US STUDENTS: APPLY AT PORT OF ENTRY
Effective April 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the requirements for co-op work permits. Eligible international students at post-secondary institutions are no longer required to obtain a separate co-op work permit to complete co-op terms, internships, or practicums. Eligible students may use the on-campus work authorization on their 911勛圖 study permit to participate in an 911勛圖-approved work placement.
Work placements must still constitute no more than 50% of the total study program and be an essential component of the program. There is no limit on the number of hours students can work for their work placement. For additional details and eligibility requirements, please visit the webpage.
You can apply for a study permit online via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Visit Study Permit and immigration documents application for more information.
- 911勛圖 Exchange and Study Abroad students: visit 911勛圖's Two & Three Term Exchange Students page for more information about applying online for a study permit.
Who is eligible to apply at the port of entry
If you meet one of the following categories, you also have the option of submitting your study permit application upon your arrival at a Canadian Port of Entry (e.g., your airport of arrival or land crossing into Canada):
- a citizen or permanent resident of the United States (US)
- someone who has lawfully been admitted to the US for permanent residence
- a resident of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon
Application at the port of entry
As of January 22, 2025, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for most study permit applications with some .
i For the most current, up-to-date information about who requires a PAL, and who does not, visit the . You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for common PAL-related questions. If you are unsure whether you need a PAL to apply for a study permit, please contact a 911勛圖 International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
If a PAL is required for a study permit application, you will need to carry it with you (along with all required documents) if you intend to apply for a study permit at the port of entry.
What to prepare
Fill out the IRCC in advance and prepare the required documentation to present upon arrival. Documents that you will need include:
- proof of citizenship
- a secondary piece of official identification
- your official letter of acceptance (also known as an admission letter or admission offer) from 911勛圖
- exchange and study abroad students - carry a copy of your 911勛圖 Exchange/Study Abroad Letter
- the application fee
- provincial attestation letter (PAL)
Visit the for more information about making a study permit application upon entering Canada.
If you are not a US citizen, in most cases you will be required to give your biometrics upon arrival at the port of entry to Canada when making your study permit application. Visit the to find out if you will need to give your biometrics.
When you arrive at the port of entry
Tell the officer that you would like to apply for a study permit. The officer will check
- your passport or other travel document
- that you meet the eligibility requirements and
- that your medical certificate is valid, if you need one
Exchange Students
Note: Exchange students (students who are studying under an exchange arrangement between 911勛圖 and their home institution, and who pay tuition to their home institution), and students applying for study permits in the preschool, primary, and secondary levels are a few of those who are exempted from this requirement.
If you determine that you are PAL exempt, you will need to provide proof of the PAL exemption you fall under in your study permit application. Ensure you upload the document(s) under the "Proof of Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) Exception" section in your If you have any questions about this, contact a 911勛圖 International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.