• A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian federal department called Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. 
• You need a study permit if your program of study is more than 6 months in duration. You must apply to extend your study permit before it expires if you will need more time to complete your program. It is every student's responsibility to keep their study permit valid and apply to extend it before it expires. 
• A study permit does not give you permission to travel to or enter Canada. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. If needed, IRCC will issue you a TRV or an eTA automatically if your study permit is approved. 
• IRCC makes decisons on all study permit applications. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) decides who can enter Canada. USask cannot quarantee anyone's study permit approval or entry to Canada.

You must have a study permit if your program of study is more than 6 months in duration. Most students now require a PAL to apply for their study permit. 

You do not need a study permit if your program or course of study:

• is 6 months or less in duration and
• will end before your initial authorized stay ends (e.g. 6 month visitor status, stamp in passport, etc)

Some foreign nationals may be exempt from the requirement for a study permit.

Some foreign temporary workers in Canada might be exempt from the requirement for a study permit under a temporary policy introduced on June 27, 2023. If you have more questions or are unsure whether you are eligible for this policy, you must contact ISSAC before your begin your program of study. Not complaying with immigration regulations and/or studying without the proper authorization may have serious consequences. 

• Apply as soon as possible after you have received your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from USask and your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if needed. Your LOA and PAL must be valid when you apply for your study permit. Do not delay applying. 
• Processing times vary depending on the country where you are applying from.
• Your study permit must be approved before you come to Canada. It is important to allow yourself enough time to plan travels accordingly. 

One of the most important documents (in addition to the strong and sufficient proof of funds and other IRCC requirements) you'll need is a Study Plan - also known as a Statement of Purpose/Letter of Explanation. This document helps immigration officers understand your motivations, goals, and intentions for studying in Canada.

What to include? 

Introduction

• Briefly introduce yourself.
• State your purpose: applying for a study permit to pursue education in Canada.
• Mention the institution and program you’ve been accepted into.

Educational background

• Summarize your academic history.
• Highlight how your past education relates to your chosen program in Canada.

Professional experience (if applicable)

• Describe your work experience.
• Explain how your career path has led you to pursue further studies.
• Identify any knowledge or skill gaps you aim to fill.

Why Canada?

• Explain why you chose Canada over other countries.
• Mention the quality of education, multicultural environment, or specific advantages of studying in Canada.
• Explain if you cannot pursue the same or similar program in your own home country or a neighbouring country. 

Why USask and this USask Program?

• Provide reasons for selecting the specific school and program.
• Mention unique features, faculty, curriculum, or career opportunities.

Financial plan

• Detail your financial preparedness.
• Include tuition fees, living expenses, and how you plan to cover them (e.g., savings, scholarships, family support).
• Clearly state the source of funds.

Post-study plans

• Explain your career goals after graduation.
• Emphasize your intent to return to your home country.
• Clearly articulate your social and economic ties back home. Highlight any travel history to prove you left the home country and returned. 
• Show how your Canadian education will benefit your future. Think global. 

Conclusion

• Reaffirm your commitment to your studies.
• Express gratitude for the opportunity to be considered.

Tips for writing

• Be truthful, clear, and concise.
• Avoid generic statements—make it personal and specific. Why you? What makes you the best candidate among hundreds of thousands of people who are also applying to come to study to Canada on a yearly baisis? 
• Keep it to 2-3 pages long.
• Have a balanced and confident tone at the same time. Describe emotions where needed. Watch punctuation. Be kind in your correspondance.
• When finished writing, let it settle, have a second pair of eyes, and make edits. 

For study permit application purposes, you will need to at the minimum meet the criteria of IRCC set for proof of funds, regardless of what the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) says or what you think will be your expenses. 

When applying for your study permit Study permit: About the process - Canada.ca please consult this information on proof of funds: Study permit: Get the right documents - Canada.ca. As of Sept 1, 2025, a single student must have at a minimum of enough money for one full year of tuition plus at least CAD$22,895 for 12 months of living expenses. There are a few options on how to provide proof of funds and prepaying tuition is one of the options. It is not mandatory to prepay but it is one of the options to prove finance and it is generally considered a strong evidence of proof of funds. You can prepay any amount of tuition you wish. Normally, students prepay the amount for one full year of tuition based on the estimates from the USask Letter of Acceptance (LOA). The exact amount is not necessary and can only be known once you are registered for all your required courses. 

• To learn about the tuition prepayment, process, conditions and refund, please go here: Prepaying Tuition - Students | University of Saskatchewan (usask.ca) .  
• The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) cannot answer questions about student’s finances, tuition balance, payments, refunds etc. Instead, please use the Student Finance Enquiry Form for more information if needed and check the information on tuition, payment and fees here: https://students.usask.ca/money/tuition.php .  

• If you wish, Regulated International Student Immigration Advisers (RISIA) from ISSAC can help guide and advise on the application process, gathering and preparing application documents. We recommend booking an appointment for step-by-step guidance and using drop-in for quick questions and assessment. To make the best out of your meeting, prepare in the following way: 
  • Create your IRCC online account
  • Review IRCC instructions 
  • Gather USask documents, such as Letter of Acceptance (LOA), PAL (if required), scholarship/funding information (if available)
  • Start writing your Study Plan (further instructions above)
  • Start collecting other required documents (keep reading further below)
• Some students choose to use authorized representatives while some apply entirely on their own.

Whatever your case may be, ISSAC is ready to assist when you are. 

Most students must apply for their study permit outside of Canada and before they come to Canada. All applicants must apply online for their study permit through their IRCC secure account. You will have an option to create either a GCKey account or a Sign-in Partner account.

Both accounts work the same when applying for your study permit. However, Sign-In Partner account is available only to those who have a bank account with certain Canadian banking institutions. 

To learn more about applying, including the required docuements, visit here ("Outside Canada" section) and follow instructions.  

• When you are in your online IRCC secure account, click on “Apply to come to Canada” and complete the questionnaire to set up your online application and receive the list of required documents with instructions. 
• General requirements include, but are not limited to, Letter of Acceptance, Provincial Attestation Letter (unless exempt), immigration application forms, proof of finance and identity, passport-size photos, travel history, Study Plan/Letter of Explanation, examples of social and economic ties to your home country, medical exams, biometrics, criminal record checks, family information and more. Not everyone will need the same documents. 
• You will also need Estimated costs for tuition, fees and living expense. The costs will also be indicated in your Letter of Acceptance. For study permit application purposes, at the minimum, you must have enough money for one full year of tuition plus at least $22,895 for 12 months of living expenses in Canada. Living costs amount increases if you have family memebers accompanying you in Canada during your studies. 
• Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number for the University of Saskatchewan: O19425660421
• When applying, you must submit as many of the documents required by IRCC and follow all instructions, fill out, and submit all application forms required by IRCC.
• Review and follow: 
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html and 
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5269-applying-study-permit-outside-canada.html  

Application documents include, but not limited to: 

• USask Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
• Provincial Letter of Attestation (PAL) for most students, Master's and Doctoral students exempt.  
  • USask endorses international students to the Government of Saskatchewan to receive a provincial letter of attestation (PAL) until academic program quotas are filled. Before you can be endorsed, USask requires that you confirm your admission offer and pay a deposit of $1,000 CAD (except for graduate programs), which will be applied toward your tuition when you enrol in classes. Find detailed instructions to log into your USask admissions account and pay the deposit on the International tuition deposit page. 
    • Your PAL is not transferable to another university or college in Canada, or to another program at USask. 
    • If you are issued a PAL from the Ministry of Advanced Education, you will receive an email from MyCreds.ca with instructions on how to access it.
    • Be aware of the expiry date found in your PAL. USask will not endorse students to receive an additional PAL if the original expires before you apply for a study permit.
    • Your PAL must be valid when you apply for your study permit. Do not delay applying. 
    • Do I need a PAL? How can I get a PAL or a PAL Exemption Letter? Please visit the the PAL FAQ page for your questions.
• Valid Passport (copy of the biographical page and any pages with visas, stamps, or markings; include previous passports if applicable) 
• Passport photo that meets IRCC photo specifications 
• Proof of financial support demonstrating the ability to cover tuition, living and travel expenses (e.g., sholarships, bank statements, tuition prepayment, loan documents, proof of income, financial sponsor letters, or evidence of savings/assets) 
  • A single student must prove they have enough money for at least one full year of tuition plus as of Sept 1, 2025, at least $22,895 CAD for 12 months of living expenses. 
• Study Plan (often called a Cover Letter, Explanation Letter) describing your academic background, reasons for choosing the program, and post-graduation goals 
  • Read further below on how to write one.
• Medical examination results, if required, based on your country of residence 
• Any additional documents required by the country-specific instructions, detailed below (e.g., police certificates, identity documents, civil status documents, additional forms) 
• Supporting academic documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, language test results, and or a CV, if required or helpful 

Application forms include, but not limited to: 

• IMM 1294 – Application for Study Permit Made Outside Canada 
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/imm1294.html 
• IMM 5257 - Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada 
  • Application for visitor visa (temporary resident visa) (IMM 5257) - Canada.ca 
• IMM 5707 – Family Information Form 
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/imm5707.html  
• Any additional forms and instructions required by the country-specific Visa Application Centre: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp  
  • Under the section for online applications, select your country/territory from the dropdown list. 
  • Then select “Visa office instructions.” A PDF will open outlining the specific requirements for your visa office. 

If your study permit application has been approved, you will be issued a study permit approval letter (IRCC calls it Letter of Introduction). Please note that this letter is not your study permit. You must print this out and present it to the Canada Border Services Agency officer when you arrive to Canada. At that time, the offer will make a final assessment and, if all satisfactory, will issue a study permit. Make sure to review it right away and, if any mistakes, ask the officer to correct them (e.g. mispelled name, missing work conditions).

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. If needed, IRCC will issue you a TRV or an eTA automatically if your study permit is approved.

Learn more about your arrival to Canada by visiting here. Find more information about welcome and arrival supports by visiting here. 

Only certain people may apply for a study permit inside Canada - please visit here ("Inside Canada" section) and follow instructions. If you’re currently in Canada and one of these situations (we listed most common categories for USask purposes only) apply to you, you can apply within Canada: 

• you have a valid study or work permit
• your spouse or common-law partner or your parent has a valid study or work permit
• you’re a minor child in primary or secondary school
• you’re an exchange student or visiting student
• you completed a short-term course or study program required to be accepted at a designated learning institution
• you’re a refugee claimant in Canada or a family member of a refugee claimant in Canada

• If you are currently in Canada as a holder of a valid study permit from another DLI or as a current holder of a valid work permit (or belong to another eligible category listed at Study Permit: How to apply, Within Canada), you may be able to apply for your USask study permits inside Canada.
• You are NOT ALLOWED to start your USask academic program until you obtain a valid study permit that names USask as your designated learning institution.  
• You must apply online for your immigration documents and continue to comply with the conditions of your current immigration status in Canada when applying and while waiting for your USask study permit. The timing of your immigration application should be discussed with the ISSAC’s Regulated International Student Immigration Adviser (RISIA) as soon as possible to avoid any unintended complications. 
• Review and follow: 
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html and 
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5269-applying-study-permit-outside-canada.html  
  • When you are in your online IRCC secure account, click on “Apply to come to Canada” and complete the questionnaire to set up your online application and receive the list of required documents with instructions.

Application documents include, but not limited to: 

• USask Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
• Provincial Letter of Attestation (PAL) for most students, Master's and Doctoral students exempt.  
  • USask endorses international students to the Government of Saskatchewan to receive a provincial letter of attestation (PAL) until academic program quotas are filled. Before you can be endorsed, USask requires that you confirm your admission offer and pay a deposit of $1,000 CAD (except for graduate programs), which will be applied toward your tuition when you enrol in classes. Find detailed instructions to log into your USask admissions account and pay the deposit on the International tuition deposit page. 
    • Your PAL is not transferable to another university or college in Canada, or to another program at USask. 
    • If you are issued a PAL from the Ministry of Advanced Education, you will receive an email from MyCreds.ca with instructions on how to access it.
    • Be aware of the expiry date found in your PAL. USask will not endorse students to receive an additional PAL if the original expires before you apply for a study permit.
    • Your PAL must be valid when you apply for your study permit. Do not delay applying. 
    • Do I need a PAL? How can I get a PAL or a PAL Exemption Letter? Please visit the the PAL FAQ page for your questions.
• Valid Passport (copy of the biographical page and any pages with visas, stamps, or markings; include previous passports if applicable) 
• Passport photo that meets IRCC photo specifications 
• Proof of financial support demonstrating the ability to cover tuition and living expenses (e.g., sholarships, bank statements, tuition prepayment, loan documents, proof of income, financial sponsor letters, or evidence of savings/assets) 
  • A single student must prove they have enough money for at least one full year of tuition plus as of Sept 1, 2025, at least $22,895 CAD for 12 months of living expenses. 
• Study Plan (often called a Cover Letter, Explanation Letter) 
  • about why you are changing institutions (if already in Canada and studying at another DLI) or why you are changing status (if already in Canada on a valid work permit) and
  • describing your academic background, reasons for choosing the program, and post-graduation goals 
    • Read further below on how to write one.
• Medical examination results, if required
• Any other supporting documents applicable and depending on your personal and academic circumstances, such as transcripts, diplomas, language test results, and or a CV, if required or helpful 
  • consult with ISSAC’s RISIA if unsure

Application forms include, but not limited to: 

• IMM 5709 – Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student 
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/imm5709.html  
• IMM 5707 – Family Information Form 
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/imm5707.html 

If your study permit application has been approved, a phyical study permit document will be mailed to your Canadian mailing address. 

If you require a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) , you can apply for one inside Canada (they will not be issued automatically with your study permit). 

Find more information about USask welcome and arrival supports by visiting here. 

While we always recommend that you apply online for a study permit before you travel to Canada, you may be able to apply at the port of entry if you’re a:

• U.S. citizen
• lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• resident of Greenland
• resident of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

You must have all the documents required to apply for a study permit with you when you arrive at the border. If you’re eligible for a study permit, the Canada Border Services Agency officer will issue one to you.

To learn more about applying, visit here  ("At a port of entry" section) and follow instructions. 

When you arrive at the port of entry, tell the officer that you want a study permit. The officer will check

• your passport or other travel document
• that you meet the eligibility requirements and
• that your medical certificate is valid, if you need one
• gather and bring with you:
  
  • a valid USask Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
  • a valid USask Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), unless exempt
  • proof of funds

If you’re eligible for a study permit, the officer will issue one to you on the spot. Make sure to review it right away and, if any mistakes, ask the officer to correct them (e.g. mispelled name, missing work conditions).

If you’re not eligible, the officer will refuse your study permit. If your permit is refused, you may still be able to enter Canada as a visitor.