Study Permit Application Guide

Sample Study Permit

Study Permit Application Guides (Step-by-Step): Initial Application

Applying Online

Step 1: Determine if you are eligible to apply for your Study Permit online by going to the Apply online page of the Immigration Canada website and fill out the “Check your eligibility to apply” questionnaire.


Step 2: Print your "Document Checklist" and take note of your personal reference code (found on the first line) as you will need it to start your online application.

Step 3: Log onto your IRCC account (register for an account if you don't have one already) and refer to steps 5,6, and 7, on your "Document Checklist" for further instructions.

Step 4: You must complete the "Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)" PDF form (included in the "Document Checklist").

Step 5: Collect all of the supporting documents listed on your personalized "Document Checklist". Be sure to also check the Visa Office Instructions Guide for your region to see if there are any other required documents for you to submit that may not appear in your "Document Checklist". If additional documents are required that do not appear on your "Document Checklist", merge them into one file and upload under the Optional Documents - Client Details section of your online account. Please see the Application to study in Canada – Study permits on the Immigration Canada website to find the Visa Office Instructions for your region. (Tip: ensure you collect all the documents from BOTH lists).

Step 6: Pay the required fees. Processing fee = $150 CAD, and must be paid online using a credit card. (Tip: take a screenshot of the payment confirmation screen, as proof of payment)

Step 7: Wait to receive your Study Permit Letter of Introduction, which will be issued through your MyCIC account. Print this letter, and present it to the Canadian Border Services Agent upon arrival in Canada, and your actual Study Permit will be issued. (Tip: Before you leave the immigration hall, verify that your name, date of birth, gender are all correct on your document, AND that you have "on-campus and off-campus" work provisions under the Remarks section at the bottom).

Step 8: Once you arrive at McGill, scan and send a copy of your valid CAQ, and Study Permit to Legal Documentation.

Applying using a Paper Application - ONLY if you are NOT eligible to apply online

ONLY if you are NOT eligible to apply online then proceed to the following website to obtain instructions on how to apply using a paper application and then follow these instructions:

Step 1: Read the Instruction Guide and select the country/ territory that you will be applying from, in order to get further instructions from your local visa office.

Step 2: You must complete the "Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)" form provided.

Step 3: Carefully look over the "Document Checklist" to find out what documents you are required to provide to support your Study Permit application. Be sure to also check the Visa Office Instructions Guide for your region to see if there are any other required documents for you to submit that may not appear in your "Document Checklist". If additional documents are required that do not appear on your "Document Checklist", you must include them with your application. Please see the Application to study in Canada – Study permits on the Immigration Canada website to find the Visa Office Instructions for your region. (Tip: ensure you collect all the documents from BOTH lists).

Step 4: Pay the required fees. The processing fee for the study permit application is $150 CAD. You must have a credit card to pay these fees online. You will be required to print an "Official Receipt" that you will enclose in your application package.

Step 5: Once you have finalized your Study Permit application, you will be required to send it by post (Tip: we suggest sending the application by courier, or a method which you can track) OR you can deliver it in person to your local Visa Application Centre (VAC). The VAC will send your application to the Embassy or High Commission for processing (Please note: VACs have their own additional processing fees, and forms to be completed). Please refer to our News section about VAC updates.

Step 6: Wait to receive your Study Permit Letter of Introduction which will be issued to you either by email attachment or with your passport when it's returned to you through the VAC.

​Step 7: Once you arrive at McGill, scan and send a copy of your valid CAQ, and Study Permit to Legal Documentation.

Applying at the Port of Entry (Border) - ONLY U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible

If you are a citizen or a PR (Green Card Holder) of the US, you have the option of applying for your Study Permit in person at the Canadian border upon entry.

Step 1: You are not required to complete and present any immigration forms, but you must have all of your supporting documents readily available to present to the Canadian Border Services agent.

Step 2: Pay the required fees. The processing fee for the study permit application is $150 CAD. You can pay this by cash, credit card or Canadian debit card.

Step 3: Before you leave the border be sure to verify that your name, date of birth, gender are all correct on your document, AND that you have "on-campus and off-campus" work provisions under the Remarks section at the bottom.

Step 4: Once you arrive at McGill, scan and send a copy of your valid CAQ, and Study Permit to Legal Documentation.

Important Tips & Supplemental Information

Supporting Documents for the Study Permit Application

You must follow the list of documents required on your personalized "Document Checklist" AND in the Visa Office Instructions Guide for your region. Please see the Application to study in Canada – Study permits search tool on the Immigration Canada website to find the Visa Office Instructions for your region.

  1. You must have your CAQ approval letter to apply for your Study Permit. You can print off/download this document from your Immigration Quebec portal. As of January 22, 2024, incoming undergraduate students must also provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to apply for your study permit. In Quebec, the CAQ may act as the PAL. For your CAQ to act as your PAL, it needs to include the following line: “This attestation letter confirms that the applicant has a place in Quebec’s share of the distribution of study permit applications or is exempt from it.”
  2. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your studies at McGill, as your study permit cannot be issued for longer than your passport is valid. At the very least, ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of one year.
  3. Your letter of acceptance is your official "Offer of Admission" letter from McGill. You will have access to your admission letter through the online application system. Be sure to save or print a copy of your letter: McGill does not send admissions decisions by mail. It is very important to note that the electronic version is the only version of the admission letter you will receive. You should download and save a copy of your admission letter, as you may be required to provide it in future applications. Generally, the conditions listed on your letter of admission are related to your registration for classes. You do not have to wait to meet those listed conditions to apply for your immigration documents.
  4. Even if you were not required to submit proof of sufficient financial capacity to the Quebec immigration authorities when applying for your CAQ, you must submit official documents that establish that you meet this very important criterion when applying for your Study Permit.
    1. If you are applying online, use the "i" icon for a list of supporting documents that you can use to prove your financial capacity. You can also refer to the following websites: Proof of Financial Support or Assessing Financial Resources, or Financial Sufficiency.
    2. Certain visa offices outside of Canada require students to provide proof that they have paid the tuition fees for the first year of their studies. In particular, the visa offices in China, India and United Arab Emirates may ask for proof of payment of tuition and fees. However, please verify the visa office instructions for the visa office responsible for your country of nationality or residence. Please see Immigration Canada's website to obtain the local visa office instructions. In order to meet this requirement and pay your tuition and fees for your first year of studies, please follow these instructions:
      1. Students can pay their tuition through any of McGill accepted methods of payment.
      2. If students pay their tuition before August 1st, they will only receive a bill confirming the amount owed after August 1st. In order to obtain a proper estimate of your tuition before August 1st, please refer to the McGill tuition fee calculator.
      3. Students should make sure to only pay a year's worth of tuition and fees.
      4. Once the payment is received, students can print out their Account Summary by Term in Minerva [instructions here] as proof that the funds have been received and submit this document with their study permit application.
    1. If you are applying online and opt to do an upfront medical then you can press the “i” icon to access a “Request for medical exam” form where you can indicate if you would like the Canadian immigration authorities to send you instructions and a “Medical Report” form.
    2. If you are applying at the Canadian border then you must undergo your medical examination at least three (3) weeks BEFORE presenting yourself at the border to apply for your Study Permit.
    3. You must undergo your medical examination with an IRCC authorized panel physician nearest you. Physician Locator.

    Tips on Answering the questions on the Study Permit Application Made from Outside of Canada IMM 1294 application form

    1. If you have never applied for an immigration document from Immigration Canada (IRCC) then you do not have a UCI number.
    2. Questions related to the section: Details of Intended Studies in Canada
      1. McGill University Address: 845 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Quebec, H3A 0G4
      2. McGill University Designated Learning Institution number: O19359011033
      3. Duration of Expected Study: Please refer to McGill’s “Key Academic Dates” website for your start date. You should add the number of years that you expect to complete your program, and indicate this as the "To date".
      4. To determine the cost of your studies you can refer to McGill's Fee Calculator
      5. You must add your tuition fee to the minimum required amount for living expenses in Quebec and indicate the total amount.
      6. You must indicate who will be paying for your studies in Canada. If you will be receiving loans, bursaries, scholarships or other financings from McGill or any other institution you should indicate that "you" will be paying for your studies. Note: You are required to prove that you have sufficient financial capacity for only the first twelve months of your studies.

      Co-op / Internship Work Permit: Students in the program of study with mandatory co-op or internship terms such as Bachelor of Education programs, must obtain a Co-op/Internship Work Permit (along with their CAQ & Study Permit). The application for the Co-op/Internship Work Permit must be made at the same time as the study permit, if the co-op or internship states in the first term of classes.

      Minors: International Students that are under the age of 17 and plan to live in a McGill residence, your parents or custodians must send an original letter requesting that your custodianship be transferred to McGill's Associate Dean of Students until you are 17 years of age. This is required by law. For more information please see our Minors webpage.