Whether you need a study permit or not depends on where you are applying from and how long is your program of study.

Please note, as of June 27, 2023, a temporary public policy allows foreign workers to study without a study permit. Please review the policy to get more information. If you have more questions or unsure whether you are eligible for this policy, please contact international.students@usask.ca . 

If your program is 6 months or less

You may enter Canada for study for 6 months or less with a valid travel document (visitor visa [TRV] or electronic travel authorization [eTA]). The study permit is not required in this case. However, there are advantages to getting a study permit for study for 6 months or less even if you do not require one. 

If your program is more than 6 months, you must

• be accepted by a DLI (designated learning institution) in Canada and you may need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) 
• have a valid study permit or have been approved for a study permit and received a letter of introduction from IRCC
• have a valid travel document (eTA or visitor visa)

To get instructions on how to apply from outside of Canada, click here, scroll down to Get the specific instructions on how to apply section and check off "Outside Canada " to get more information.

Entering Canada as a student

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.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) decides on whether you can enter Canada at the port or entry (border). 

To learn more about how to prepare for your arrival to Canada, please see here. To learn more about tranisition supports prior and after your arrival, please see here. 

Changing DLI if you are outside Canada

If you change your DLI before coming to Canada and you don’t let IRCC know, you won’t be allowed to board your flight.

• If your application is still in progress you can tell IRCC you changed your DLI by submitting a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC web form.
• If your application for a study permit has been approved and you change your DLI, you must submit a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance.

You must also pay all the fees for the new application.

Regular Study Permit Application Process

Applying online

Whether you’re outside of Canada or already in Canada, you must apply online for your study permit through your 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 get instructions on how to apply online, click here and scroll down to Get the specific instructions on how to apply section. 

Applying at the port of entry 

In general, you should not apply for a study permit at a Canadian port of entry. You should apply online for a study permit before you travel to Canada.

Only certain people can apply at the port of entry. 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

If you meet one of these requirements, you must have all the documents required to apply for a study permit with you when you arrive at the border. The border services officer who greets you will determine if you’re eligible to enter Canada as a student.

To get instructions on how to apply at the port of entry, click here, scroll down to Get the specific instructions on how to apply section and check off "At a port of entry" to get more information.

When to apply

Apply as soon as possible after you have received your Letter of Acceptance from the University of Saskatchewan. 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

You will need the following documents and information from the University of Saskatchewan when applying for an initial study permit:

• 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, but can be included if available.
• NEW as of Jan 22, 2024 for most students: Provincial Letter of Attestation (PAL). 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. 
  • Please note your PAL is not transferable to another university or college in Canada, or to another program at USask. 
• Estimated costs for tuition, fees and living expense as you must prove you have adequate funds to support yourself while studying in Canada. 
  • Please note IRCC made changes to the minimum funds required on Jan 1, 2024. 
• Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number for the University of Saskatchewan: O19425660421

When you apply, you must:

• submit as many of the documents required by IRCC and a letter of explanation which explains why you want to come to Canada to study
• follow all instructions, fill out and submit all application forms required by IRCC

Help and resources

• 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

Student Direct Stream (SDS) Study Permit Application Process

If you are a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago or Vietnam, your study permit application may be processed faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

You must meet the eligibility criteria listed here amd apply online for SDS processing. If you do not include all the necessary documents to meet the SDS eligibility criteria, your application will be processed via the regular application process within the regular processing times.

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.

To learn more about how to prepare for your arrival to Canada, please see here. To learn more about tranisition supports prior and after your arrival, please see 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. If possible, address the issues identified in the refusal letter and resubmit your study permit application. 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 the University of Saskatchewan 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 e-mail us at international.students@usask.ca so we can arrange appropriate referrals and supports. 

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by an immigration lawyer in compliance with the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to www.cic.gc.ca for the most up-to-date information, or contact ISSAC.