Immigration information for inbound exchange
Study permits and other travel documentation
Immigration Canada considers exchange students to be visiting students and are not subject to any tuition fees from the host institution, as these fees are covered by an exchange agreement between the host and home institution. In most cases, exchange students do not require a study permit since their length of stay is usually less than six months (one semester).
After the university has received and assessed the exchange application, the university sends accepted students an official Letter of Admission (LOA). You will require this letter to get an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or temporary resident visa (TRV). Visit our Immigration documents webpage to view more information on each of these travel documents and steps on how to apply.
What is a study permit?
A study permit is a document that gives you permission to remain in Canada for a temporary period of time for the purpose of studying at designated learning institutions (DLIs) for longer than six months or one academic semester.
Should I apply for a study permit?
Exchange students coming to SELC College for one semester do not require a study permit however it is highly recommended. For students visiting for the maximum length of two semesters, a study permit will be required as follows:
If your initial LOA offers admission for two semesters you must apply before arrival, from outside Canada. You do not need a PAL when applying for a study permit if you are an exchange student studying under an exchange arrangement between your home institution and a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, and you don’t pay tuition fees to the DLI. Students who receive a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada also do not require a PAL under this exemption category.
If you are an SELC exchange student and would like to extend your stay for one more academic semester you will need to apply for an SELC College Inbound Exchange Extension Application, if approved, with a new LOA apply for a Study Permit from inside Canada. You will need to follow the steps for extending a study permit, also called an “Application to change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a student”. If your application is approved, IRCC will give you a study permit. You can start your full study program once you’ve submitted your application and sent proof to SELC.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a study permit for a one semester exchange at SELC
Exchange students coming to SELC College for one semester do not require a study permit however it is highly recommended.
If you have a study permit and you’re registered as a full-time student at a DLI, you may be able to work on-campus or off-campus. If you are able to do so, your study permit will include a condition that says you’re allowed to work while studying.
If you don’t have a study permit, you can’t work while you’re studying in Canada. In this case, you need to apply for a work permit.
If I applied to extend my exchange for another semester, when can I start my studies?
You can start your full study program once you’ve submitted your Study Permit application and sent proof to SELC
If their study permit application is refused, exchange students are required to follow immigration Canada instructions, provided at that time.
On my Study Permit application it is asking for the PAL, what can I do?
You need to provide proof that you meet the exception and therefore does not need to provide a PAL with your study permit application. On your application, use the Client information field under optional documents to provide an explanation and supporting evidence that you meet the exemption.