Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Study permit → PGWP → PRStudy in CanadaStep 8 of 13

BlockedAt the port of entry · RequiredYou are here

8. Collect the permit at the border

A border services officer issues the actual study permit when you arrive.

Waiting on: Decision

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 8 of 13 · RequiredClose

Collect the permit at the border

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepStudy permitcanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

A border services officer issues the actual study permit when you arrive. Check it before you leave the counter. The school, the level of study, the expiry date and any work conditions printed on it are what you're bound by.

Why it's required: The permit has to carry the condition allowing off-campus work, or you can't do it. Fixing that later is far harder than fixing it at the counter.

Issued atThe borderThe permit is printed on arrival, not sent to you beforehand.

Check forWork conditionsOff-campus work must be written on the permit to be allowed.

Documents you'll need

The port of entry letter of introduction
Your passport, and visa or eTA if you needed one
Letter of acceptance, PAL or TAL, and proof of funds

Before this step

BlockedDecision

Finishing this unlocks: Keep full-time status every semester, Work while you study