part of your studies (for example, a co-op or internship program)?: No
     • Have you lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the last year?: If you have lived in a country for more than six months in the last year and your country is listed as the country where an immigration medical exam is required on the IRCC website, then you must answer “yes.” Otherwise, answer “no.”
   • You must have access to a scanner/camera and also a credit or debit card to pay the fees to complete the online application.
   • Once all questions are answered, the system will generate a checklist for your application.
   • Fill the application form — IMM 1295 Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada.
4. Gather 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.
   • Family information form: IMM5707
   • Program completion letter/formal notification.
   • Digital photo: Find the required format here.
   • Client information (optional): You may include an explanation letter, if applicable.
   • Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residence Visa Made Outside Canada IMM5257 form: The document is required only if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions: 3., 4., 5. or 6. in the “Background Information” section of the IMM1295 form.

If your application is approved, the IRCC will mail the Postgraduate work permit to your mailing address.

Have questions?

Contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

 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, terminal 1 or 3, Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET 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.
• Service Canada issues social insurance numbers on campus in the SIN Clinics. Please check Oscarplus / Student Success Centre / Events for dates.