Canada is a popular destination for foreign nationals. If you are a foreign national and want to study in Canada, you will need a Study Permit. The way you can apply for a Study Permit depends on whether you are applying from inside Canada, outside Canada, or at the port of entry (POE). Now, you may want to ask about whether an Enrollment Letter is required by Immigration Officers at the Port of Entry (POE) for issuing a Study Permit? Let’s find the information by reading this entire text.
What is a Study Permit?
A Study Permit is a document allowing you to study in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). To be able to study in Canada, most foreign nationals need a Study Permit. Before applying for a Study Permit, make sure you collect all required documents. And, you must apply before traveling to Canada. For your information, since January 22, 2024, most students must include a Provincial Letter of Attestation (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application. If you apply without a Provincial Letter of Attestation (PAL), then your application will be returned with a fee.
What is the Port of Entry (POE)?
You will arrive at the Port of Entry (POE) when you arrive in Canada. A Port of Entry (POE) is a place chosen by the Government of Canada as the entry point into Canada. Usually the Port of Entry (POE) you go through will be the first land crossing you stop at in Canada. At the Port of Entry (POE), you will undergo ‘screening.’ Usually, the screening will be done by a Border Services Officer (BSO) who is an employee of the Government of Canada’s Canada Border Services Agency. The officer will ask you to show identification documents. Also, the officer will ask you to answer questions and provide some personal information to determine whether or not you are eligible to enter Canada. Before you leave the Port of Entry (POE), make sure you have received the stamp in your passport. If you have not received a stamp in your passport, ask a Border Services Officer (BSO) to put a stamp in your passport.
How to Apply a Study Permit from the Port of Entry (POE)?
If you want to apply a Study Permit from the Port of Entry (POE), make sure that you are one of the following:
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- United States’ citizen
- United States’ permanent resident
- An individual who has been admitted to the US as a permanent resident.
- A resident of Greenland
- A resident of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
If you are a permanent resident of the United States and want to apply for a Study Permit at an airport, make sure you get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you board your flight to Canada. When you arrive at the Port of Entry (POE), you can tell the officer that you want a Study Permit. Then, the officer will conduct a check of your passport or other travel documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. If required, the officer will also check that your medical certificate is valid.
After the examination, the officer will decide whether you are eligible for a Study Permit or not. If you are eligible for a Study Permit, the officer will grant you a study permit. However, if you are not eligible, don’t expect to get a Study Permit. If the officer refuses your request, then you can enter Canada as a visitor.
Does the Immigration Officer at the Port of Entry (POE) Need your Enrollment Letter to Issue a Study Permit?
When you apply for a Study Permit from the Port of Entry (POE), the Immigration Officer will conduct a variety of the inspection. Make sure you bring all the documents and copies of correspondence with your school including the enrollment letter. Without an enrollment letter, the Immigration officers will not be able to know that you have been accepted to the school. So the enrollment letter is also one of the letters that you must show to the Immigration officer.
Read also: How to get a POE Letter
If the Immigration officer approves you for a Study Permit, immediately submit your passport for a visa. You will receive a decision letter from IRCC informing you that your study permit will be issued at the Port of Entry (POE). The letter will inform you what date you should arrive and bring your supporting documents. Make sure you have a decision letter from IRCC (officially called a Port of Entry Cover Letter), a Letter of Acceptance from your DLI and proof of your current funds which states that you can afford to pay for your studies and your living expenses. After that, the border officer will issue you a Study Permit. Finally, you have a Study Permit.
What Does the Immigration Officer Check During Providing a Study Permit?
During providing a Study Permit, the immigration officers will review some factors to determine your eligibility, including:
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- Acceptance Letter
The immigration officers will conduct checks on you to ensure that you have been accepted into a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
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- Academic Qualifications
As an applicant, you must provide evidence of your academic qualification, including transcripts and diplomas, to show that you meet the admission requirements for your chosen program.
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- Financial Resources
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses, tuition fees, and other related costs during your studies in Canada.
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- Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate proficiency in the language of two of Canada’s official languages, namely English or French.
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- Purpose of Visit
As an applicant, you must demonstrate that you intend to study in Canada for the duration of your program. And, you must also show that you plan to return to your home country after your studies are completed.
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- Health and Security
The immigration officers will conduct background checks on your health and security to ensure that you will not pose a risk to Canadian society. Also, the officer ensures that you will not require excessive use of the Canadian healthcare system.
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- Compliance with Immigration Law
You must have a clean immigration history. And, make sure that you will comply with all Canadian immigration laws while studying in the country.
When granting a study permit to Canada, the immigration officer will consider several factors to ensure that you are eligible, qualified, and will comply with Canadian immigration law.
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