Immigration Documents
Starting January 22, 2025, a is required for most study permit applications with some exceptions. 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏExchange students who are are studying under an exchange arrangement between their home institution and SFU, and who do not pay tuition fees to SFU, are exempt from the PAL requirement. Exchange students who apply for a study permit are required to provide proof of the they fall under in their application to IRCC. If you have any questions, contact a 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏInternational Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
In-Person Exchange Students
This website contains general information and resources related to policies, procedures, and application processes for exchange students at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ. Please read below for more information about the Canadian immigration documents that you will need to study at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏduring your exchange term/terms. You can then review the linked pages to the right of this text (under 'BEFORE YOU ARRIVE CHECKLIST') for more information.
If you will come to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏfor a one-term exchange
In accordance with , if you are here for one term or less as an exchange student, you may travel to Canada as a visitor and study at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏwithout a study permit
Depending on your country of citizenship(s), you may need to apply for a temporary resident visa/TRV (also known as a visitor visa) or an eTA to travel to Canada. To see whether you require a TRV or an eTA visit the .
Alternatively, you may apply for a study permit, even though one is not required to study at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏfor one term. Please see the for more information.
If you will come to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏfor a two or three-term exchange
If you will be studying at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏfor more than 6 months, you must apply for, and be approved for, a study permit before you can begin your studies.
If you to travel to Canada, this will be issued when your outside Canada study permit application is provisionally approved.
Canadian entry requirements are subject to change without notice. For the most current, up-to-date information on travelling to Canada, visit the  . For updates and information about immigration applications (e.g. study permits, work permits, visas), entry requirements to Canada, work eligibility, and medical insurance, you may also refer to the
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WEBSITE
Before you arrive in Canada, you must obtain the correct immigration document that accurately reflects your student status. Apply early to ensure your application is processed in time.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced biometrics requirements in 2018. Most people who apply for a study permit or visitor visa are now required to provide biometrics as part of the application.