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International Centre

New Student Immigration Information

As an international student, there are number of documents you need to study in Canada. 

Important: throughout your time in Canada, you are responsible for maintaining your immigration status and complying with Canadian immigration regulations.

More information and how to apply for the documentation you need to study in Canada

Study Permit

If you plan to study in Canada for more than six months, or your program is more than six months long, you require a study permit. In most cases, you will also require a  (PAL). You must apply for both before arriving in Canada.

To apply for a study permit, you will need to identify Dalhousie University by its  (DLI) on the study permit application form. Please use the following appropriate DLI number:

  • Dalhousie University (including Agricultural Campus): O19209939282
  • Dalhousie University ESL Programs: O19091594822
  • University of King’s College: O19391556768

To apply for a study permit, you require the following:

  • A valid passport
  • Your letter of acceptance to Dalhousie or University of King's College
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (if applicable)
  • to live and study in Canada
  • A letter from your sponsoring agency (if applicable)
  • A co-op/internship letter (if applicable)
  • Payment of the $150 CAD processing fee

Other documents may be required. Refer to  page on IRCC’s website for more information about the requirements or contact the nearest  for more information.

It is recommended that you apply for your study permit as soon as you have the required documents.

United States citizens & Permanent Residents (USA)

United States citizens and permanent residents also have the option of applying for a study permit at any port of entry into Canada. If you choose this option, you are still required to secure a PAL in advance of reaching the port of entry. PALs have a validity period, so make sure that your PAL is still valid the date that you enter Canada. 

International Students at Canadian High Schools

Beginning on January 1, 2025, international students who are attending a Canadian high school on a “secondary school” study permit will require a new study permit and PAL to attend a Canadian college or university. 

Co-op/Internship Work Permit


Programs with Required Co-ops & Work Terms

If you’ve been accepted directly into a program with a mandatory work-integrated learning component (e.g. B. Commerce, Corporate Residency MBA), you should indicate this during your initial study permit application. You will then be directed to upload (for a second time) a copy of your admission letter as proof of the mandatory work-integrated learning. Once reviewed and approved as part of the application process, you will receive your study permit and co-op work permit at the same time. 

If you miss this step during the application process, you can apply for a co-op work permit after you arrive in Canada. To avoid delays with the start of your co-op/internship, you should apply for a co-op work permit during your first semester of studies at Dalhousie.

Optional Co-ops, Work Terms, & Internships

Dal offers a variety of optional co-op, work term, and internship opportunities. Eligible students apply after their programs begin.  If your optional co-op/work term/internship application is approved, the next step is to apply for a co-op work permit.  For more information about Dal’s co-op programs, eligibility, and when/how to apply, visit the Work-Integrated Learning & Co-operative Education page.

Entry Visa

A visa is different than a study permit. A visa is a travel document that allows you to enter (and re-enter) Canada. A study permit allows you to remain in Canada. There are two types of visas, a (TRV) and an (eTA).  Depending on your citizenship, you may require one or the other (or none at all).  to determine if you require a visa and, if so, which visa. 

Please note: if you are applying for a study permit for the first time, you do not need to submit a separate visa (TRV/eTA) application.  If your study permit application is successful, you will automatically be issued a visa (TRV/eTA) at the same time.

Students bringing family members need to ensure their family members have all the required immigration documents to enter Canada.

Temporary Resident Visa

Citizens and permanent residents of  will require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The TRV is placed in your passport and has limited validity. Be sure to check your TRV expiry date before planning travel outside of Canada. To renew your TRV from inside Canada, visit the Temporary Resident Visa page on the International Centre website. 

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Travellers who do not require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)instead. To view the list of countries whose citizens require an eTA, please visit . An eTA is electronically linked to your passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new eTA.

You can verify the status and expiration of your eTA by using the . To do this, you will need the eTA number noted on the email confirmation and details from the passport you used to apply for your eTA.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)


In 2024, that affect the study permit application process for certain groups of international students. Students who are affected by this change are required to submit a  with their study permit application. Additional changes go into effect on January 1, 2025.  Please read the following sections carefully to determine if you require a PAL.

Currently, students in the following groups REQUIRE a PAL:

  • Students applying to an undergraduate degree program.
  • Exchange/visiting students coming to Dalhousie for longer than 6 months.
  • Joint degree students coming to Dalhousie for longer than 6 months.
  • Students applying to a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate (non-degree) program that is longer than 6 months.
  • Students applying to a professional program.
  • Students enrolled in a qualifying program that is longer than 6 months.

Beginning January 1, 2025, students in the following groups will ALL require a PAL:

  • Students applying to a Dalhousie program that’s longer than 6 months in duration, regardless of the credential (e.g. certificate, diploma, undergraduate degree, Master’s degree, or Doctoral degree).
  • Current study permit holders who move from a Canadian high school to a Canadian college or university (new study permit application required).
  • Current study permit holders who move from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another DLI (new study permit application required).
  • Students who apply to extend their study permit because they are transitioning from one academic program to another within the same DLI (e.g. undergraduate to Master’s programs)

Not all international students require a PAL. The following groups do NOT require a PAL:

  • Students who apply to extend their study permit because they need more time to complete their current academic program.
  • Students who apply to restore their student status from within Canada.
  • Exchange students who are coming to Dalhousie for one OR two semesters (for study permit applications submitted on/after January 1, 2025).
  • Students applying to a qualifying program that is shorter than 6 months.

For more information about which groups require a PAL and which groups are exempt, .

How to request a PAL:

  1. Log in to your Application Portal and click on your Admission Offer Reply Form to accept your offer.
  2. Pay your confirmation deposit (if applicable). Refer to your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) in the application portal for more information.
  3. Return to the Application Portal to complete the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Form (the form will appear after your confirmation deposit has been processed).
  4. We’ll assess your form and follow up as soon as possible.
    • If it’s determined that you do not require a PAL, you will be issued a revised LOA via your Application Portal.
    • If it’s determined that you do require a PAL, and if your PAL request is approved, you will be issued a revised LOA and a separate PAL via your Application Portal.

Application tips

Writing a Study Plan

Study plans are not always requested in a study permit application, but it is a good idea to include key information in a letter of intent that will accompany your application. In partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University and Nova Scotia Community College, Dal has created the  (pdf - 8.4 MB) document to support you.

Apply Early

Once you have received an acceptance letter from Dalhousie University and secured financial assistance, begin the process of applying for your study permit, co-op work permit (if applicable to your program), and or visa immediately. Processing times can take several months.

Applying to “study”

The primary focus of your application is your intent to study in Canada. It is not recommended to mention other long-term interests.

Keep a copy of your medical/police certificate

You may need a medical exam and submit a police record as part of your application. Keep a copy of the medical certificate or record. You may need it for future immigration applications. Bring these certificates/records with you when you travel to Canada.

Keep your Study Permit/Visa Application Number 

If you transfer to another university or college in Canada you will need to know your application number.

Bring the letter from the visa office with you

The Canadian visa office will issue a letter confirming the approval (included in the package sent back to you). This letter is not your Study Permit. Show this letter to immigration officials when you enter Canada. You will then be issued a Study Permit (and Co-op Work Permit if requested in your application).