UCalgary campus

Applying for your study permit

A study permit is issued to students by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It authorizes an individual to study at a designated learning institution in Canada for the duration of the program of study.

How to apply for an initial study permit

If you're applying through a Canadian consulate located overseas:

  • Most consulates around the world allow you to apply online for your study permit. You’ll need to create an account on the Government of Canada's immigration website to do so. You can also apply using a paper form if you aren’t able to submit an online application
  • Find out how to apply on the IRCC website.

Not sure which visa office is responsible for issuing you a study permit? Search locations

Study Permit

Sample Study Permit

View a study permit and learn where to find your information

View sample study permit

Documents you'll need to apply for an initial study permit

Required documents may differ depending on which country you're applying from. Please ensure you to check your specific visa office's instructions prior to applying. These can be found online when you indicate which country you’re applying from.

Here's a list of documents and information required for all initial study permit applications:

  • UCalgary’s designated learning institution (DLI) number – O18886830282 
    • You’ll need our DLI for your study permit application form. Note: the first character is the letter O (as in onion) and the ninth is a zero.
  • Letter of Attestation - Please refer to UCalgary Provincial Attestation letter (PAL) website for more information if you need a PAL,
  • Letter of acceptance from the University of Calgary.
    • This letter must state your anticipated start date. If you decide to start at a later date, you’ll need to obtain a new letter of admission from either your department or Enrolment Services.
  • Proof of financial support.
    • You must provide proof that you can cover the cost of your tuition, plus have an additional $10,000 CAD (or $833/month) available to you for a 12-month period. This amount will increase if you’re bringing family members with you.
    • NOTE: Effective Jan 1, 2024, you need to show that you can cover the first year of tuition, travel costs and an additional $20,635 in cost of living for a single applicant.
  • Your passport
    • A valid passport that certifies your identity and nationality
  • A photograph of yourself that meets the government's photograph specifications.
  • Client information. In this section, you can upload optional documents that may strengthen your application. Some students provide a letter of explanation (in Word document or PDF format) to explain some sort of exceptional circumstance. It is recommend to include proof of ties to your home country. 
  • Study Plan. A study plan explains to an officer why you are pursing your program of study at UCalgary and how it will benefit your employment and education prospects in your home country.   


Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Students who are legal residents of certain countries may be eligible to apply for a study permit quicker by using the Student Direct Stream. However, please refer to the website below to inquire if you are eligible.

Student Direct Stream - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/student-direct-stream/apply.html

**Please note that if you are unable to provide all the required documents for the SDS stream when you submit your application, please submit a study permit application under the regular process or apply under the SDS when you can submit the required documents. 

 


What are biometrics and how do I provide them?

Biometrics include your fingerprints and a photograph, and they're used by IRCC to confirm your identity. Click here to determine if you need to provide them.

If you’re already in Canada and can apply for a new immigration document from within Canada (such as a  study permit extension), you may be requested to provide biometrics if you haven’t  given your biometrics in the last 10 years.

If you’re required to provide biometrics, you must do so within 30 days of submitting your immigration application. IRCC may provide you with a biometric instruction letter that has barcodes on it. If it does, you need to bring this letter with you when you provide your biometrics at a local visa application centre (VAC), application support centre (ASC) or designated Service Canada location. Learn where to give your biometrics.

There's an additional $85 CAD per person fee for biometrics. If you’re applying with your family, there's a maximum fee of $170 CAD.