Study Permit
A study permit is also referred to as a "student visa". You will need a study permit in order to study in Canada legally. However, a study permit is not a travel document and does not authorize entry into Canada. Information on extending your study permit is to the bottom of this page.
How to Apply for or Renew a Study Permit
A. First Time Application for a Study Permit (Outside of Canada)
Apply for your Study Permit at the nearest Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission as soon as possible. You may also need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa if one is required for citizens of your country. The study permit application will need the following:
- Original Offer of Admission from Ryerson (i.e. "Approval Information for Immigration Purposes")
- Two photos as specified by Appendix B of the application guide. On the back of the two photos, write your name and date of birth
- Proof of sufficient funds or a reliable source of such funds, to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses for the duration of your program
- Medical examination (if required)
- Application fee of $125 in Canadian dollars. Verify acceptable methods of payment with the visa office responsible for your area.
- Completed application form (IMM 1294)
- Completed Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
- Other items as specified in the document checklist and by the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country, along with your country's regulations
- Ensure that you have your letter of introduction confirming the approval of your study permit application before entering Canada as it is not possible to change your status from "visitor" to "student" from within Canada. Study permits are not issued outside of Canada.
- Citizens of the U.S., Greenland, St. Pierre and Miquelon may apply for a Study Permit at the border upon entering Canada by providing the documentation listed above.
- If a minor child, under the age of 18, is coming to study at Ryerson, they will need a custodian in Canada.
For more information about applying for a study permit for the first time, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website and contact an International Student Advisor at ISS.
B. Extending or Changing the Conditions of a Study Permit
If you are ALREADY studying in Canada, you must ensure that your current Study Permit is still valid. International students can extend or change the conditions of their current Study Permit from within Canada by applying online at the CIC's website. If you would like to submit an application by mail you must:
- Request a status letter from ISS confirming your full-time enrollment at Ryerson, to include with your study permit application. Click here for more information.
- Complete an "Application to Change Terms and Conditions or Extend My Stay in Canada" (IMM 1249). You may also pick up a copy of this form at ISS in POD-61.
- Request a transcript at Enrollment Services and Student Records.
- Pay the processing fee of $125 CDN at a financial institution using the original receipt form (IMM5401) available at ISS or online at the CIC's website.
- Obtain all other documents as listed on the "document checklist" (IMM 5555) to ensure that your application is complete. The completed document checklist must be submitted with your application.
- Mail the completed application along with all the required documents in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9" x 12") envelope to:
Citizenship and Immigration - Study Permit
Case Processing Centre
6212 - 55th Avenue, Unit 101
Vegreville, AB
T9C 1X5
- All supporting listed in the document checklist are required regardless of whether you are applying online or by mail. The supporting documents must be scanned for the online application.
N.B. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for up-to-date information about current application processing times.
You are encouraged to speak with an International Student Advisor who can assist you with your study permit application by calling 416-979-5000 ext. 6655 or email issask@ryerson.ca.
