Get Your Study Permit
Applying for a study permit is an important part of coming from abroad to study in Canada. Learn about how to apply for the study permit and the right documents you may need. As soon as you accept your UTM offer, you can book an appointment with our Immigration Advisor to get help with your study permit and visa applications at no additional cost. Make sure to apply early! More information about study permits has been included below.
Canadian Study Permit
To study in Canada at the university level, you must always have a valid study permit. You may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Applying for your study permit early will ensure that you can:
- Receive your permit on time. Given current processing times, early applications are more likely to be processed before September.
- Get your TCard upon arrival and access all UTM services available to you.
- Maintain eligibility for other immigration-related permits you may choose to get in the future, such as the post-graduation work permit.
Applying for Your Study Permit
- You will receive your University of Toronto offer letter in a congratulatory email from U of T Enrolment Services. After you receive this email, you will have access to it via PDF on the JOIN U of T Applicant Website.
- As soon as you accept your offer of admission, please apply for your study permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada webpage for study permit applications.
- Find out what next steps you may need after you apply. Once your application is approved, you will receive an introduction letter from the visa office.
- Arrive in Canada with:
- Your passport with valid TRV or eTA
- Your introduction letter from the visa office
- Your University of Toronto Mississauga offer letter
- Any additional travel documentation required at the time
- Proof of funds
- Proof of valid immigration medical examination (if required)
- Your study permit will be issued at the border. Note: If you apply for the study permit from within Canada, it will be sent to you by mail.
Before You Arrive
IMPORTANT: Check the Government of Canada COVID-19 page and the COVID-19 Information for University of Toronto Students page for the most up-to-date information on travel and entry requirements, documentation, processes, and services for international students. Contact the International Education Centre should you have any additional questions or require support.
Transportation from the Airport
Decide on the type of transportation service that best suits your needs.
Mississauga Transit (MiWay) – Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes for $4 (cash).
- For more information about accessing MiWay, please visit here.
- *Please note that you will need exact change to pay the bus fare and while it might be the most cost-effective mode of transportation, it is not recommended for your first arrival based on your luggage and lack of familiarity with the area.
Taxi Services – Approximately 35 minutes, $35-$50
- For more information on accessing airport taxi services, please visit here.
- *Please note that the time estimates are based on travel time without traffic and the costs vary depending on the taxi service
Start Packing
Aside from packing the essentials – clothing, toiletries, school supplies etc. – there are some important items to make sure you have packed before you leave for Canada:
- Money – pack enough Canadian cash for immediate expenses including, but not limited to, food and transportation
- Seasonal clothing – pack clothing that will be appropriate for the Canadian climate when you get off the plane
- Immigration documents – this is very important! Be sure you have paper AND electronic copies of important documents
- Prescription drugs – if needed
- Medical records – recommended in case you need them
- Your U of T offer of admission letter
- Covid-19 requirements: masks, hand sanitizer, etc. Don't forget to complete the ArriveCAN travel information before you board your flight
When You Arrive
Visit the U of T Welcome Booth
When you land at Toronto Pearson International Airport in August or September, our welcome booth and friendly staff will be there to greet you. After you collect your baggage, visit the U of T welcome booth in either Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 international arrivals.
Open a Bank Account
There are many banks close to the UTM campus – Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada, TD Canada Trust, and Scotia Bank. Once you arrive, research the products and services offered by different banks to determine which bank is right for you. Some things to consider before choosing to open a bank account:
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What type of accounts do I need? Chequing or savings account?
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Can I access my banking information online?
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Am I able to send money to, and receive money from, my home country?
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Are there monthly fees or service charges?
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Do certain banks offer student discounts?
The Government of Canada provides additional information on opening a bank account.
Set up a Cell Phone Plan
- Number of minutes needed
- Long distance/international calling fees
- Amount of data
- Contract length
- Cancellation options
- Hidden fees or overage fees
If you already have a phone you may be able to select a plan, get a new SIM card and continue to use your phone.
Health Insurance Card
- Ensure you are familiar with your University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and its coverage details.
- Learn more about obtaining your UHIP card as a UTM student.
- Have a copy of your card with you when you arrive.
- Get to know where there are preferred providers in case you need medical attention.
- Carry your UHIP card with you at all times.
Ontario Photo Card
If you are uncomfortable carrying around your passport as photo identification within Canada, you may wish to apply for an Ontario Photo Card at a Service Ontario Centre. This government-issued identification makes it easier for those that do not have a driver’s license to do things such as open a bank account, and perform any other activities that require official identification.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You can apply for SIN in-person at a Service Canada office or online. Make sure to have the following documents:
- A study permit that states you “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada. If this information is missing, please contact the International Education Centre.
- A valid passport.
- Other documents as requested once you fill out this online questionnaire.
Get Help
For More Information
This entire website is dedicated to new student topics, all of which are relevant to international students as well. Course enrolment, paying fees, health insurance for international students and more are located on various pages across the site. Please visit the other pages to ensure that you complete all of the necessary steps before classes begin.
Look for the
icon throughout the website, indicating additional information specifically for international students!
The International Education Centre website is another valuable resource for international students that contains essential pre-arrival information and everything you need to know about having a successful year in Canada. Click here to view more Pre-Arrival Information.
Getting Your Questions Answered
The International Education Centre is here to help you connect with other students, internationalize your experience, and join a cross-cultural community at the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Contact us if you have any questions about immigration, UHIP, life in Canada, study abroad, or anything else!
International Education Centre
Room 2091A-E, Davis Building
Find us! map.utoronto.ca/utm
905-569-4716
international.utm@utoronto.ca
