After you apply
On this page
You give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Once you pay your fees (including your biometrics fee) and submit your application, we’ll send you a letter that says you need to give your biometrics.
The letter will tell you how and where to do this. You need to
- bring this letter when you give your biometrics
- bring your valid passport
You have up to 30 days to give your biometrics in person.
If you need help with providing your biometrics or sending us your passport, you can visit the nearest visa application centre.
If you didn’t pay the biometrics fee
We’ll send you a letter asking you to do this first. You will only get the instruction letter if you pay the biometrics fee.
We process your study permit application
After we get your biometrics, we can process your study permit application.
Post-secondary students
Your school will be asked to make sure your letter of acceptance is valid.
If your school does not respond by the deadline, we’ll return your application and refund your processing fee. Confirm with your school that they will validate your letter of acceptance before resubmitting your application.
If we approve your application
We’ll send you
- a port of entry letter of introduction
- This isn’t your study permit.
- You need to show this letter to the officer when you arrive in Canada.
- an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor (temporary resident) visa, depending on which you need to enter Canada
If you need an eTA
Your letter of introduction will have information about it. Your eTA will be electronically linked to your passport and will be valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Make sure you travel with the passport you used to apply.
If you need a visitor visa
We’ll ask you to send your passport to the nearest visa office so we can attach your visa to it. Your visa will be in your passport and will indicate if you can enter Canada once or multiple times. You must enter Canada before your visa expires.
Getting your study permit
When you arrive at the port of entry, a border officer will make sure you meet the requirements to enter Canada.
If there are no problems, the officer will then print your study permit and give it to you. Make sure you have all the documents you need to enter Canada with you.
How long your study permit is valid
Your study permit is normally valid until the end of your school program.
However, if your passport expires before the end of your study program, your permit will only be valid until your passport expiry date. If this happens, you’ll need to apply to extend your study permit once you have a new passport.
If you have questions or there’s a mistake on your study permit, ask the officer before you leave.
If we refuse your application
We’ll send you a letter explaining why you were refused.
If you still want to study in Canada, you can check if you’re eligible to apply through the regular study permit process.
If you want to change your school or program
You may be able to change your school or program. Find out what you need to do.
To stay in the pilot, you must
- attend another school that is participating in the pilot and
- continue to meet the requirements for the FMCSP and
- let us know about your program/school changes and inform your new DLI that you came to Canada through the FMCSP
Coming to Canada
As a participant of this pilot, you’ll have access to services to help you settle in Canada.
You can
- contact your school to find out about the services they offer
- get help before arriving in Canada through Connexions francophones (in French only)
- find free services near your school
- find out if the city you’re studying in is one of our Welcoming Francophone Communities
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