Where to submit your study permit application (paper)

You can submit your application to the visa application centre (VAC) in Tanzania or Uganda and:

• receive service in the local language;
• take advantage of their extended hours of service;
• track your application online; and
• have the assurance that your application is complete and is sent to the correct visa office.

• You can:

  • go to a VAC that isn’t in your country of residence
  • either call, email, or visit the VACs in person
  You need to give your biometrics

  In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

  Find out who needs to give biometrics.

  Fees

  Study permit: $150

  Get your documents ready

  Before you apply for a study permit, you need:

  • an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
  • a valid passport or travel document
  • proof you can support yourself, and any family members who come with you, while you’re in Canada

  Find out which documents you need before you apply for a study permit.

  

  You need to give your biometrics

  In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply. Find out where biometrics fits in the application process.

  How to apply

  Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada. In some cases, you can apply when you arrive in Canada at the port of entry. Make sure you understand which option is available to you.

  • Apply outside Canada
  • Apply within Canada
  • Apply at the port of entry

  Apply for a study permit outside Canada

  Do you live in China, India, the Philippines or Vietnam? You might be able to get your study permit faster by using the Student Direct Stream.

  Note: If you need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visa, we will issue it automatically at the same time as your study permit. You don’t need to apply separately or pay another fee.

  Apply online

  Save time and get case updates online!

  • No courier fees or mail delivery time – we get your application instantly.
  • Online applications may be processed more quickly.
  • Avoid processing delays. Incomplete applications are returned to you. Applying online helps ensure your application is complete before you submit it.
  • If we need to ask for more documents, you can quickly submit them online.
  • You don’t need to submit your passport until we ask for it.
  • Get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.

  Ready to get started?

  To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

  • Apply for a study permit

  Apply on paper

  The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Read the Instruction Guide [IMM 5269] to get all the details to apply on paper.

  Download the application package.

  Select the country/territory you will be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country/territory where you have been legally admitted:

  Study permit

  Zambia

  Processing Time: 5 weeks ^?

  You may need to give biometrics with your application.
  This processing time doesn’t include:

  • the time it takes to send an application between a VAC and our office
  • the time you need to give your biometrics