US STUDENTS: APPLY AT PORT OF ENTRY
On November 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced several changes to the International Student Program for 2026:
- PAL Exemption: Starting January 1, 2026, incoming graduate students (Master’s or PhD) studying/attending at public institutions will be Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) exempt. Further details are available on IRCC's graduate student website. Applications submitted before January 1, 2026, must still include a valid PAL. Learn how to receive your SFU PAL.
- Faster Processing for Doctoral Students: PhD students and their accompanying family members applying from outside of Canada may qualify for expedited study permit processing, if they apply within the same application. Applications may still be subject to background checks, which may delay processing times.
- 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: IRCC has set a target of 155,000 new international student arrivals for 2026. This target applies to study permit applications made from outside Canada and does not include study permit extensions or in-Canada applications. Learn more about the 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap here.
- Life as a Graduate Student: Prepare yourself for life in Canada by learning about housing options, study costs, employment opportunities, and more.
We encourage students to monitor IRCC’s website for the most up-to-date information and will update our News and Updates page as additional details become available.
You can apply for a study permit online via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Visit Study Permit and immigration documents application for more information.
Who is eligible
If you meet one of the following categories, you also have the option of submitting your study permit application upon your arrival at a Canadian Port of Entry (e.g., your airport of arrival or land crossing into Canada):
- a citizen or permanent resident of the United States (US)
- someone who has lawfully been admitted to the US for permanent residence
- a resident of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon
Application at the port of entry
Starting January 22, 2025, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for most study permit applications with some exceptions.
i For the most current, up-to-date information about who requires a PAL, and who does not, visit the IRCC website. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for common PAL-related questions. If you are unsure whether you need a PAL to apply for a study permit, please contact a SFU International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
If a PAL is required for a study permit application, you will need to carry it with you (along with all required documents) if you intend to apply for a study permit at the port of entry.
What to prepare
Fill out the IRCC application form in advance and prepare the required documentation to present upon arrival. Documents that you will need include:
- proof of citizenship
- a secondary piece of official identification
- your official letter of acceptance (also known as an admission letter or admission offer) from SFU
- the application fee
- proof of sufficient funds
- provincial attestation letter (PAL) unless exempted
Visit the IRCC website for more information about making a study permit application upon entering Canada.
If you are not a US citizen, in most cases you will be required to give your biometrics upon arrival at the port of entry to Canada when making your study permit application. Visit the IRCC website to find out if you will need to give your biometrics.
When you arrive at the port of entry
Tell the officer that you would like to apply for a study permit. The officer will check
- your passport or other travel document
- that you meet the eligibility requirements and
- that your medical certificate is valid, if you need one
Exchange Students
Note: Exchange students (students who are studying under an exchange arrangement between SFU and their home institution, and who pay tuition to their home institution), and students applying for study permits in the preschool, primary, and secondary levels are a few of those who are exempted from this requirement.
If you determine that you are PAL exempt, you will need to provide proof of the PAL exemption you fall under in your study permit application. Ensure you upload the document(s) under the "Proof of Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) Exception" section in your IRCC secure account. If you have any questions about this, contact a SFU International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.