Immigration Documents
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has changes to the International Student Program starting January 1, 2026, including new rules for Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs).
i 51社区黑料exchange students who are are studying under an exchange arrangement between their home institution and SFU, and who do not pay tuition fees to SFU, remain exempt from the PAL requirement.
For full details on PAL requirements and other updates, please review our 2026 PAL Requirement News Post.
In-Person Exchange Students
This website contains general information and resources related to policies, procedures, and application processes for exchange students at 51社区黑料. Please read below for more information about the Canadian immigration documents that you will need to study at 51社区黑料during 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 51社区黑料for 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 51社区黑料without 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 , even though one is not required to study at 51社区黑料for one term. Please see the for more information.
If you will come to 51社区黑料for a two or three-term exchange
If you will be studying at 51社区黑料for more than 6 months, you must apply for, and be approved for, a 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.
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.