Applying for the Initial Study Permit

You should use the IRCC Secure Account if:

- You are applying for a co-op work permit at the same time. Note that not all students are eligible for a co-op work permit, review the tips for international students applying for co-op for details.

- You are applying for a spouse open work permit at the same time. Review this IRCC website carefully for who can apply and how to apply.

Use one of these two application systems: IRCC Secure Account or IRCC Portal. There is no advantage in terms of processing time for these two systems. IRCC Secure Account accepts more types of applications, such as study permit extension and post-graduation work permit.

IRCC Secure Account

• Create or login to IRCC Secure Account through GCKey (recommended) or sign-in partner.
• On the home page, look for “Apply to Come to Canada” and choose the option for “visit, study, work”. Answer the questionnaire to receive a reference code and the document checklist.

IRCC Portal

• If it’s your first time using the IRCC Portal, you need an invite code to create an account.
• On the home page, look for “Start an application” and choose the option for “Apply to visit, study or work in Canada as a temporary resident”.

Generally, in addition to the required application forms, you will also need documents such as:

• University of Manitoba letter of acceptance / certificate of acceptance
• Proof of identity—a valid passport or travel document
• Proof of financial support—evidence of adequate funds to live and study in Canada without needing to work (the minimum cost-of-living for 2024 is $20,635 CAD plus tuition fees and travel costs for one full year for one person)
  • We recommend that you provide as much proof of financial support as possible – not just meeting the minimum requirement.
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) – students applying for a master’s degree or doctoral degree program are PAL exempted.
• Letter of explanation/Study plan (include this letter even if it is not specifically requested)
  • This is a brief overview of why you want to study in Canada. You need to demonstrate to IRCC that you are a genuine student and how your study program will assist you to achieve your future goals.
  • Check your local visa office instructions for any specific requirements.
• Two recent passport-sized photos (if applying online, digital photos)
• Custodianship declaration (if applicable)

Proof of financial support is one of the most important parts of your study permit application. Insufficient proof of funds is one of the most common reasons for refusal. You must show sufficient and available funds to support your stay in Canada for at least one full year of tuition fees, living expenses and travel cost. The officer must also be satisfied that the probability of funding for future years also exists.

There may be additional required documents. To obtain a study permit application package and application instructions, including a full list of documents you will need, review local visa office instructions by selecting the country or territory from which you’ll be applying or contact the Canadian visa office responsible for your country of citizenship, your country of residence, or the country where you have been legally admitted and are physically present.

Some students may be required to pay your tuition fees in advance, so it’s important to review the information above on how to obtain a study permit application package. Check Pay your tuition for information about making payments at UM. You can connect with the Student Accounting office for questions related to payment instructions and a payment receipt after you pay. Please ensure to include your full name and University of Manitoba student number in all correspondence with the university.

A personal interview with a visa officer, an immigration medical exam (IME) and security checks may be required. The Canadian visa office will provide you with a list of approved panel physician if a medical exam is required. In general, getting an upfront IME will speed up the processing of your application, if an IME is required.

Learn more about medical examinations & who needs an IME

It’s important for you to have a realistic financial plan and ensure you have enough funds to support your expenses during your entire time in Canada before you arrive.

While some international students may be eligible to work in Canada while studying, you must be able to financially support yourself without relying on working in Canada. Also note that a Canadian government funded student loan is not an option for international students.

We also suggest that students set some money aside for funds that can cover unexpected expenses, such as an emergency, inflation, and currency conversion rate changes.

You are not required to hire a representative, however, due to variation among local visa offices and the complexity of initial study permit applications abroad, there are benefits to hire a licensed representative who is experienced of immigration law to assist you with your application, if you are able to. International Student Advisors (ISAs) at UM cannot complete any immigration application for you, act as your representative, or make any inquires to IRCC on the behalf of you.  

• Use this website to search for a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).  
• Learn how to use an immigration representative to help with your immigration application..