Study Permits
Western University | Designated Learning Institution # O19375892122
Study Permits and provincial attestation letters (PALS)
As of January 22, 2024, the government of Canada is now requiring provincial attestation letters (PALs) as part of the study permit process for new incoming international undergraduate students.
Exemptions to this process include:
- Current undergraduate and graduate students with valid study permits
- prospective master’s and doctoral degree students
- exchange and visiting students applying outside of Canada for a stay shorter than six months
- international students attending high school in Canada with a valid study permit (provided they renew their study permit)
If you have questions about the process for receiving a PAL, please review our Frequently Asked Questions for the category you belong to for more information:
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Please send any immigration questions to Western International at iesc@uwo.ca and any questions related to PALs to welcome@uwo.ca.
General information about study permits and the study permit application process can also be found on this page.
Future undergraduate students
What is a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
How will I know if I need a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
Can I apply to Western without a provincial attestation letter?
How do I get a provincial attestation letter?
To get your pal from Western, you must:
- Accept your offer of admission to an undergraduate program at Western.
- Pay your tuition deposit.
- Complete the PAL request form available in the Choose Western offer portal.
Once we receive confirmation that you have completed these steps, we will begin the process of issuing you a PAL.
How long will it take to get my provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
I completed the provincial attestation letter (PAL) request form. How will I receive my PAL?
You will get an email when your PAL is available for download on the Choose Western offer portal.
Important: before Western will issue you your PAL, you must:
- Accept your offer of admission
- Pay your tuition deposit.
- Submit your English Language Proficiency results if it is a condition of your offer
I received my provincial attestation letter (PAL) – what do I do next?
I applied for a new study permit before January 22 but have not received a response yet. Will the new study permit cap affect me?
I am a current high school student with a valid study permit. Will I need a new study permit?
I am a current high school student studying in a Canadian province outside Ontario. Will the new study permit cap impact me?
I'm currently enrolled in another university/college in Canada. I'd like to transfer to Western. Am I exempt from this cap?
I have a valid study permit but it will expire soon. Can I renew it?
I have questions, who should I contact?
Current undergraduate students
I am a currently enrolled Western undergraduate student. Will the new cap on study permits have any impact on me?
I have taken a leave of absence from my studies at Western. How will this impact me?
I have a valid study permit, but it will expire soon. Can I renew it?
I have questions, who should I contact?
Future graduate students
I am applying to a master’s or doctoral program at Western. Will I need a PAL?
I applied for a new study permit after January 22. What happens now?
I have questions, who should I contact?
What you need to know about study permits
What a Study Permit Authorizes
The study permit authorizes your stay in Canada, student activities, and in some cases, employment.
Note: If your academic program requires you to complete co-op/internship as a mandatory part of your program requirements, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit.
More Information
For more information about preparing for your arrival in Canada and what to expect when you enter Canada, please visit IRCC’s information on “ Prepare for Arrival”.
Your Responsibilities as an International Student in Canada
International students in Canada are required to:
- Ensure that their study permit remains valid. Don’t let it expire! Apply for an extension at least 2-3 months before it expires.
- Actively pursue your studies (remain enrolled, attend classes, and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your degree).
- Notify IRCC if you transfer institutions – you must notify IRCC if you change Designated Learning Institutions. You can do this through your GCKey account online with IRCC.
- Comply with the conditions on your study permit.
Study Permit Application Process
Applying for Your First Study Permit
All international students who wish to pursue a program of study of at least 6 months in length at Western University must hold a valid study permit that authorizes studies at any Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, such as Western University or its affiliates (King’s University College, Huron University College or Brescia University College). See below if your program of study is less than 6 months in length.
DLI Numbers for Western University and its affiliates
Western University |
O19375892122 |
|
International students are responsible for applying for their initial study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Please visit the IRCC website for further information, document requirements and application instructions. If you are applying as an undergraduate student, you will require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province. Please see the PAL section at the top of the page for more information.
Your current country of residence and status in that country will determine whether you apply online, by paper through a Canadian Visa Application Centre, or upon entry into Canada. Please note that only citizens of the USA and St. Pierre and Miquelon may apply for a study permit upon entry into Canada.
Some international students can get their study permits faster by using the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Students will need to follow the steps to order an official SDS Western Letter to prove that you have paid your tuition for your first year of study.
When to Apply?
The Canadian government announced on January 22, 2024 a cap on new study permits for the next two years and the requirement for a provincial letter of attestation (PAL) for any new study permit applications.
Current study permit holders, as well as master's and doctoral program applicants are exempt from this requirement.
More details about how to acquire a PAL can be found in the section above on this page.
You will also need a Letter of Acceptance from Western University before you apply for your study permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Visit IRCC for current up-to-date processing times in your area.
If you are applying as an undergraduate student, you will require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province. More information about that process will be available soon.
Note: You may not begin your studies at Western University until you have received a study permit that authorizes studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Applying for a Study Permit Extension from Within Canada (including secondary school students)
If you are currently in Canada and can’t complete your program before your study permit expires, you must apply to extend your study permit before it expires.
If you have been studying at a secondary school in Canada and your study permit is still valid, you don’t need to apply for a new study permit. If you want to work while you study, you may need to change the conditions of your study permit. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a new study permit from within Canada.
If you are applying for a study permit extension from within Canada, the study permit will be mailed to your Canadian mailing address. If you also need a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for travel and re-entry into Canada during your studies, you can apply for a TRV separately from inside Canada.
Short-term Studies Under 6 Months
International students who will be attending Western University for a short-term program of under 6 months in duration such as a one-term exchange, may enter Canada as a visitor for the purpose of short-term studies. Please note that if you plan on using that course/program as a prerequisite for a subsequent program of study (e.g., English as a Second Language), you must apply for a study permit.
Students who wish to conduct research only, under the supervision of a host faculty member at Western University, please visit the Visiting Research Only students sections. Research students are responsible for securing their own host supervisor abroad in a research area that aligns with their program.
Documents Required for a Study Permit Application
Please carefully read the instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and follow the Document Checklists provided on their website and by their regional visa offices.
Generally, you will be required to provide the following documents in addition to the application form(s):
- Passport or Travel Document
*Note: A study permit cannot be issued for longer than the duration of your passport validity. If your passport will expire during your studies in Canada, it is your responsibility to renew it as soon as possible and apply for a study permit extension before your study permit expires. - Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (if applying as an undergraduate after January 22, 2024)
- Letter of Acceptance from Western University
Visit your Student Center account online to download your Letter of Acceptance. This letter is not the Offer of Admission letter. (Your browser settings must allow pop-up windows). - Proof of means of financial support
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of upcoming year’s tuition fees plus living expenses (for you and your family members if accompanying you to Canada) for a year. As of January 1, 2024, the minimum financial requirement for living expenses for new study permit applications is $20,635 for an individual student.
Please note that this is the minimum financial requirement to apply. You are expected to have sufficient funds or make arrangements for sufficient funds to be transferred to you for the duration of your studies. We DO NOT recommend relying upon employment in Canada to prove your financial status as this is not guaranteed and may not provide sufficient income to meet the minimum requirements. Further information about required documents. - Visa photos (digital if applying online)
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
You will be asked to go to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) abroad or a Biometrics Centre in Canada.
Find out more about providing your biometrics. - Study Plan
It is recommended that graduate students provide a letter of explanation about why they have chosen a program at Western University (academic reasons), and how the program is related to any past education and/or future career goals. Undergraduate students may also wish or be required to provide a Study Plan. - Depending on your country of residency, you may also be asked to provide:
- An immigration medical exam that has been performed by a Panel Physician who has been approved to conduct immigration medical examinations
- Specific documents to prove financial support
- A police certificate
- Any additional documents as requested by the responsible visa office
- Fee payment
Custodianship for Minors (Students under 18 years)
"Minor children who are less than 17 years of age and come to Canada to study without a parent or legal guardian must be cared for by a responsible adult in Canada. This person is known as a custodian. A notarized custodianship declaration, such as the form Custodianship Declaration - Custodian for Minors Studying in Canada (IMM 5646) (PDF, 1 MB), must be completed by the parents or legal guardians in the country of origin and by the custodian in Canada.
Minor children between 17 years of age and the age of majority in the province or territory (18 or 19 years old) where they intend to study, may need a custodian at the discretion of an immigration officer." 1
It is the responsibility of the student's family to satisfy this requirement. Western University is not able to serve as a custodian.
See IRCC's information on minor children studying in Canada.
Applying for Family Members to Come with You
Spouses and children of international students may apply to accompany the international student to Canada during their studies. Further information.
Applying for Restoration of Status
You have lost your status if you are still in Canada and:
- The expiry date of your permit passed before you had applied for
- a new study permit
- a work permit, or
- to stay in Canada as a visitor
- You didn’t respect the conditions of your permit
In some cases, you may apply to restore your status as a student. To apply, you must:
- Submit your application within 90 days of losing your status
- Clearly and completely explain how you lost your status
- Pay your fees
- Restoration ($200) and
- Study permit ($150)
NOTE:You may stay in Canada while we make a decision on your application. But, you aren’t allowed to study until your status has been restored. The application for restoration does not guarantee restoration of student status.
Once Your Application is Approved
Once your study permit is approved by IRCC, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to confirm the decision. This is not your study permit. You will need to present this letter to an immigration official upon entry i nto Canada and your study permit will be printed and issued to you upon arrival.
- If you are a national of a country that requires a visa to travel to Canada, you will be asked to provide your passport for visa issuance during application processing.
- If you are a national of a country that does not require a visa to travel to Canada (visa-exempt), an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will be automatically issued and this is linked to your current passport.
The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA for visa-exempt nationals) allow you to travel to and enter Canada.