IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS: BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Starting January 22, 2025, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for most study permit applications, including those applying for graduate programs or changing schools (e.g., high school to post-secondary or transferring DLIs).
For more information on PAL exemptions, visit the . For PAL related inquiries, visit our PAL FAQ page.
Before you arrive in Canada, you must obtain the correct immigration document that accurately reflects your student status. Apply early to ensure your application is processed in time.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced biometrics requirements in 2018. Most people who apply for a study permit or visitor visa are now required to provide biometrics as part of the application.
Studying in Canada for less than 6 months?
If you are here for one term or less as an exchange, visiting or ESL student, you may enter Canada as a visitor and study at SFU without a study permit (visit the for more information).
If there is a possibility that your studies will extend to longer than 6 months, we recommend that you obtain a study permit before coming to Canada. Holding a valid study permit also permits you to accept on-campus employment as long as you meet the eligibility requirements to work on campus.
Please note that depending on your nationality or citizenship, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), even if a study permit is not required for your studies. Most travelers require a TRV or eTA to enter Canada. Visit the to find out if you need a TRV or eTA.
Studying in Canada for 6 months or more?
Before you can study in Canada, you must apply to your closest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for a Study Permit.
Depending on your nationality or citizenship, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) as well. To see if you require a TRV or eTA, please visit the .
The visa officer will process your application for a TRV or eTA at the same time as your study permit. You do not need a separate application.
Transferring to SFU from FIC or another Canadian institution?
As of Nov. 8, 2024, if you transfer from FIC or another Canadian institution to SFU, you will need to apply and be approved A片资源吧鈥檚 study permit before studying at SFU.
As soon as you receive a Letter of Acceptance from SFU, you should apply for a new study permit. For more information on how to change schools, please visit our News and Updates page, review our instruction guide (Study Permit Extension - Incoming/New students in Canada) and .
Coming to SFU from a Canadian high school?
As of Nov. 8, 2024, if you transfer from a Canadian high school (or secondary school) to SFU, you will need to apply and be approved A片资源吧鈥檚 study permit before studying at SFU.
As soon as you receive a Letter of Acceptance from SFU, you should apply for a new study permit. See High School Students in Canada for information on what you'll need to do as a study permit holder joining SFU from a high school in Canada.