For international students Study Permits

All international students studying in Canada for more than 6 months need a valid study permit. You must have a valid permit throughout your studies in Canada. A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows you to be in Canada and to study. It may also allow you to work on and/or off-campus as long as you meet the requirements. 

Determine whether you need a study permit here

You should apply for your study permit as soon as you have your offer or admission and all other required documents, including your Provincial Attestation Letter. Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada, although some exceptions may apply to students meeting certain criteria. Our Centre of International Experience has helpful information on applying for your study permit.

Check the estimated study permit application processing time for the country where you are submitting your application. Please note that times are subject to change, so it is best to apply as early as possible.

A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is a letter provided by the Canadian province where you plan to study. It confirms that you've been assigned one of the available spaces to study in that province. Most study permit applicants need to provide a PAL when they apply, unless they meet one of the exceptions.

Learn more about PALs

Find out if you need a PAL

You will need to accept your U of T offer of admission and pay the admission deposit to receive a PAL. The Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities will then issue your PAL to the university and will we provide it to you. You will receive an email notification when your PAL is available and ready to download through your Offer Page on the Join U of T Applicant Portal, or Engineering Applicant Portal.

If you need a PAL, you'll receive more information by email about getting one after you receive an offer of admission.

The Government of Canada has advised that study permit applications submitted without attestation letters will be returned. We advise students to wait to submit their study permit application until they have received their PAL. However, we encourage you to begin prepare your study permit application after you receive an offer of admission. Our International Student Immigration Advisors on each campus are available to assist you in preparing your best application.

Find more information about applying for a study permit

Our Study Permit Application Tracker allows you to share your study permit application timeline with us. It allows us to provide you with relevant information and tp prepare for your arrival on campus.

Log in to the Study Permit Application Tracker

The School of Graduate Studies supports incoming international graduate students with study permit and PAL information.

Our Authorized Immigration Advisors are here to support you during the study permit application process; including how to prepare your application. Please reach out if you have questions:

• St. George Campus – Our Centre for International Experience provides detailed information about the application process and local resources for the St. George campus.
• Mississauga Campus – Our International Education Centre at UTM provides detailed information about the application process and local resources for students at U of T Mississauga.
• Scarborough Campus – Our International Student Centre at UTSC provides detailed information about the application process and local resources for students at U of T Scarborough.