Apply for a study permit via the IRCC Portal

• Go to the IRCC Portal sign-in page for those with an account.
• Sign in:
  • Enter your email address and password.
  • Select the Sign In button.

Request an invite code

• Go to the IRCC Portal.  
• Scroll down and select Get invite code.
• Enter and confirm your email address.
• Select Get invitation code.
• You’ll receive an invitation code. Copy it to use in the next step.

Signing up to the IRCC Portal

• Continue to the IRCC portal sign-up page and enter the invitation code you received.  
• Along with the code, enter your email address, and create a secure password.
• On the same page, provide your surname as it appears on your passport, as well as your given name (optional) and telephone number.
• Choose your country’s dial code and enter your telephone number.
• Select Sign Up.

Verify your email address and sign into the IRCC Portal

• Check your email: A verification email will be sent to the email address you provided during the sign-up process. It will contain a verification code.
• Enter the verification code in the form and select Confirm to complete your email verification.
• You can now sign in to the IRCC Portal
• Enter your email address and password.
• Select Sign in.
• Read and accept the Terms and Conditions.

You should now be registered and able to sign into the IRCC portal. You can now apply for your study permit from your account. 

Access your IRCC account.

After logging in, you’ll be on the account homepage, the central hub for managing your immigration application processes.  

To begin a new study permit application, go to Start an application and select Apply to visit, study or work in Canada as a temporary resident.

You’ll also find other options here, such as making a refugee claim or viewing citizenship-related information, but for your study permit, we’ll focus on temporary resident applications.

If you’ve submitted any applications in the past, you can view their status in the View the applications you submitted section.  

If you have an application that you started but haven’t submitted, you can continue working on it by selecting Continue an application you haven’t submitted.

Eligibility and requirements

Before starting your application, you’ll be asked to ensure you’re eligible. Verify your eligibility and have the necessary documents ready, such as your passport and your credit card for fees.

Steps to complete the application

• Choose the application type.
• Answer the required questions.
• Upload your supporting documents in the correct format.
• Pay the applicable fees.
• Submit your completed application within 60 days.

Acknowledge you’ve read the information by checking the box and select Start Application. 

The system will ask whether you want to apply for more than one person simultaneously. This is useful if you’re travelling with family members (such as a spouse or children), as you can manage multiple applications within the same process.

• if you’re applying for yourself and other family members (spouse, children, etc.) who’ll accompany you or join you later during your stay, select Yes.
• If you are applying just for yourself, select No.

Note: We strongly encourage students who want to apply with family members to use the IRCC Secure account (GCKey) for their applications and not the IRCC Portal.

Select Save and continue.

You’re now ready to start your application!

Specify what kind of permit you’re applying for. 

• Since you’re applying for a study permit, select Study Permit.
• Then, select the duration of your study program:
  • A study permit to study for less than 6 months: If your program will last less than six months, select this.
  • A study permit to study for more than 6 months: If your study program is longer than six months, select this.

• You’ll also see an important notification about the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement for study permits. If applicable, indicate whether you have this letter, which province issued it (e.g., Ontario) and indicate the PAL number (without hyphens). There is also the option to add the expiry date of the PAL, but this is not mandatory. 

  Note: This Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is mandatory if you want to proceed with your application for a study permit. See if you need a PAL (scroll down).  

• Describe the program you’ll be studying (e.g., Bachelor of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa, including the program dates).
• Provide your date of entry into Canada and date of expected departure from Canada (e.g., based on your study program’s start and end dates).

• UCI (optional): If you’ve applied to IRCC in the past, you should have a Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number. If you know it, enter it. 

  Note: This is not mandatory, as most applicants don’t have one.

Important: If you don’t have a PAL, see if you need a PAL (scroll down).

Select Save and continue.

The next page will let you know what documents you will need to complete your application. 

Read it carefully and select Continue to application.

If you’re completing the application on behalf of someone else (e.g., as an immigration consultant or a family member), declare this. IRCC requires proper authorization forms if you’re representing another person:

• If you’re a representative applying for someone else, select Yes and provide the necessary documentation.
• If you’re applying for yourself, select No.

Select Save and continue. 

Personal information: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport or identity document.

• Surname or last name (required): If you have multiple last names (e.g., Garcia de Luna), include them all. Don’t abbreviate or leave out any part of your legal name.
• Given name or first name (optional): If you have a given or first name, enter it. If your passport doesn’t have a given name, leave this box blank. Note: If you go by multiple first names, use only the one listed on your passport.
• Date of birth (required): Select the year, month and day. Use the dropdown lists to ensure accuracy. An incorrect date can cause problems later in the application process.
• Gender (required): Select the gender as listed on your passport or identity document. If your gender identity doesn’t match your document, select the option that appears in your travel document. You can explain this later in the application process.

Select Save and continue.

This section collects information about the passport or travel document you’ll use to enter Canada. Providing accurate details is vital for both your study permit and your entry to Canada.

• What document are you travelling with? (required): The default option for most people is Passport.  
  Only select Other travel document if you’re using a specific document issued to stateless individuals or refugees. A passport from your country of citizenship is the most common choice.
• What kind of passport? (required): Most applicants choose Regular, but if you have a diplomatic or official passport, select the appropriate option.
• Select the country code that matches the one on your passport (required): From the list, select the country that issued your passport. This will usually match the nationality on your passport, but make sure it matches what’s in the passport.
• What’s the nationality on your passport? (required): Enter the country or territory of nationality listed on your passport.
• What’s your passport or travel document number? (required): Enter the passport number exactly as it appears in your passport. Avoid typos here, as any discrepancy could lead to problems with border services.
• Confirm your passport or travel document number (required): Re-enter the number exactly as you did above. Double-check for accuracy.
• Passport issue and expiry dates: Ensure your passport remains valid for the entirety of your stay in Canada. Expired or soon-to-expire passports can lead to rejection of your application.
  • Date of issue (required): Select the day, month and year your passport was issued. The information can be found in your passport.
  • Date of expiry (required): Enter the expiry date exactly as it appears in your passport. Ensure that your passport is valid long enough to cover the full duration of your study program in Canada, as well as any possible extension periods.
  • Tip: If your passport is set to expire before the end of your study period, renew it before submitting this application. IRCC can’t issue a permit beyond your passport’s expiry date.

Additional questions:

• Are you a lawful permanent resident of the United States with a valid Green Card?: If you hold a U.S. Green Card, select Yes, as this may exempt you from certain visa requirements. Otherwise, select No.
• Have you held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years?: If you’ve previously visited Canada on a visitor visa, select Yes. Otherwise, select No.
• Do you currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa?: This applies to individuals who hold a temporary U.S. visa for purposes like tourism, business or study. If you do, select Yes. Otherwise, select No.
• Are you travelling to Canada by air?: Select Yes unless you plan to travel overland or by sea.

Select Save and continue.

This section gathers details about your citizenship and your places of residence. This information is crucial for assessing your eligibility for a study permit.

• Country or territory where you were born (required): Select the country of your birth. This should match what’s listed on your passport or birth certificate.
• City or town where you were born (required): Enter the name of the city, town or village where you were born. Ensure this information is consistent with your official documents.
• Are you a citizen of more than one country or territory?: If you hold dual or multiple citizenship, select Yes. If not, select No.
  • Tip: If you’re a dual citizen, be careful about which passport you choose for travel, as restrictions or advantages might apply depending on the country.
• Which country or territory are you a citizen of? (required): Select the country or countries where you hold citizenship.
• Since what date are you a citizen of this country? (required): Enter the date you acquired citizenship. For most applicants, this is the date of birth.

Select Save and continue. 

Do you have a valid national identity document?: Some countries issue national identity cards. If your country issues such a document and you have one, select Yes and provide the necessary information (such as the document number, and issuance and expiry dates). If you don’t have a national identity document, select No.

Select Save and continue.

Have you used another name in the past? (required): If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, adoption or any other reason, select Yes and provide your previous name(s). This includes any other names used on legal documents or travel documents. If you’ve always used the same name, select No.

• Tip: Providing an accurate name history is essential to avoid delays or rejection during background checks.

Residential address: Provide your full residential address, including street, city and postal code. Confirm if your mailing address is the same as your residential address.

List all countries of residence: List all countries you’ve resided in for more than six months during the past five years. For each country, provide the status, from and to dates.  

Select Save and continue.

Canada requires biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for most applicants. This section collects information about your previous biometrics submissions.

• Do we already have your biometrics, and are they still valid? (required): If you’ve submitted biometrics for a Canadian visa or permit within the last 10 years, and they’re still valid, select Yes. Otherwise, select No.
• If your biometrics are no longer valid or you’ve never provided biometrics to Canada, you’ll need to submit them after paying the biometrics fee.

Select Save and continue. 

Provide the essential information about your study program in Canada.

• Type of study permit (required): If you’ve already received your letter of acceptance from the University, select I have a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
• Which of the following applies to you (required): Indicate if you’re a government official, a U.S. official or part of a special program. Most applicants will select None of the above apply to me.
• Level of study (required): Select the level of study you’ll be pursuing in Canada (e.g., University — Bachelor’s Degree).
• Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number (required):
  • Enter the DLI number as shown on your letter of acceptance from the University. The DLI number starts with the letter “O” followed by 11 or 12 numbers.
  • The University of Ottawa’s DLI number is O19397188593.
• Name of school (required):
  • Begin typing the name of your school (University of Ottawa), and the system should provide suggestions based what you’ve entered.
  • Select University of Ottawa.
• Address of school (required): Enter the following details:
  • Street number: Enter the school's building number (550).
  • Street name: Enter the street name (Cumberland Street).
  • City or town: Ottawa.
  • Province: Select Ontario.
  • Postal code: Enter the postal code (K1N 6N5).
• Field of study (required):
  • Select your field of study from the list (e.g., Sciences, General).
• Student Identification Number (required):
  • Enter your student ID number provided by the University. 

• Tuition fee (required):  Enter the total tuition cost for the entire duration of your study program. For example, 60000 CAD. You can find an estimate of your tuition fees in Document B (last page) of your Letter of Acceptance.  
• Room and board (required): Include the total estimated amount for accommodation and food for the full period of your stay. For example, 90000 CAD.
• Funds available for stay in Canada (required): You must  prove you have enough funds to cover your expenses for your first year in Canada while studying. Funds can come from personal savings, family support or scholarships. 
  Note: The amount you declare here must be confirmed by your supporting documents (Funds (proof) section).
• Who will pay for your expenses in Canada? (required): Select the option that best describes who’ll pay your expenses (e.g., Myself or Parents). If you select Other, you must give details about who’ll pay your expenses.
• Are you receiving financial support for your studies? (required): Select Yes or No based on your situation. If you select Yes, indicate the type of financial support you’re receiving. 

Select Save and continue. 

• Do you want to apply for a work permit to participate in a co-op program? (required): If your study program requires work experience as part of the curriculum (e.g., internships), apply for a co-op work permit by selecting Yes. 
  Note: If Document B (last page — box 20) of your Offer of Admission mentions anything about co-op internship, practicums or placements, select Yes.
• What type of work permit are you applying for? (required): Choose Post-secondary co-op work permit, which is needed if co-op work is part of your academic program (e.g., for some internships or placements).

Select Save and continue. 

• Post-secondary education history (required): Answer whether you’ve studied at a post-secondary institution before. If you select Yes, provide details.
• Military or police history (required): Indicate whether you’ve served in the military, militia civil defence or police force. If you select Yes, provide details.
• Work or activities history (required): Provide details about your employment or other activities in the past 10 years or since the age of 18.  
• Important: Don’t leave any gaps in your activities or you won’t be able to move forward with your application!

Select Save and continue. 

• Travel history in the past 5 years (required): Provide details about your travels outside your home country or the country you live in within the last five years.
• Other travel questions:
  • Indicate whether you’ve overstayed your visit in Canada or been refused entry or visas in any country. If you select Yes, provide as many details as possible about when this happened and why.  
     

Click Save and continue to proceed. 

Declare if you’ve ever been involved in any criminal activities, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This information is critical to assess your admissibility to Canada. Answer these questions truthfully.  

• Have you ever committed any crime in any country or territory (including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs)?
  • This question is about any illegal activities you’ve been involved in. Even if you were never arrested or convicted, you must declare any criminal activity. This includes minor offences like shoplifting or serious crimes.
  • If applicable, select Yes and provide details. Otherwise, select No.
• Have you ever been arrested for any criminal offence in any country or territory (including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs)?
  • If you were ever arrested but not necessarily charged or convicted, you must disclose this here.
  • If applicable, select Yes and provide details. Otherwise, select No.
• Have you ever been charged for any criminal offence in any country or territory (including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs)?
  • This applies to instances where charges were laid against you, even if the case didn’t go to trial or you weren’t convicted.
  • If applicable, select Yes and provide details. Otherwise, select No.
• Have you ever been convicted for any criminal offence in any country or territory (including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs)?
  • A conviction is a formal declaration by the court that you are guilty of a crime. Even if it happened years ago, you must declare it.
  • If you were convicted, select Yes, and give details. Otherwise, select No.

Select Save and continue.

You must answer two questions about any association with political or religious groups involved in criminal activities, as well as your involvement in any mistreatment of civilians or prisoners, or desecration of religious buildings:

• Are you or have you ever been a member of any political party, group, or organization associated with criminal activity?
  • This question is focused on associations with organizations that promote or engage in violence, extremism or terrorism. Even if you were a member of such an organization in the past but have left, you must declare it here.
  • If applicable, select Yes and explain your situation. Otherwise, select No. 
     
• Have you ever witnessed or participated in ill-treatment of prisoners or civilians, looting, or desecration of religious buildings?
  • This question is meant to assess your involvement in or knowledge of human rights abuses. If you’ve been directly involved in or have witnessed these actions without reporting them, you must disclose this.
  • If applicable, select Yes and explain the circumstances. Otherwise, select No. 

Select Save and continue. 

This section will help assess whether you have any medical conditions that could pose a public health risk, require significant health services or affect your ability to work in certain occupations.

Have you had a medical exam performed by an IRCC-authorized panel physician (doctor) within the last 12 months? (required)

• If you’ve completed a medical exam within the last year, select Yes and provide relevant details (e.g., medical examination number or results).
• If not, select No. In many cases, applicants must undergo a medical exam to ensure they don’t pose a risk to public health or safety. 

Do you want to work in one of the following jobs? (required)

The listed occupations involve close contact with vulnerable populations (children, elderly or people with disabilities) or environments where health risks are higher. If you intend to work in any of these fields, you usually require a medical exam. The occupations listed include:

• Health sciences workers (e.g., doctors, nurses)
• Clinical laboratory workers
• Patient attendants in geriatric homes
• Medical students in Canada
• Teachers of small children
• Domestic workers providing in-home care

If you’re entering Canada to work in any of these fields, select Yes. Otherwise, select No. 

Click Save and continue to proceed.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. Canada screens for this condition in foreign applicants to prevent the spread of the disease.

• Have you been diagnosed with tuberculosis in the past two years?
• Have you had close contact with someone with tuberculosis in the last five years?

Answer Yes or No for both.  

Select Save and continue. 

Indicate you’re receiving dialysis treatment, have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, suffer from a mental health condition or have been diagnosed with syphilis.

• Answer Yes or No accordingly.

Select Save and continue.

Marital status

Indicate your current marital status from the options: single, married, divorced, etc.

• Choose the applicable status  

Note: Depending on your marital status, you might have to disclose additional details (date of your marriage or common-law relationship, name of your spouse, etc.)  

Select Save and continue.

Declare whether you have any biological, adopted or stepchildren. Select Yes or No:

• If you don't have children, select the acknowledgment box.
• If you select Yes, provide details about your children (first name, last name, date of birth, etc.) 

Click Save and continue to proceed.

If you know your parents, you must provide the details about each of them, including their:

• Surname
• Given name
• Date of birth
• Present occupation (e.g., retired, employed)

If you don’t know your parents, select the box to indicate that you don’t have this information.

Select Save and continue. 

Provide information about your language abilities. This is essential for communication with the Canadian government.

• Native language: Select your native or first language from the list.  
• Can you communicate in English and/or French? (required): Select the option that best represents your language proficiency.  
• Which language are you most comfortable using? (required): Select the language you're more comfortable with.  
• What language do you want us to use to contact you? (required): Select the language in which you’d like to receive communications.  

Select Save and continue. 

Provide your primary email address for communication from IRCC. Enter a valid address for an account you have access to, as this is where important notifications and updates will be sent.

• Email address (required): Enter your email address in the first box. Ensure it’s correct.
• Confirm your email address (required): Re-enter the email address to avoid typos. It’s mandatory to type it again, ensuring both fields match.

Select Save and continue. 

This section collects your phone number, which may be used for contact if necessary.

• Select telephone number country or territory: Choose the country your phone number is associated with. The example uses “Other” for a non-Canadian number.
• Telephone type: Choose the type of phone (e.g., cellular or landline). In the example, it’s “Cellular.”
• Dial code: Enter the international dialing code for your country (e.g., 33 for France)
• Telephone number: Enter the rest of the number after the dialing code.

Select Save and continue

The summary page provides an overview of all the information you’ve entered throughout the application process.

• Edit any section: If you find any mistakes or want to update information, select the Edit button next to the relevant section. This allows you to go back and make changes.
• Expanding sections: To review the details you’ve entered, select the arrow beside the section. Ensure everything is accurate and complete. 

Select Save and Continue. 

This is a critical section where you upload the following documents supporting your study permit application:

• Letter of Acceptance: This is the official document from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada that confirms you’ve been accepted into a program. This letter typically includes details such as the course duration and start date. 
  Note: At the University of Ottawa, this document is called an Offer of Admission. You can find it in your admission file in your uoZone account.
• Canadian Scholarship/Bursary (if applicable): If you’ve received a scholarship or bursary from a Canadian institution, upload the proof here. Examples include letters of scholarship confirmation or bursary agreements.
• Official Letter from School (if required): Upload an official document from the school if requested. This may apply in specific circumstances such as study programs with work placements (e.g., co-op programs). 
  Note: If Document B (last page — box 20) of your Offer of Admission mentions anything about co-op or internship, upload your offer again in this section.
• Provincial Attestation Letter: This letter confirms that your study program aligns with the province’s requirements. This document is mandatory unless you meet one of the IRCC PAL exceptions. See if you need a PAL (scroll down).
• Passport/Travel Document: Upload a clear scan of the identification pages of your passport. This includes your passport number, date of issue, date of expiry and personal information such as name and photo.
• Funds (Proof): Canada requires proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. Upload bank statements, proof of scholarships or letters of financial support (e.g., from parents or a sponsor). The total amount should cover your tuition, living expenses and return travel. Learn more about proof of financial support requirements. 

Note: For more on requested documents and information, select the little arrow by the document name. 
 

Once you’ve uploaded all required documents, review everything and ensure that green checkmarks appear next to each document. If they apply to your situation, you can upload optional documents like Consent Personal Information and Additional Documents. 

Note: Combine your study plan (if applicable), documents required by your visa office and other documents you think could be relevant to your application in one file and upload it in the Additional Documents section. 

Select Save and continue. 

This section confirms that you understand the nature of the information being collected and how it will be used by IRCC.

• Consent to be contacted by CIC [former name of IRCC]:
  • The Government of Canada may want to contact you in the future to ask about the services you received during your application process or about your experience living in Canada.  
    You can choose whether to allow this by selecting Yes or No.
• Declaration:
  • This section informs you that the information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility for a study permit. It also explains that the IRCC [“CIC”] may verify your information with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or with your designated learning institution (DLI).
  • The form states that failure to provide truthful information can result in a denial of your study permit.
  • By signing electronically with your surname and given name, you confirm that all the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
  • Read the Privacy Notice.

Select Save and continue. 

In this section contains a breakdown of your application fees:

• Study permit fee: CA$150
• Biometrics fee: CA$85

The total amount to be paid is CA$235.  

Select Save and continue.

Enter your payment details to process the fees.

• Cardholder information:
  • Enter your full name as it appears on the credit card.
• Card information:
  • Enter the credit card number, expiration date (MMYY), and CVV code (the three-digit number on the back of the card).
• Order summary:
  • You’ll see the final amount to be paid and a confirmation that the payment will be processed immediately.

Select Checkout. 

Once the payment has been processed, you’ll receive a submission confirmation via email.

• Biometrics instructions (if applicable):
  • If you must submit biometrics, you’ll receive a letter with instructions on how to do so at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Book your appointment promptly.