As an international student, you are required to obtain certain documentation from the Canadian embassies, visa offices or consulates abroad to study in Canada. Understanding another countries’ immigration system can be challenging, we are here to provide you with information that will help to make this process easier.
While we strive to keep our information current, the most authoritative source of information related to immigration can be found online at the website. York International only provides general information about immigration inquiries. Individuals may have unique situations. It is always good to contact the Immigration Specialist at York International or to consult IRCC at 1888-242-2100 For your immigration inquiries.
Provincial Attestation Letter Beginning January 22, 2024, most international students will require an attestation letter from the province or territory in which they plan to study with every new study permit application. Visit the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Permit Application Information for more information and ongoing updates.
New Incoming Winter 2026 Students? Please visit this ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Permit Delay FAQ page if you are still waiting for your study permit.
Three Main Documents Needed to ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ in Canada: Passport, Visas, and Permits
| Document Type: | Purpose: | When to Extend or Renew |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (Find out what to do if your passport is lost or stolen) | An official document issued by the government of your country of citizenship, certifying your identity. It is used when travelling to and from foreign countries. Must be valid for the duration of your time in Canada. | 6-12 months before expiration date (Please consult with your local embassy or consulate for renewal period) |
| ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ permit | A study permit is a document that gives you permission to study in Canada on a temporary basis. If you will be studying in Canada for more than six months, you require a valid study permit before starting your program. Your study permit must remain valid throughout your duration of study. | 3-4 months before expiration date |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | you may require a Temporary Resident Visa or eTA to enter Canada. A valid TRV or eTA is required to re-enter Canada. | Before or after expiration date, depending on your travel plans. Typically after the extension of a study permit or receiving a post-graduation work permit. Note: do not leave Canada if your TRV has expired. |
Are You Under 18?
International students under 18 years old coming to Canada may require a legal guardian or custodian. According to IRCC, a custodian may or may not be needed for minors between 17 and 18 years old. This is at the discretion of the immigration officer who processes your study permit application. Visit for information about custodians for minor international students studying in Canada. Please note that ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ is not able to act as a custodian for any international student due to legal liabilities. You may want to seek advice from legal professionals in Toronto.
Are you attending the School of Continuing Studies?
International students enrolled in programs at the School of Continuing Studies may have different immigration considerations than direct entry degree students. Please review the Immigration Information for School of Continuing Studies page.
Becoming a Permanent Resident as an International Student
If you have just become a permanent resident of Canada, or you believe that you are eligible for domestic tuition fee rates, visit to see how to apply to change your fee category. If you need help updating your immigration status and changing your tuition fee category, please kindly contact the .
Important Enrolment-Related Information: Full-Time or Part-time
Most study permit holders must their course or program of study while they are in Canada. International students must maintain a minimum of part-time enrolment status, to remain compliant with as outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If a student is required or wishes to take a while inside Canada, the leave must not exceed 150 days and it must be authorized by their DLI.
Full-time Enrolment Status
- Full-time status for undergraduate students is normally defined as enrolment in nine credits or more per academic term (fall and winter)
- Students may also be considered full-time for institutional and external purposes, including immigration, in the following situations:
- Program or Faculty Defined Full-time Status: Some programs define full‑time status differently due to curriculum structure, course sequencing, practicum/clinical placements, or research milestones. Students in such programs are considered full‑time as long as they meet their program’s full‑time academic requirements, even if this is fewer than 9 credits.
- Co-op, Internship or Placement Terms: Students participating in an approved co-op, internship, or practicum terms as per are considered full-time during those terms.
- Graduate Students: Graduate students engaged in full-time thesis, research or dissertation work are considered full-time for immigration purposes regardless of course credit load.
- Student Accessibility Services: Students registered with who have approved accommodations for a reduced course load are considered full-time.
When a transcript does not clearly reflect a student's full-time status, the Registrar's Office can issue an official letter confirming the student's full-time designation for the relevant term(s). This letter may be used to support applications with external agencies, including IRCC.
To request a letter, students must first speak with a licensed International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialist.
Leave from Studies
If you are a study permit holder and require or wish to take leave from your studies and remain inside Canada, you must ensure that the leave does not exceed 150 days and it must be authorized by the DLI.
Undergraduate students who wish to take a leave from studies should submit a . The request will be reviewed by a licensed International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialist, who will outline any immigration considerations you should know about and coordinate with your faculty to issue a letter confirming your leave, good academic standing, and eligibility to return.
Graduate students and School of Continuing Studies Students who wish to take a leave from studies should consult their program for academic instructions.
General Immigration Considerations When Taking a Leave from Studies
- International students on leave are not authorized to work while on leave.
- A leave from studies must not exceed 150 days. If you require more than 150 days away from your studies, please speak with a licensed International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialist.