Study permit

You must have a study permit if your program of studies is six months or longer.

ou do not need a study permit if your program or course:

Some students are also study permit exempt.

Some workers might be exempt from a study permit under a temporary policy ending on June 27, 2026. Check our FAQ for details.

You might want to apply for a study permit (even if this is not required) if:

You might want to apply for a study permit (even if this is not required) if:

Study permits become automatically invalid in one of two ways, whichever comes first:

• The expiry date on the study permit, OR
• 90 days after written confirmation of program completion first becomes available.

If you do not submit an application to extend your study permit before it becomes invalid, you must stop studying and working immediately.

Tip: For helpful reminders to keep track of your important documents use the UBC International Student Reminder System.

International students in Canada on a study permit are required to actively pursue studies.

Certain students are exempt from this requirement such as exchange students and refugee claimants.

These enrolment statuses are considered ‘actively pursuing studies’:

Note: UBC is required to report to IRCC on your enrolment status twice a year based on UBC’s definitions for immigration purposes.

IRCC also requires you to remain enrolled and make reasonable progress towards the completion of your studies. You are welcome to change your majors, programs or in some cases, institutions during your time in Canada. However, an officer may request additional information to ensure your intentions to be in Canada are to study.

If you reside in India, Nepal, or Bhutan when you apply for an initial study permit, note that the instructions for the visa offices in India currently list an unconditional letter of acceptance as a requirement when applying for a study permit.

In December 2022 the Canadian High Commission in India announced on Twitter that you can use a conditional letter of acceptance. We have confirmed that conditional letters can be used for both Student Direct Stream and regular study permit applications. The visa office instructions are in the process of being updated. 

Who needs a custodian?

In BC, students under 19 are considered minor children, and when you apply for a study permit you might need to have a custodian, who is a responsible adult (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) who will support you.

• If you are under 17: you must have a custodian in order to study in Canada.
• If you are 17 or 18: an immigration officer will decide whether or not you need a custodian; if you are not required to show proof of a custodian when you apply, you can apply without it; if you need it, an officer will notify you after you apply. For more information, visit IRCC’s details about minors.

If you do require a custodian:

• We recommend arranging with a close friend or relative in Canada to act as your custodian.
• If you do not have a close friend or relative in Canada, you can also consider a private company to provide this service.
  • First Choice International is a company that provides custodianship services in the Greater Vancouver Area. Note: First Choice International is not affiliated with UBC in any way.

You should apply for a study permit extension as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from UBC. If you are in Canada, you must apply before your study permit becomes invalid.

Your study permit becomes invalid in one of two ways, whichever comes first:

• 90 days after receiving written confirmation of your high school completion (even if your study permit has not expired), or
• on your study permit’s expiry date

You can start your studies at UBC if you have applied for a study permit extension before your study permit became invalid and you’re waiting for your new study permit, as long as you haven’t left Canada after your study permit became invalid.

You can only apply for a study permit extension when you are in Canada. If you have travel plans, you have a few options:

• Apply for an extension before you leave Canada using a trusted friend’s Canadian address and return before your study permit becomes invalid and your Temporary Resident Visa expires (if applicable). If your study permit is issued while you are away, ask your friend to send a digital copy and to mail the original study permit to you so that you can return with it.
• If you have already left, you may come back to Canada and extend your study permit before your study permit becomes invalid and Temporary Resident Visa expires (if applicable).
• If you will not be returning to Canada before your study permit becomes invalid or expires, apply for a study permit from outside of Canada as soon as possible.

Learn about the differences between applying inside or outside Canada and be sure to review our travelling to Canada guide.

If you already have a valid study permit, you might be able to use that permit to study at UBC.

• If you did not complete your previous program and your study permit has not expired, you can use that permit to study at UBC. You must inform IRCC of your institution change by changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) online through your IRCC account.
• If you completed a program at your previous institution, you must extend your study permit within 90 days after you received written confirmation of program completion or before your study permit expires – whichever comes first.

You can apply for an initial study permit directly at an international airport in Canada upon arrival or at most major US/Canada border-crossings.

As of Jan 22, 2024, new study permit applications require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province of British Columbia. If you are not exempt from the PAL, contact International Student Advising for support. To apply at the border/airport on arrival, follow the same steps as outlined in the study permit tutorial and print all documents to bring with you. Note the following:

• You can pay the application fee ($150 CAD) directly at the border by cash, debit, or credit card.
• If your spouse or common-law partner will accompany you, bring along documentation of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or common-law partnership declaration.
• If you’re under 17 years old and come to Canada without a parent or legal guardian, you must find a custodian. If you are 17 or 18 the officer will determine if you will require a custodian. For certainty, consider applying online in advance of arrival. Generally, custodianship is not required if you travel with a parent. Refer to the section “If you are under 19 years old” for more information.