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Study Permit Process

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Applying for your Study Permit

Visit our Immigration Resources page for the latest on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updates. 


Students who are not Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada need a study permit for programs that are longer than six months.

Study permits are issued by IRCC. Before applying for a study permit at a Canadian visa office you will need a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Langara’s DLI number

Langara’s DLI number is O19319074622 (first character is the letter “O”).

Documents Required

You will need these documents, at a minimum, to apply:

  • Valid passport, at least 6 months before expiry
  • Two passport-size photos with your name and date of birth written on the back
  • Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if applicable
  • Proof of financial support

You may send your application to a local Visa Application Center (VAC) or apply online.

If the Canadian government refuses your application for a study permit, you may request a refund . Additionally, to receive a refund of your $1500 commitment fee, you must submit proof of study permit refusal through this form. Requests must be received no later than seven days after your program’s start date.

Clearing Customs Upon Arrival

Carry your original documents with you when travelling – do not pack originals in checked baggage. You should have the following documents:

If you are arriving at YVR, you may choose to enter your information in the Voluntary Compliance Portal (VC Portal) to reduce your wait time. This information is sent directly to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in order to process and print permits prior to your arrival at YVR airport. To be eligible, YVR must be your first point of entry to Canada, you must have a Letter of Introduction or pre-approved Study Permit application issued by IRCC, and you must submit the information 72 hours prior to arrival.

Major Canadian airports have primary inspection kiosks to confirm your identity and complete an on-screen declaration.  This information can also be submitted in advance using the eDeclaration mobile app.

A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will ask you questions about the purpose of your visit and will verify your documents. Answer all questions accurately. After the interview, you will be directed to the Canada Immigration Office. If you are not directed to the Canada Immigration Office, ask about getting your Study Permit processed. An immigration officer will prepare and print your Study Permit. Be patient and cooperative to help the process.

PLEASE NOTE.
Do not leave the airport or border without your study permit.
Before leaving, verify the information on your study permit is accurate because it is easier to correct any errors before entering Canada. 

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Medical Insurance

International students are required by law to have comprehensive health and accident insurance while staying in BC.

The Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP) is the basic coverage for all residents of BC, including international students. All international students must apply for MSP upon arrival in BC and coverage will commence after a waiting period of approximately 90 days.

To avoid any gaps in coverage, students in Regular Studies Programs who arrive in BC for their first semester of study at Langara College will be enrolled automatically in a temporary medical insurance (guard.me More Enhanced health insurance plan) for the duration of the 90-day mandatory wait period for MSP.

NOTE: guard.me coverage is not the same as MSP coverage. Coverages provided by guard.me include many additional benefits that MSP does not cover. For more information, please refer to the guard.me portal.

Returning Regular Studies students continuing their studies in BC after starting their program outside of Canada will not be automatically enrolled. Returning Regular Studies students can obtain guard.me Canada health insurance by purchasing it through guard.me directly.

Continuing Studies and LEAP students can obtain guard.me Canada health insurance by purchasing it through guard.me directly.

Extended health and dental plans are available for all full-time students who are registered for full-time study and who are members of the Langara Students’ Union.

Visit Health Services for more information.

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