New Student Immigration information

If you plan to study in Canada for more than six months, or your program is more than six months long, you need a study permit. You must apply for it before arriving in Canada.

If accepted directly into a program requiring an internship (e.g., B. Commerce, Corporate Residency MBA, etc. ), you must apply for your co-op/internship work permit at the same time (i.e., request within the same application) as you apply for an initial Study Permit.

• A valid passport
• Your letter of acceptance to Dalhousie or University of King's College
• Proof or statement of adequate funds to live and study in Canada
• Letter from your sponsoring agency (if applicable)
• Co-op/Internship letter (if applicable)
• The $150 CAD processing fee
• Other documents may be required: refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC) website and the Canadian Visa Office for more information 

Please Note:  To apply for a study permit, you will need to identify the university by its designated learning institution number (DLI) on the study permit application form. Please use the follow appropriate designated learning number:

• Dalhousie University (includes Agricultural Campus): O19209939282
• Dalhousie University ESL Programs: O19091594822
• University of King’s College: O19391556768

United States citizens and permanent residents can apply for a study permit at any port of entry into Canada. You will need the information noted above.

If you attended high school in Canada on a "secondary school" study permit, you must update your permit to a "post-secondary" study permit. To update your study permit you must complete an application to "Change Conditions and Extend your Stay in Canada as a Student."

Students bringing family members need to ensure their family members have all the required immigration documents.

International students who must participate in a mandatory co-op, internship, practicum, or placement (i.e. one that is a requirement for their program) must apply for a co-op work permit. This applies whether the work is on- or off-campus, paid or unpaid, during the academic year or during the summer, and regardless of the number of hours involved.

If accepted directly into a program requiring an internship (e.g., B. Commerce, Corporate Residency MBA, etc. ), you must apply for your co-op/internship work permit at the same time (i.e., request within the same application) as you apply for an initial Study Permit.

If you are accepted into a co-op/internship program after you begin your program, you can apply for the co-op/internship within Canada. View detailed instructions on how to apply for a Co-op Work Permit.

Citizens and permanent residents of designated countries will require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The TRV allows you to enter Canada as a temporary resident. It is placed in your passport.

Please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC) website for an application guide, fees, and the necessary forms.


Please note: If you apply for an initial study permit, the Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) will be automatically assessed for a Visa. You do not need to apply separately.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by air. 

Do I need an eTA?
To view the list of countries whose citizens require an eTA, please visit Canada.ca/eTA

Citizens of my country need an eTA. How should I apply?
If you apply for a study permit on or after August 1st 2015, you will automatically be issued an eTA along with your permit.

How long will my eTA be valid?
You eTA will be vaild for up to 5 years or until the expiry of your passport (whichever comes first)

You can verify the status and expiration of your eTA by using the Check eTA status tool. To do this, you will need the eTA number noted on the email confirmation and details from the passport you used to apply for your eTA.

If you are a minor (less than 19 years old), your study permit application package may require you to have a custodian.  Please refer to the table below for what to do:

Writing a Study Plan

Study plans are not always requested in a study permit application, but it is a good idea to include key information in a letter of intent that will accompany your application. In partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University and Nova Scotia Community College, Dal has created the Guidance for Study Plans and Letters of Intent (pdf - 8.4 MB) document to support you.

Apply Early
Once you have received an acceptance letter from Dalhousie University and secured financial assistance, begin the process of applying for your study permit, co-op work permit (if applicable to your program), and or visa immediately. Processing times can take several months.

Applying to “study”
The primary focus of your application is your intent to study in Canada. It is not recommended to mention other long-term interests.

Keep a copy of your medical/police certificate
You may need a medical exam and submit a police record as part of your application. Keep a copy of the medical certificate or record. You may need it for future immigration applications. Bring these certificates/records with you when you travel to Canada.

Keep your Study Permit/Visa Application Number 
If you transfer to another university or college in Canada you will need to know your application number.

Bring the letter from the visa office with you
The Canadian visa office will issue a letter confirming the approval (included in the package sent back to you). This letter is not your Study Permit. Show this letter to immigration officials when you enter Canada. You will then be issued a Study Permit (and Co-op Work Permit if requested in your application).