• 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, please contact ISSAC.

Most students must apply for their study permit outside of Canada and before they come to Canada. Only certain people may apply for a study permit inside Canada (visit here the "Inside Canada" section) or at a port of entry.

Applying online

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.  

Applying at the port of entry 

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 to apply

• 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. 

Required documents

• 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 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 must set up your application online first to recieve your personal document checklist. 
• 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.

You will need the following documents and information from USask when applying:

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the University of Saskatchewan (commonly called a letter of admission or offer)
  • Please note a Confirmation of Enrolment is not required for an initial study permit application from outside of Canada. 
• Provincial Letter of Attestation (PAL) for most students. 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, 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? Please visit the the PAL FAQ page for your questions.
• 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 $20,635 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

Need more assistance? 

• Start your application here.
• Read the Instruction Guide [IMM 5269]
• Follow the advice on Getting the Right Documents
• Find out how to Avoid Delays in Study Permit Processing
• Create your IRCC online account
• Use IRCC Help Centre
• USask's PAL FAQ.

Study Permit application approved

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.

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 tranisition supports prior and after your arrival by visitng here. 

Study Permit application refused

It is a very frustrating and disappointing experience when your study permit application is refused. However, refusals are not uncommon. We encourage you to follow these steps:

1. Read your refusal letter thoroughly. Try to ddress the issues identified in the refusal letter and resubmit your study permit application, if possible. Make sure to read the instructions guide and learn how to fill out and submit documents.
2. Consider seeking advice from an authorized representative who can assist you in preparing another study permit application.
3. Contact your college/department at USask to find out what options are available to you as your arrival might be delayed. For example:

• • Can you defer your admission to next semester?
  • Have you enquired on your options if you have pre-arranged your accommodation in the campus Residence?
  • If you cannot attend the intended semester but you have already registered for courses and/or paid for your tuition, enquire about the deadline by which you can withdraw to avoid financial penalties.
  • If you need assistance with the above university-related matters, please contact ISSAC so we can arrange appropriate referrals and supports.