International students
AUTHORIZATION TO STUDY
STUDY PERMIT
WARNING: THIS PAGE IS NOT UP-TO-DATE!
Additional procedural changes were introduced by CIC on December 15, 2012. This page will be updated shortly to reflect them. In the meanwhile, you should refer to CIC website, call CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 or send them an email to question@cic.gc.ca
WHEN TO START THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Some Canadian visa offices (CVO: embassy, high commission or consulate) allow you to start the study permit application at the same time that the process of CAQ:
- If your CVO does so, start your application for study permit as soon as you get your admission letter from Polytechnique, along with the CAQ application
Other CVOs require that the CAQ is already issued to apply for a study permit:
- If your CVO does so, start your application for study permit as soon as you receive your CAQ or letter confirming that it was issued and that the confirmation was sent to the CVO.
REQUIRED FORMS AND DOCUMENTS
You can apply for a study permit:
- Either in hard copy by sending the appropriate forms to the CVO in your area. You must complete the application form for a study permit made outside Canada, the checklist of documents and attach the required documents.
- Either online, by using the online service MyCIC. This service is for students whose countries of citizenship and country of residence are both mentioned in the following list: Australia, Barbados, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan , New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States (including Puerto Rico). To use this service must also be aged over 16 years, be exempted from medical examination, do not apply for a permit for other family members in the same application, and pay online by credit card.
The documents requested are generally as follows:
- Proof of acceptance: Original of your letter of acceptance issued by the Ecole Polytechnique;
- Proof of Identity: Photocopy of your valid passport;
- the CAQ (Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec)
- Evidence of financial resources (you can usually use the same documents as for the CAQ).
- ID Photo to the standards of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Please note that the requirements for obtaining a study permit may vary from country to country. Thank you to consult the Canadian visa office or its website to check whether you must complete additional forms.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Make sure you apply for a study permit with a passport with a validity period as long as possible because the duration of the study permit can not exceed the one of your passport! (For more information, in French only [+...])
The study permit is issued upon arrival at the Canadian border on presentation of the introduction letter sent by your Canadian visa office before departure.
PROCESSING TIME:
The processing time of your request varies depending on where you apply. For more information.
CAUTION: The CVO will consider the date of start of classes that appears on your admission letter to assess whether it is still realistic to issue you a study permit to arrive in Montreal on time. It is possible that the CVO will ask you an authorization of late arrival from us if your arrival was to be delayed. To obtain this document, please contact the International Students Office. In all cases, the school does not accept any student who is unable to be physically present before the second session of courses with all the necessary documents.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION:
It should be noted that a person who has been resided for more than six months in some parts of the world during the past year must undergo a medical examination (and assume the cost) from a doctor approved by the Canadian immigration authorities (listed on CIC website). You must use the medical form provided by the CVO after the opening of your Study permit application file. Get your medical certificate as soon as possible. The results often take some time and may delay your departure to Canada.
FINANCIAL EVIDENCE:
You must be able to prove that you can afford to pay your tuition and living expenses and those of your family members that will remain with you during your stay in Canada. If you have already provided this evidence to obtain a CAQ, we suggest you use the same pieces of evidence. The Canadian immigration authorities require proof that you have the financial capacity for the following amounts (per year):
CAN $ 11,000 for the living expenses of the student;
+ CAN $ 5,100 for an adult (aged 18+) or CAN $ 3,800 for a child (-18) accompanying the student;
+ CAN $ 5,125 for any additional adult (aged 18+) or CAN $ 1,903 for any additional child (-18) accompanying the student
+ the yearly tuition fees (+related fees, +health insurance fees)
Evidence of financial resources can be either:
- Your up-to-date bank statements and, if necessary, documents attesting another source of income;
- A notarized statement attesting the financial support from your parents and signed by your parent or guardian, with proof of sufficient funds;
- Authorization to export funds by the authorities of foreign exchange control in your country;
- A scholarship certificate confirming that you hold a scholarship and the monthly or annual amount that was granted.
For more information on financial ressources evidence [+ ...]
FEE PAYMENT:
The fee to process your application is $ 125 CAN. Check the payment methods and currencies accepted by the visa office in your country.
ISSUE OF THE STUDY PERMIT:
Once you have completed all requirements for obtaining a study permit, the Canadian Visa Office issues a letter of introduction to that effect. This letter is not your study permit and does not replace it. Your permit is issued on arrival in Canada by Canadian immigration authorities. Be sure to go to the immigration office on arrival at the airport and to present this introduction letter.
CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES, GREENLAND, AND SAINT-PIERRE ET MIQUELON ONLY:
A provision of the Immigration Act allows you to get your study permit directly to a Canadian border crossing on presentation of the documents listed above.
If you are already studying in Canada, consult Polytechnique’s website with regard to renewing or extending your stay.
Useful links
