Who Can Use Onshore Admission Services?

Watch: Onshore international admission — quick overview

Onshore admission services are for international applicants who are already physically present in Canada and want to begin, continue or change their studies. Your admission options and your immigration options are related, but they are not the same process.

Current international students looking for a new program

Study permit holders considering a different institution

Work permit holders interested in returning to school

Eligible family members of study or work permit holders

Visitors exploring Canadian education options

Applicants planning graduate or career-focused studies

Important: Being in Canada does not automatically mean you are eligible to apply for a study permit from inside Canada. IRCC allows only certain categories of applicants to apply from within Canada. Your current status and circumstances should be reviewed before deciding how to proceed.

College Admission and a Study Permit Are Two Different Steps

Step 1: Admission

First, you apply to a Canadian college, university or other eligible institution. If accepted, the institution issues a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

Choose a suitable institution and program
Check academic and language requirements
Prepare transcripts and supporting documents
Submit the institutional admission application
Review the offer before accepting it

Step 2: Immigration

An LOA does not itself authorize you to study. If a study permit is required, you must also meet IRCC requirements and use the application process available for your circumstances.

Confirm whether you can apply from within Canada
Obtain a PAL/TAL when required
Prepare proof of financial support
Meet applicable medical and admissibility requirements
Submit the appropriate study permit application

Your Current Status in Canada Matters

Study Permit Holder

If you already hold a study permit and want to change your post-secondary institution, you generally need to apply for a new study permit by extending your current permit before changing DLIs.

Work Permit Holder

A person with a valid work permit may be among those eligible to apply for a study permit from within Canada, but all study permit requirements still need to be met.

Visitor in Canada

Visitor status by itself generally does not make someone eligible to apply for a study permit from within Canada. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the person's circumstances.

Do not assume that admission changes your immigration status. Receiving an offer from a school does not extend your authorized stay, create student status or automatically allow you to begin studying.

Choose the Institution and Program Carefully

Program selection should consider more than admission eligibility. Before accepting an offer, students should understand the institution, program structure, study permit implications and whether the program may meet current Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) requirements.

Confirm the school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Check the specific program, campus and intake

Review PGWP eligibility before enrolling

Check field-of-study requirements where applicable

Review current PGWP language requirements

Consider tuition, location and academic progression

PGWP reminder: Studying at a DLI does not automatically make every program PGWP-eligible. Current PGWP requirements can depend on the type of credential, the program, the date of the study permit application and other factors.

Changing Your College or University in Canada

International students should check the immigration requirements before moving from one post-secondary DLI to another. Under current IRCC rules, students who change post-secondary DLIs generally need to apply for a new study permit by extending their existing permit.

When changing schools, a new PAL/TAL may also be required unless an exemption applies. Students should confirm the requirements that apply to their specific level of study and institution before making the change.

Common Admission Documents

Academic Documents

Previous transcripts and mark sheets
Diplomas, degrees or completion certificates
English or French language results, when required
Resume or CV for programs that request one
Program-specific prerequisites or portfolios

Personal & Status Documents

Passport identification page
Current Canadian immigration document
Study permit, work permit or visitor record, as applicable
Current address and contact information
Other documents required by the institution

Every institution has its own admission requirements. Additional documents may be required depending on the school, credential, program and applicant's academic background.

Our Onshore Admission Process

1

Review Your Profile

Assess your education, current Canadian status, goals and preferred field of study.

2

Shortlist Programs

Compare suitable institutions and programs based on admission and future-planning factors.

3

Prepare Documents

Collect the academic, identity and other documents required for the school application.

4

Submit Admission

Prepare and submit the admission application to the selected institution.

5

Review the Offer

Check the program, campus, tuition, intake and other conditions before accepting the offer.

6

Plan the Next Step

Determine whether a new or extended study permit is required and which application process applies.

Explore Colleges, Universities & Programs

Use our study search tools to explore Canadian institutions and available study programs before deciding which option fits your education and career goals.

Search Colleges & Universities Explore Study Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to a Canadian college while I am already in Canada?

Yes. Being physically present in Canada does not prevent you from applying for admission to a Canadian institution. However, admission and authorization to study are separate matters, so your study permit requirements must also be reviewed.

Can a visitor in Canada apply for a study permit from inside Canada?

Visitor status alone generally does not make a person eligible to apply for a study permit from within Canada. IRCC allows certain categories of people to apply from inside Canada, so the applicant's individual circumstances need to be checked.

I already have a study permit. Can I change colleges?

At the post-secondary level, changing to a different DLI generally requires a new study permit application by extending your current study permit. Additional requirements, including a new PAL/TAL in many cases, may also apply.

Does an admission offer automatically allow me to study?

No. A Letter of Acceptance confirms admission to the institution, but it does not by itself give immigration authorization to study. You must have the required authorization and continue to meet the conditions of your status in Canada.

Should I check PGWP eligibility before accepting a program?

Yes, if post-graduation work authorization is part of your future plan. Not every program at a DLI is PGWP-eligible, and current requirements may include language and field-of-study conditions depending on the credential and application dates.

Do I need a PAL or TAL if I am already in Canada?

It depends on the type of study permit application and whether you qualify for an exemption. For example, some same-DLI, same-level study permit extensions are exempt, while changing schools may require a new PAL/TAL.