Immigration Documents
On January 24, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced updates regarding who is required to include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in their study permit application. SFU 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, are now exempt from the PAL requirement. Exchange students who apply for a study permit are required to provide proof of the PAL exemption they fall under in their application to IRCC. If you have any questions, contact a SFU International 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 Simon Fraser University. Please read below for more information about the Canadian immigration documents that you will need to study at SFU 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 SFU for a one-term exchange
In accordance with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines, if you are here for one term or less as an exchange student, you may enter Canada as a visitor and study at SFU 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 IRCC website.
Alternatively, you may apply for a study permit, even though one is not required to study at SFU for one term. Please see the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for more information.
If you will come to SFU for a two or three-term exchange
If you will be studying at SFU for more than 6 months, you must apply for, and be approved for, a study permit before you can begin your studies.
If you require a temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTA 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 Government of Canada website. 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
Travel to Canada: Visa Considerations
If you plan to visit or transit through another country en route to Canada
You should check with that country’s Embassy/Consulate to find out which documents you and your accompanying family members will need to enter and/or transit through on your way to Canada. Make sure you apply well in advance!
Planning to transit through the United States?
You may require a visa to transit through the United States on your way to Canada. Before you book your flight to Canada, you should ensure that you have the proper documents. Check with the United States Embassy or Consulate closest to you. You can also find information about U.S. visa requirements on the U.S. Department of State website.