The information on this page is intended for new students. If you are a current student, see Immigration: Updating study permits and visas.
If your study permit has been refused and you would like to re-apply, you must request a new Provincial Attestation Letter.
As a new international student, you need a study permit and visa/eTA to enter Canada. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for current processing time estimates.
Getting your study permit and visa
To come to Canada as an international student, you must have:
- A valid study permit to stay here for the length of your studies.
- A visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Step 1: Receive your official letter of acceptance
We will send you an official Letter of Acceptance after:
- You paid your full tuition fees or the initial tuition deposit.
- We received and evaluated your official documents.
When you have your letter, you can begin the process to get your study permit and visa/eTA.
Step 2: Apply for your study permit
You may be able to apply online for your Canadian study permit. To begin the application, you need:
- Your official letter of acceptance from UFV.
- A Provincial Attestation Letter.
- The receipt from your fees and tuition deposit.
You can also apply in person at a Citizenship and Immigration Canada visa office in your region.
Apply online for your Canadian study permit
Step 3: Apply for your visa/eTA
In many cases, if you are applying for a study permit, your visa is granted automatically. There are also some circumstances under which you do not need a visa. See the latest from Immigration and Citizenship Canada to find out what travel documents you need and whether you should make a separate application.
What happens if I cannot get a study permit?
If you have been refused a study permit by the Canadian embassy or are unable to attend UFV for medical reasons, you can do one of the following:
- Re-apply for a study permit for the same semester. You will need a new Provincial Attestation Letter.
- Defer your admission and transfer your fees to the next available semester.
- If you decide that you no longer want to study at UFV, you may request a refund.
If you choose not to come for other reasons, you may be eligible for a partial refund if you make your request before classes start.
Learn more about UFV tuition refunds and rules.