Study Permit Application Guide

You must follow the list of documents required on your personalized "Document Checklist" AND in the Visa Office Instructions Guide for your region. Please see the Application to study in Canada – Study permits search tool on the Immigration Canada website to find the Visa Office Instructions for your region.

1. You must have your CAQ approval letter to apply for your Study Permit. You can print off/download this document from your Immigration Quebec portal. As of January 22, 2024, Immigration Canada implemented the requirement to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to apply for your study permit. For your CAQ to act as your PAL, it needs to include the following line: “This attestation letter confirms that the applicant has a place in Quebec’s share of the distribution of study permit applications or is exempt from it.” CAQs for applications received before 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024, do not require the above line.
2. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your studies at McGill, as your study permit cannot be issued for longer than your passport is valid. At the very least, ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of one year. 
3. Your letter of acceptance is your official "Offer of Admission" letter from McGill. You will have access to your admission letter through the online application system. Be sure to save or print a copy of your letter: McGill does not send admissions decisions by mail. It is very important to note that the electronic version is the only version of the admission letter you will receive. You should download and save a copy of your admission letter, as you may be required to provide it in future applications. Generally, the conditions listed on your letter of admission are related to your registration for classes. You do not have to wait to meet those listed conditions to apply for your immigration documents.
4. Even if you were not required to submit proof of sufficient financial capacity to the Quebec immigration authorities when applying for your CAQ, you must submit official documents that establish that you meet this very important criterion when applying for your Study Permit.  
   1. If you are applying online, use the "i" icon for a list of supporting documents that you can use to prove your financial capacity. You can also refer to the following websites: Proof of Financial Support or Assessing Financial Resources, or Financial Sufficiency.
   2. Certain visa offices outside of Canada require students to provide proof that they have paid the tuition fees for the first year of their studies. In particular, the visa offices in China, India and United Arab Emirates may ask for proof of payment of tuition and fees. However, please verify the visa office instructions for the visa office responsible for your country of nationality or residence. Please see Immigration Canada's website to obtain the local visa office instructions. In order to meet this requirement and pay your tuition and fees for your first year of studies, please follow these instructions:
      1. Students can pay their tuition through any of McGill accepted methods of payment.
      2. If students pay their tuition before August 1st, they will only receive a bill confirming the amount owed after August 1st. In order to obtain a proper estimate of your tuition before August 1st, please refer to the McGill tuition fee calculator. 
      3. Students should make sure to only pay a year's worth of tuition and fees.
      4. Once the payment is received, students can print out their Account Summary by Term in Minerva [instructions here] as proof that the funds have been received and submit this document with their study permit application.
5. If you are required to do a medical exam as part of your Study Permit application, you can opt to do an upfront medical examination OR you can wait to be instructed to undergo your medical examination by the Canadian immigration authorities.

   1. If you are applying online and opt to do an upfront medical then you can press the “i” icon to access a “Request for medical exam” form where you can indicate if you would like the Canadian immigration authorities to send you instructions and a “Medical Report” form.

   2. If you are applying at the Canadian border then you must undergo your medical examination at least three (3) weeks BEFORE presenting yourself at the border to apply for your Study Permit.

   3. You must undergo your medical examination with an IRCC authorized panel physician nearest you. Physician Locator. 

6. In some cases, you may be prompted to complete a "Family Information (IMM 5645)" form
7. If you are from a country that requires you to submit biometrics, Immigration Canada will send you an instruction letter by email through your online account once they have received your application. You will be required to print a copy of the letter and bring it along with your passport when you go to the biometric collection centre. **IMPORTANT: Immigration Canada plans to expand their biometrics program. You may be required to provide biometrics when applying for your study permit, for more information please see our News page.
    

1. If you have never applied for an immigration document from Immigration Canada (IRCC) then you do not have a UCI number.
2. Questions related to the section: Details of Intended Studies in Canada
   1. McGill University Address: 845 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Quebec, H3A 0G4
   2. McGill University Designated Learning Institution number: O19359011033
   3. Duration of Expected Study:  Please refer to McGill’s “Key Academic Dates” website for your start date. You should add the number of years that you expect to complete your program, and indicate this as the "To date".
   4. To determine the cost of your studies you can refer to McGill's Fee Calculator
   5. You must add your tuition fee to the minimum required amount for living expenses in Quebec and indicate the total amount. 
   6. You must indicate who will be paying for your studies in Canada. If you will be receiving loans, bursaries, scholarships or other financings from McGill or any other institution you should indicate that "you" will be paying for your studies. Note: You are required to prove that you have sufficient financial capacity for only the first twelve months of your studies. 
3. Section Employment: Do not leave this section blank. If you have no work history, then indicate your studies for the past 10 years in the alternative. Do not leave any time gaps in this section (i.e. each month/ year should chronologically flow into the next).