Study permits

Study permit processing times can vary widely, ranging from a few weeks to several months. To ensure a smooth start to your studies in Canada, we strongly recommend applying for your study permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from Coast Mountain College (CMTN).

Important Note on Study Permits

Study permits are issued at the discretion of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). CMTN cannot guarantee the approval of permits. We encourage students to review IRCC guidelines carefully and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

Click here to start with your Canadian study permit application.

Note that you will need your official Letter of Acceptance, not the conditional qualified admission letter, to apply for a study permit.

In most cases, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada, and in some cases, people can apply upon arrival in a Canadian port of entry. Make sure you understand which option is available to you.

Documents required for study permit application

Proof of AcceptanceYour designated learning institution (DLI) must issue a Letter of Acceptance, pending completion of your college application requirements. Include either the original or electronic copy of this letter in your application.
*new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)Obtain a PAL from the province or territory where you intend to study. For CMTN, this will be the province of British Columbia. Your PAL will be given to you by CMTN along with your Letter of Acceptance. This letter should be dated after January 22, 2024.
Other DocumentsSubmit as many of the required documents as possible to ensure a complete application. Click here to review the full list.
Letter of Explanation (if applicable)If any documents are missing due to COVID-19, provide a letter explaining the circumstances.

Your application is subject to IRCC discretion. You are responsible for the timely submission and completion of documents, which can avoid processing delays.

 

If your study permit application has been approved after applying from outside Canada

You will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction issued by IRCC, which confirms your permission to study in Canada. Note that this letter is not your actual study permit.

IRCC will also send you either an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa (TRV) if you require it. Students from certain countries need either an eTA or a TRV to enter Canada. Click here to find out if this applies to you.

  • If you live in a country that requires you to have an eTA, the POE Letter of Introduction will contain relevant information about it. Your eTA will be linked to your passport and remains valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Remember to travel with the passport you used during your study permit application.
  • If you live in a country that requires for you to have a TRV to enter Canada, the visa will be stamped directly onto your passport. It will indicate whether you can enter Canada once or multiple times. You must arrive in Canada before the visa's expiration date.

Present your POE Letter of Introduction upon arrival to a Border Services officer.

Remember to adhere to these guidelines to facilitate a smooth entry into Canada!  

Study permit approval

POE Letter of Introduction Submission
Once you receive your POE Letter of Introduction, you must send a scanned copy to CMTN at international@coastmountaincollege.ca. This will initiate the process of registering you for your first-term courses. Without this letter, the registration process cannot proceed.

Important Note for New International Students
For students starting their first term, course registration can only be completed with the assistance of the International Advising Team. You will not be able to register online independently. Be sure to email a copy of your POE Letter of Introduction to the International Advising Team promptly upon receipt to ensure your registration is processed smoothly.

Study permit delays & refusals

If your study permit is denied or there is a delay in processing, you must inform CMTN on what to do with your application. 

Study Permit Refusals

Study Permit Delays

  • You may request a full refund on your deposit, less an administration processing fee.
  • Refund requests will be administered to the origin of payment, and no cheques will be issued.
  • Applicants are required to complete the Refund or Program Deferral form and email this along with the IRCC Rejection Letter to admissions@coastmountaincollege.ca.


  • If your permit or travel is delayed, you may choose to defer your application to the next term or intake and your deposit will be held. International students may defer up to three (3) academic terms (the equivalent of one [1] calendar year). Students must notify the college before the beginning of class.
  • Refer to Page 3 of the Refund or Program Deferral form to learn how to submit a deferral request correctly. Email the completed form to admissions@coastmountaincollege.ca. 
  • Deferrals are subject to program availability and require approval from the Dean and Registrar’s Office.
  • If official documentation is not provided within four (4) months of the program start date the deposit is forfeited, and no deferral or refund will be available. 

 

If you wish to either refund or defer, please ensure you read carefully the CMTN Procedures for Payment and Refund Policy.

 

Additional resources

  • Consider applying for a US Visitor Visa while in your home country if you are thinking about travelling to the United States of America during your studies.
  • Explore how to stay in Canada following your program with a Post-Graduation Work Permit.