HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN CANADA
On June 24, 2025, IRCC provided regarding international high school students transitioning to post-secondary studies. Eligible high school students may begin their studies at SFU while their study permit extension application is being processed by IRCC. Read below for more details on eligibility requirements.
July 4, 2025 Update
Check your Eligibility
If you meet the following criteria, you may start studying at SFU while waiting for your study permit approval:
- You are an international student currently completing or having completed high school in Canada; and
- You submitted your SFU study permit application before your current study permit expired.
For further information, please review IRCC's webpage and scroll down to "If you’re moving from secondary to post-secondary levels".
If you have not applied for your SFU study permit:
Please do so as soon as possible as can vary and fluctuate.
- For information about applying for a SFU study permit within Canada by extending your current one, review our  (under the heading "Visas and Study Permits").
- For tips and information about applying for a study permit from outside Canada, visit  .
When to apply
As soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance (also referred to an 'offer letter') and valid Provincial Attestation Letter (unless ) from SFU, you should apply for a new study permit. When applying, you must also include a letter of explanation addressing your plan to study at SFU to pursue your undergraduate degree, in addition to the required documents.
How to apply
If you are currently in Canada, you should apply for a new SFU study permit by exending your current one as soon as you while having a valid study permit. See our News and Updates and our instruction guide, Study Permit Extension - Incoming/New students in Canada for details.
Your study permit may become invalid in the following ways, whichever comes first:
- The date marked on the permit
- If you finish your highschool studies earlier than your study permit expiry date, 90 days after you complete your studies, regardless of the expiry date that is shown on your study permit.
- the day you are no longer enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution that is named on your study permit (other than as a result of completing your studies).
If you are outside Canada or have plans to travel outside of North America before beginning your classes, ensure your temporary resident visa or (if required) is also valid. If you plan to re-enter Canada after your study permit becomes invalid, we advise speaking with an SFU International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist prior to your departure.