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Study in Canada

Planning to study in Canada? We’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re applying for your first study permit, extending your current one, or changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), this guide walks you through what you need to know to start—and stay—on track with your studies at MITT.

Study Permits

A study permit is a document issued by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) that allows international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.  

Who needs a study permit? 

If you are an international student and your course or program lasts longer than 6 months, you need a study permit. 

Important Reminders

  • Maintain Validity: Ensure your study permit is valid throughout your studies. Apply for an extension before it expires. 
  • Apply Early: As soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance from MITT, apply for your study permit. 
  • Study Permit Processing Times Vary: For updates, visit IRCC’s Processing Time Tool 
  • Proof of Study Permit: Submit proof of your valid study permit to MITT Admissions (admissions@mitt.ca) at least 30 days before the program starts. If not, you may need to defer to the next intake. 

NOTE: Information about study permits is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the IRCC website. 

Once you receive your Letter of Acceptance from MITT, apply for your study permit as soon as possible. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

  1. Gather Your Documents
    Prepare required items like your Letter of Acceptance, passport, proof of funds, and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
    Check the full list at IRCC – Prepare Your Documents
  2. Create an Online Account
    Sign up or log in to your IRCC secure account to start your application.
  3. Complete the Application Form
    Download and fill out form IMM 1294 for study permit applications. You may also need to fill out forms IMM 5707 and/or IMM 5645 (family information). 
  4. Upload Documents & Submit
    Upload all required files, sign your declaration electronically, and submit your application. Don’t forget to pay the application fee.
  5. Track Your Application
    Monitor your IRCC account for messages and updates.

Visit IRCC’s How to Apply for a detailed application guide.

Reminder: Submit your valid study permit to MITT Admissions at least 30 days before your program start date.

Always keep your study permit valid and apply for extensions at least 30 days before it expires if you want to keep studying in Canada. 

For detailed instructions on how to extend your study permit, refer to the Extend your study permit or restore your status on the IRCC website. 

If you received a letter from IRCC that requests a document you are unsure about or if your application has been refused, please contact immigrationservices@mitt.ca for advice. 

If your program includes a mandatory work practicum: 

  • You must have a valid co-op work permit to attend your practicum 
  • Apply for your co-op work permit together with your study permit using the Letter of Acceptance and a confirmation of the work practicum
  • Indicate in your study permit application that you are also applying for the co-op work permit

A Study Permit allows you to study in Canada, but depending on your citizenship, you may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. 

What is the difference between a Study Permit and a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)?

  • A Study Permit allows you to study in Canada
  • TRV allows you to enter Canada

Find out if you need a TRV or eTA by using this IRCC tool. 

If you have a Study Permit, you may receive an email from IRCC. The email address will end in “@cic.gc.ca.” You must follow the instructions in the email by the date indicated to confirm you’re enrolled and actively studying in Canada. 

Changing Your School or Program

Starting November 8, 2024, you must be enrolled in the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on your Study Permit. This means you can no longer change DLIs simply by letting IRCC know through your online account. 

MITT DLI number: O19391828428 

To change DLIs, you need to apply for a new study permit

What you need to do depends on your situation. Here are some common scenarios: 

  • You’re moving from secondary to post-secondary levels
    You need to apply for a new study permit to attend a post-secondary school. 
  • You’re moving between post-secondary levels at the same DLI
    You can keep studying at your DLI with your current study permit as long as you still meet your study permit conditions.
  • You’re changing DLIs at the post-secondary level
    You need to apply for a new study permit by following the steps below if you’re changing DLIs at the post-secondary level. 

      Explore more scenarios and what to do for each at Changing Your School or Program on the IRCC website.

      If you change schools and don’t inform IRCC 

      Your old school will report you as not being registered or enrolled to study. If this happens:

      • You are breaking the conditions of your study permit 
      • Your study permit may become invalid unless you are in one of the situations noted above 
      • You may have your study permit cancelled 
      • You may be asked to leave the country or change your status 
      • You may not be permitted to re-enter Canada or receive approval for another study or work permit in the future

      Changing your DLI if your current Study Permit application is still in progress 

      Inform the IRCC that you would like to change the DLI in your application by submitting a new letter of acceptance and a provincial attestation letter (if needed) on the IRCC web form. 

      Changing your DLI as a post-secondary student 

      Starting November 8, 2024, you need to apply for a new Study Permit to change from one post-secondary school to another. 

      The school you plan to change to must also be a DLI. Before committing to changing schools and applying for a new Study Permit, make sure to check that your new school is

      on IRCC’s DLI list and not on the suspension list. 

      In addition, if you are in a co-op program and are changing to a co-op program at a different school, you must apply for a new Co-op Work Permit. 

      When you apply for your new study permit, you must include 

      1. A letter explaining why you’re changing schools 
      2. Documents proving you meet IRCC criteria

      If your current application is already in progress, you can submit these documents via the IRCC web form.  

      When can you start studying at your new DLI?

      You can only start studying at your new school while waiting for a decision on your new Study Permit application if you meet the following criteria: 

      • You’ve remained in Canada since you received your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI, and 
      • You continue to meet the conditions of your previous study permit, and 
      • You find yourself in one of the following situations with the previous DLI before you’ve completed your course or program of study:
        • The DLI has closed 
        • The DLI has discontinued the course or program of study 
        • The DLI has was placed on the suspension list
        • The DLI has lost its designated status 

      If you do not meet these criteria, you should plan to apply for and get your new Study Permit for your new DLI before finishing your studies at your current DLI. 

      How to Contact Immigration Services

      Immigration Resources

      Immigrant Centre Manitoba

      • Helping newcomers succeed through personalized settlement plans and community partnerships.
      • Important: Students must bring their study permit and passport to access services.

      Welcome to Canada: Publications for Newcomers

      This resource helps new arrivals settle in Canada by providing information on:

      • Finding a place to live
      • Working and going to school
      • Accessing health care
      • Connecting with the community
      • Managing finances

      It also includes details on Canadian laws, health care, and general settlement support.

      Disclaimer: The content on this website is only a guide for MITT students, not official legal advice, and information on this website may change without notice. Students are entirely responsible for ensuring that they follow all IRCC regulations at all times during their studies and while they are in Canada, including requirements for permit and visa. We recommend students to refer to IRCC website at www.canada.ca or contact IRCC Client Support Centre at 1 888 242 2100 to obtain the most-up-to-date information. 

      International Students