Preparing to study abroad is a big deal. Your first step is understanding the rules and regulations for studying in Canada. As in all countries of the world, Canada has laws and regulations governing international visitors who are temporarily within its borders. These laws and regulations are complex. The following resources provide information about the immigration requirements you must fulfill during your stay in Canada.
Please review and familiarize yourself with this information. It explains the importance of your immigration documents and the need to keep them in good order. It also summarizes your responsibilities and rights as a visitor/student temporarily residing in Canada.
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
The Government of Canada department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (commonly referred to as the IRCC) is the authoritative source of information for immigration matters in Canada.
To study in Canada, you must register for an IRCC secure account and be familiar with this site. This is where you will apply for study and work permits. You are required to provide your study permit to Sask Polytech when you start classes and keep it up to date.
Visit the IRCC website for full details on all matters relevant to international student immigration. Pay particular attention to the IRCC information on:
- Study permits
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Extending your study permit
- Temporary resident visas (TRV)
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Changing your institution
- Co-operative education work permits
- Post-graduation work permits
If you need any assistance or have questions, please visit the IRCC Help Centre or call the IRCC Call Centre.
Study documentation tips
The IRCC website is the best source of information on study documentation. This section highlights specific information students often look for.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Most international students applying for study permits to study in Canada must submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study along with their permit application, unless exempt. For more information about PAL validity and exceptions, please visit the IRCC website.
After you receive your offer letter from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and pay the required tuition deposit, a letter of acceptance (LOA) will be issued, and Sask Polytech will request a PAL from the Saskatchewan provincial government on your behalf.
Learn more about the Sask Polytech admission process for international students.
Study permit
Who needs a study permit to study in Canada
How to apply for a study permit
Depending on where you are applying from, additional documents might be necessary. If you are applying from outside Canada, ensure that you submit all the required documents as specified by the visa office handling your application. To locate the correct visa office, visit the IRCC page on study permits and select your country of origin in Step 1.
Current international students applying for a study permit extension at the same designated learning institution (DLI)—a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students— and level of study as their current study permit do not need to submit a PAL and can instead upload proof that they meet one of the exceptions in the PAL-required field in their study permit application.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) exception template
Before preparing your application, we strongly encourage prospective students to attend our How Do I: Apply for my Study Permit virtual series. These weekly sessions provide an overview of:
- The study permit process
- Walk through the application steps
- Highlight common mistakes to avoid
- Outline how to access support from International Education team
When to apply for a study permit
After you apply for a study permit
If required, IRCC will also provide you with an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to enter Canada. You can find out whether you require a TRV or eTA to travel to Canada by visiting the IRCC page on entry requirements. For more information about the issuance of the electronic travel authorization (eTA) or the visitor visa for foreign nationals approved for a study permit, visit the IRCC page on next steps.
If IRCC refuses your study permit application, you will receive a refusal letter with the reason and explanation. Read more about the most common reasons for refusals on the IRCC page on next steps.
There is no appeal process for refused temporary resident application; however, you may reapply. Before you reapply, please ensure your situation has changed substantively or that you have significant new information. Ensure you thoroughly review the IRCC instructional guide to understand the process of completing and submitting documents.
If your study permit was refused, please contact our International Enrollment Specialist team as soon as possible at international@saskpolytech.ca . Our team can help you with next steps including deferrals, withdrawals and potential refunds. Please be aware that students who received study permit refusal cannot defer their admission and must withdraw within 10 days of the refusal date. For more information on this topic, please see Deferral, Waitlist and Withdrawal Forms for International Students.
If you are already in Canada with a valid study permit
As per new rules, most students must obtain their new study permit before starting their studies at a new institution. If you are transitioning to Sask Polytech from a Canadian high school or another post-secondary institution, make sure to apply for a study permit extension as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from Sask Polytech. Please take into consideration IRCC processing times.
For more information on the new DLI change procedure, please visit the IRCC website.
*Note: Transferring programs within Sask Polytech and any of our campuses do not require you to change your DLI.
How to extend your study permit
Please visit the IRCC website to learn more on study permit extension. The IRCC also has an instruction guide to help you with your application.
You can use the IRCC online processing tool to check the current processing time for study permit extension applications.
Work authorization before you start your program at Sask Polytech
If you completed another full-time program at an eligible DLI less than 150 days before your Sask Polytech program starts, check if you meet all IRCC condition before working off campus in between programs.
Please visit the IRCC website for more information regarding the off-campus work authorization.
