Immigration & Student Visa

Overview of the Process

Congratulations on your acceptance to Lakehead University!

It is now time to apply for your study visa and permit. Study permits are required for any studies more than 6 months in length, click here to learn more.

We encourage applicants to submit their study visa and permit applications online through the IRCC website. When you are outside of Canada, the visa and study permit applications are done together. When the application is approved online, you will be sent an approval letter and asked to submit your passport for stamping. You will be issued the actual study permit upon entry. 

Overview of the process: Apply for an initial study permit from outside of Canada

  1. Create an IRCC account. Go to the IRCC website and create and sign into a GCKey account
    1. If you do not have a GC Key account, under Create an account section, select Register for an account and follow the instructions.
    2. If you already have a GC key account, sign in using your GCKey username and password
    3. Review IRCC's frequently asked questions about sign-in
  2. To apply for a study permit, you will need the following documents
    1. Letter of Acceptance
    2. Proof of identity (your passport)
    3. Proof of financial support
    4. Provincial Attestation Letter (if applicable)


Other documents needed: Get specific instructions on how to apply

Other items may also be required, depending on your country of birth. Please click here for more details.

Lakehead University's Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is:

O19396019447

Please retain this DLI number, as it is required for most immigration applications with IRCC.

 

Other Important Considerations

Conditional Offers

We strongly encourage you to meet all conditions and have an unconditional Letter of Acceptance before you start the study permit process. This is the best way to ensure your study permit is issued for the correct duration of time and with the correct conditions.

However, we understand due to processing times, you may have to apply for your study permit with a conditional letter. If you decide to use a conditional Letter of Acceptance, please clearly demonstrate how you are currently working towards the conditions (finishing high school, completing IELTS). You may be issued a one-year study permit with conditions on working while studying if you use a conditional offer. This can be corrected after arrival once conditions are met and you have registered.

Study Plan or Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose is an essay that outlines your study plan in Canada and how your program of study will assist you in achieving your future goals. Your statement of purpose should demonstrate to an immigration officer that your true purpose in wanting to come to Canada is to study. It should explain why you want to study in Canada, and that you understand your responsibilities as a student, that your stay in Canada is temporary and that your intention to study is genuine. Questions to consider when preparing your statement of purpose:  

  • Why do you wish to study in Canada in the program for which you have been accepted, and why are you not pursuing a similar program in your country of residence or citizenship? 

  • What is your overall educational goal? 

  • What research have you done into studies in your country of residence/citizenship, and how will this program enhance your employment opportunities in your country of residence/citizenship? 

  • What ties do you have to your country of residence/citizenship (especially important for mature students)? IRCC wants to see that you will return to your country of residence/citizenship at the end of your stay as a student and that your true intention for being in Canada is to study. 

  • Examples of ties to your country of residence/citizenship are: parents, children, and other family members, membership in groups or communities, homeownership, business ownership, employment letters, etc.

  • Your statement of purpose should be personal and specific.

Please note, there may be additional questions that your visa office asks you to address in your statement of purpose as well.

Documents specific to your Visa Application Centre (VAC): 

The visa office you are applying through may also have additional requirements you must meet and include with your study permit application. Verify your visa office instructions here. Find a visa application centre.

Biometrics

Biometrics are your fingerprints and photo. We collect your biometrics so we can confirm your identity. This information is also used to help assess your application.

Unless you’re exempt, you need to give your fingerprints and a photo when you apply for any of the following:

  • temporary residence (except US nationals)
  • permanent residence
  • to extend your stay in Canada, unless you’re from a visa-exempt country
  • refugee or asylum status

Please visit the IRCC website to check for biometric collection in your area:

CHECK Biometric Collection CENTrE

Passport Expiry

You should check the expiry date of your passport before you start the process. A study permit cannot be issued past your passport validity, therefore if your passport is expiring in the next two years, you may want to consider renewing this first. To renew your passport in Canada, most countries require an in-person meeting at the embassy (in Ottawa) which can be costly and time-consuming.

Medical Exams

A medical exam could also be required, depending on your country of citizenship and program of study. This request is typically sent (if required) after you apply. Once you submit your online application, you will be sent a request for medical, if it is required. Please follow the instructions in the medical request letter and complete the requirement before the deadline indicated. If you plan to study and work in the health field, we recommend completing the medical before coming to Canada and including this with your study permit application.

Please click here to find an IRCC doctor close to you.

Co-op Work Permits

As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary international students in Canada no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory work placements, such as internships or co-ops. 

If work is required to complete your academic program, such as a co-op, a practicum, or an internship, you will now be able to use your on-campus or off-campus work eligibility. 

Please visit this IRCC website to better understand what a work placement is, who can participate and your responsibilities as a study permit holder.

Program Start & End Dates

You will be required to provide a program start and end date on your study permit application form Please reference your Letter of Acceptance for these specific dates based on your program of study.. You can also view program start and end dates for the current and upcoming semesters here.

 
Accompanying Family Members

Dependents (spouse and/or children) of international students in Canada are eligible to visit, study and may be able to work while their family member studies. You can include your family members in your original application to come to Canada, or invite them to accompany you after you arrive. More information on family members can be found here.

Processing Times

Once you submit your application, you can track the progress through your IRCC online account. IRCC will send you notifications anytime they make a change. You can check processing times on the main page of the IRCC website.

Once your application is approved online, you will be sent a notification. It will also ask you to mail your passport or visit the VAC for your passport stamping. You must travel to Canada with the approval message, and your study permit will be issued upon entry.

How to Apply for a Study Permit From Outside Canada

 

1. Start your application
Sign in to your IRCC secure account - Canada.ca
2. Once you have logged in, you will need to answer a series of questions about yourself and your planned studies in Canada

Please note, you do not have a ‘personal reference code’. 

Go to ‘Determine your eligibility and apply online’ section and select ‘Visitor visa, study, and/or work permit’ and answer the questions to create your document checklist.

3. Complete application form
 
4. Upload supporting documents
 

  • ​​​​​Hover your cursor over the question mark (?) next to each question for clarification.

Check visa office instructions from your home country and ensure that you include country-specific documents with your application.
5. Pay the application fee and submit
 

  • Once you have successfully uploaded your document, your status will change from "Not uploaded" to "Uploaded."

  • Click "Save and Continue" to proceed to the next step.

  • Pay the application fees using a credit or debit card, then click "Checkout" to submit your application.

  • If you need to go back to the documentation checklist, click "Cancel."

  • Check the IRCC website for estimated processing times

 

Disclaimer:

Please note that this is not a legal document, and information may change at any time without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please always refer to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Intial Study Permit

Who needs a study permit?

Anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada must have a study permit if they plan to study at Lakehead University or another Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for more than 6 months. This includes refugees and protected persons.

Should I hire an agent/ representative to submit my application?

This decision is up to you. If you decide to use an agent/ representative, make sure the person is licensed to provide Canadian immigration advice and has experience with cases like yours. Make sure your agent/representative is licensed by checking the Public Register to verify a Canadian immigration consultant’s status. An agency must have a licensed RCIC to provide you with immigration guidance. 

Visit the IRCC website to learn more about representatives.

Where do I start?

Start by reviewing IRCC’s instruction guide for study permit application

Where do I find the DLI # for Lakehead University?

Lakehead’s DLI# is O19396019447

The first digit is the capital letter “O”, not the number zero “0”

Lakehead University’s DLI number can be found on your Letter of Acceptance, and we recommend you copy it to avoid errors.

When to apply?

We recommend you apply as soon as you have your letter of acceptance (and provincial attestation letter, if required). Study permit applications can take months to be processed.

You can check the current processing times for an estimate based on the current average processing time.

Do I have to pay my tuition fees before applying for my study permit?

We highly recommend you pre-pay your first year of tuition either fully or partially to help strengthen your study permit application. It can show IRCC not only that you have the financial means to pay your tuition, but also that you are a bonafide student with a true intention to study in Canada.

To apply for your study permit, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of the upcoming year’s tuition fees plus living expenses (for you and your family members if accompanying you to Canada) for a year. You can find more information on the IRCC website.

Can my family members come to Canada with me?

IRCC allows students to bring their spouse and children to Canada while they study (accompanying family members). You can include your family members in your initial application or else invite them to join you in Canada later on during your studies. Your spouse may be eligible to work while you study on a spousal open work permit while you study.

Please remember you will need to demonstrate additional proof of funds for your family members living expenses in Canada.

What happens if my application is refused?

IRCC will send you a refusal letter along with the ODN Notes (officer decision notes). Please review these notes carefully and determine their concerns with your application. If you feel they have made an error and you did address these items in your application, you can send IRCC a web form and ask them for reconsideration and to review the documents again. There is no time limit for this request and no guarantee they will overturn their decision. 


If you acknowledge their concerns in the refusal letter and feel you did not address this in your first application, you can gather more documents and re-apply to IRCC. If you plan to submit a new application, clearly address the reasons for refusal in your letter of explanation and include new evidence to support these areas. Please remember you must obtain a new PAL to resubmit your application after receiving a refusal. 

You also may need to connect with admissions to defer to the next intake and/or drop your courses in myinfo if you cannot attend the semester. Information on refunds can be found on our website.

 

Questions? We're Here to Help!


Email immigration.intl@lakeheadu.ca with you inquiries and we will respond as soon as possible (usually 1 to 2 business days, not including weekends).