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 do not need a study permit if your program or course is less than six months or belongs to one of the exception cases listed on the Study permit: Who can study without a permit – Canada.ca page.

Most international students require a study permit to study at McMaster University. If you think you are exempt from having one, please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca for guidance.

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.You must save the document to your computer and then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.  
   • Gather your supporting documents. Each document size should be 4 MB or less:
     • Study Permit Summary Letter (undergraduate students)/Letter of Acceptance (graduate students)
     • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Who needs a PAL Study permit: Get the right documents Provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter – Canada.ca
     • 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:
     • Study Plan: A brief letter (1-2 pages) that explains to the officer why you want to study your chosen program at McMaster University, what financial resources you have to support yourself, and what will bring you back to your home country after your studies have finished. 

Has your study permit application been refused?

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 many things when reviewing an application, and there are several reasons why the officer may not be satisfied. To know why the immigration officer refused your application, the reasons are listed in the IRCC refusal letter with the Officer Decision Notes (ODN). In most scenarios, the immigration officer will have a note on your refusal letter  that provides the actual details of the refusal. This will help you know exactly how to package your reapplication.

Before reapplying, you can contact immigration@mcmaster.ca to request to book a 1:1 appointment with an Immigration Advisor and get some tips on how to address those concerns. Please note that if you plan to re-submit your study permit application after an initial refusal, you will be required to obtain a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). 

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 5-6 months prior to 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. Please ensure that you review the PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) requirements when applying for 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. You must save the document to your computer 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 Service and select the “Study Permit Extension letters” for your study permit extension application.  
     • Graduate students: Submit a Service Request for a letter request
   • 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.

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

You need to get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one to attend a program at McMaster. You can continue your studies at McMaster while waiting for a decision on your new study permit application. If your study permit application is refused, you must stop studying immediately. 

Important information: If you finish your high school studies early, your study permit will no longer be valid 90 days after you complete your studies, regardless of the date that is shown on your study permit. 

Are you an international student changing programs or moving between levels at McMaster? (E.g. undergraduate to graduate) 

You can keep studying at McMaster with your current study permit as long as you still meet your study permit conditions.  However, if you need to extend your study permit, you may need to submit a new provincial attestation letter.

Are you an international student coming to McMaster from another Canadian post-secondary institution? 

You need to apply for a new study permit by applying for an extension. Follow the steps posted on the Government of Canada’s Website. 

About PAL   

A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is a new part of the study permit application required by the Canadian government for new international undergraduate and graduate students.  

PALs are issued to students by the University, in partnership with the Ontario Government. Please navigate the McMaster PAL tool to determine whether you need a PAL.

Incoming student   

• If you are an incoming undergraduate student and graduate student, you will need a PAL for your initial study permit application / study permit extension.   

Current student  

• If you are a current student at Mac and apply for a study permit extension at the same level of study as your current study permit, you meet the exemption of PAL requirement.  Please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca for how to write a PAL exemption letter.  

•  If you are a current student at Mac and apply for a study permit extension because of the change level of studies (e.g., from Undergraduate to Graduate), you will need a PAL for study permit extension.

• If you have your current study permit issued to study in another institution (e.g., high school), a PAL will be required for your study permit extension. Please connect with immigration@mcmaster.ca  

• If you have taken a leave of absence from your studies at Mac and your study permit will expire/has expired, please contact McMaster’s immigration team to discuss whether you need a PAL.  

Exchange student   

• Exchange students will meet the exemption of PAL requirement if you are studying under an exchange arrangement between your home institution and McMaster University. Please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca for how to write a PAL exemption letter.   

Transfer student   

• If you are a transfer student and have a study permit issued to study in another institution, you need a PAL to apply for study permit extension within Canada.   

You will have to get an approval of your study permit extension/new study permit application before starting your studies at McMaster University.   

General questions about the PAL   

What is PAL?   

A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is a new part of the study permit application required by the Canadian government for new international undergraduate and graduate students.  

Who needs a PAL?   

As part of the study permit application, most students will be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)(external link) which you will receive from McMaster University after you accept your offer of admission and pay the admission deposit.  

What is a PAL number?   

The PAL document number format starts with (ON2X -0X-XXXXXXX), It can be found at the top left side of your provincial attestation letter.  

How long will it take to get my PAL?   

Please make sure you accept your offer, paying your deposit (if applicable) to receive your PAL. Please allow up to 5 business days after completing the request form. Your PAL will be accessible in  Mosaic Student Account.  

Do I need a new PAL if my study permit gets refused?   

Yes, you will need a new PAL for your subsequent submission of study permit, please contact us at immigration@mcmaster.ca.  

Do I need a PAL if I already have a study permit?   

If your study permit is issued to study in another institution (e.g., high school or other university), a PAL will be required for your study permit extension.  

If your study permit ties with McMaster University, please contact the immigration team immigration@mcmaster.ca for your case to decide whether you need a PAL.  

Do I need a new PAL if I already have a valid open work permit?   

Yes, a PAL is required if you are applying for a new study permit. As an open work permit holder, you are eligible to apply for your study permit from inside Canada.  

Do I need a new PAL if I am a conventional refugee/protected person?   

You do not need a PAL if you are a conventional refugee or protected person, as you meet the exemption of the PAL requirement.  Please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca for how to write a PAL exemption letter.  

Please note that conventional refugee/protected person still needs a study permit to study in Canada before becoming a permanent resident.  

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. You must save the document to your computer 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: Submit a Service Request for a letter request.
     • 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.

If you’re a full-time student, you’re usually eligible to work off-campus for up to 24 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 24 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 5580: Applying for a Work Permit – Student Guide – online application.

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. You must save the document to your computer 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: Submit a Service Request for a letter request
   • 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.
   • Proof of language results: A language test must be included in your application. Recognized Tests are available on the IRCC website. 

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:

• You can 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 at the beginning of the semester (in Early Sep. or Early January) in the SIN Clinics drop ins. Please check OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Events for dates.

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