Frequently Asked Questions

A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is a document issued by the province of Ontario that must be included with most study permit applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) from January 22, 2024 (some exemptions apply). Any study permit application received by IRCC on or after January 22, 2024, that does not include a PAL will be returned and refunded.

The PAL confirms that you have a space to study at Seneca in Ontario. It will include your full name, date of birth, address and program information.

For new students applying to Seneca:

It is recommended that you apply to your programs of interest as soon as you can, as spaces fill up quickly.

Once accepted to Seneca, you will need to pay a minimum $2,000 tuition deposit to confirm your seat so that Seneca can request a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the Ontario government on your behalf. Once Seneca has your approved PAL from the Ontario government, we will email it to you with your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). The timeline for receiving your LOA and PAL is dependent on when your PAL is released by the Ontario government.

After submitting your study permit application to IRCC, please be sure to update your study permit application status in Student Home. Follow this tip sheet for step-by-step guidance.

For recently admitted students or current students:

If you did not receive a PAL with your Letter of Acceptance, or if your previously issued PAL has expired, you can request a PAL valid until December 31, 2025 by emailing theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca with the subject line “PAL Request”. Note that as of Jan 22, 2025, a minimum $2,000 tuition deposit is required in order to receive a PAL.

A PAL may be used in a study permit application at any time before the expiry date indicated. The PAL may only be used once. Your PAL is not tied to a specific intake, you may use it to apply for your study permit until it expires, even if you defer to a later semester.

The expiry date is indicated on the PAL. Your PAL only needs to be valid at the time you submit your application to IRCC. A PAL may only be used once, if your application is rejected by IRCC, a new PAL is required to reapply.

If you received a PAL from Seneca and it has expired, contact theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca with the subject line “Expired PAL” to learn how to receive a new PAL valid through 2025.

You must apply to IRCC for a study permit with a PAL and LOA from Seneca. This PAL will be emailed to you along with your LOA. You cannot use documents issued by another province or DLI.

As of January 22, 2025, a new PAL is required to reapply to IRCC after a refusal.

Your study permit application to IRCC must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the Ontario government. We encourage you to take the following steps to secure your seat at Seneca and apply for your study permit:

1. Confirm your offer of admission
2. Pay your $2000 tuition deposit by the due date on your Fee Notice
3. Download your payment receipt
4. Prepare all other documents required for your study permit application
5. Seneca will request a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for you from the Ontario government
6. Once Seneca receives your approved PAL from the Ontario government, we will email it to you with your Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
7. You can then apply for your study permit to IRCC; your application must include your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), PAL and payment receipt, along with all other documents required for the application. Learn more about how to apply for a study permit on MySeneca

Please wait for IRCC’s response to your study permit application. No further action is required until you receive a decision. If your study permit application is approved by IRCC, you can begin planning for your start at Seneca.

You do not need a PAL when applying for a study permit if you are an exchange student, a refugee or protected person, a current student applying for a study permit extension for the same DLI and same level of study, or if you are eligible for certain permanent residence programs. A complete list of PAL exempt groups can be found on the IRCC website.

As a result of the September 18, 2024 IRCC announcement, prospective students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, will be eligible for a PGWP as long as you can meet the minimum language proficiency now required by IRCC, which is a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 (CLB5) for college graduates.

If you apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, your eligibility for a PGWP will be dependent on your program of study and meeting the minimum language proficiency now required by the government (CLB5 for college graduates).

Students who receive a refusal from IRCC may be eligible to request a refund or deferral to start your studies in a future term (administrative fees may apply). Students must include a copy of their IRCC denial notification with the request for deferral or refund. The request must be made within 14 days from the date noted on the study permit refusal notice. Visit the Change of Plans website for more details.

If you plan to defer your admissions and reapply to IRCC, a new PAL will be required. Contact theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca with the subject line “PAL Request” to request a new PAL.

Yes. If you receive a new LOA following a program change you must provide this document to IRCC via webform to update your pending study permit application.

International students in Canada with a valid study permit who are enrolled in a full-time academic program may work on campus, or off campus up to 24 hours per week as of November 8, 2024 (and full-time during school breaks).  For more information, please refer to IRCC.

International students may change or transfer institutions during their studies in Canada.  To study at college or university in Canada and receive a study permit, you must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).  Seneca is a DLI (O19395536013).

If you have a study permit application in progress for another institution and have received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Seneca, you may submit the new LOA to IRCC via webform to update your pending application.

International students already in Canada with a valid study permit who changed their DLI before November 8, 2024 were able to submit a DLI change in their IRCC account.  As of November 8, 2024, international students must study at the DLI named on their study permit. When changing schools, in most cases it is required to apply for a new study permit before starting classes at the new DLI if you are:

• changing from another post-secondary institution
• transitioning from secondary to post-secondary level
• transitioning from an English language pathway to Seneca

In addition, if you are in a program with a co-op, you must apply for a new co-op work permit.

When you apply for your new study permit, you must include a letter explaining why you are changing schools. It is recommended to plan ahead and obtain your new study permit before completing your studies at the previous school so that you do not lose status in Canada while waiting for the new study permit. You may only begin studying at the new DLI while waiting for your new study permit if you:

• Have been accepted to study at Seneca for the January 2025 semester;
• Have applied for a study permit extension;
• Have a valid study permit that does not have a specific DLI name printed on it; and
• Meet all existing study permit conditions

Or, if you have stayed in Canada since receiving your LOA from the new DLI, continue to meet the conditions of your previous study permit, and before completing your studies your previous DLI:

• Closed
• Was suspended
• Lost its DLI status, or
• Discontinued your program

For more information, refer to IRCC.

(updated January 31, 2025)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream closed on November 8, 2024. Study permit applications will now be processed via the regular stream only and are subject to the regular stream requirements and processing times. For more information on this closure please refer to IRCC.

No administrative fees are applied for withdrawals resulting from IRCC changes to PGWP eligibility. For more information about withdrawals and refunds, please review our Change of Plans page.

As a result of the September 18, 2024 IRCC announcement, you will be required to submit proof of English or French language proficiency (CLB5 for college graduates) if you apply for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024.

Recent graduates who applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, will not be impacted by this new requirement.

For steps and instructions on how to apply from inside Canada, view the PGWP application (in Canada) guide.

For current students with a valid study permit or those who applied for a study permit prior to November 1, 2024, full-time academic programs across all Seneca campuses — including programs for INSCOL are eligible for a PGWP as long as you meet the minimum language proficiency now required by the government, which is a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 (CLB5) for college graduates.

The duration of the PGWP is determined by the length of program you are taking:

• graduates of a PGWP eligible program that is at least two years in length, are eligible for a PGWP of up to three years

• graduates of a bundled graduate certificate are eligible for a PGWP of up to three years

If you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, eligibility for a PGWP will depend on your program of study and meeting the minimum language proficiency now required by the government (CLB5 for college graduates). If you require a study permit extension on or after November 1, 2024 to begin a new program, your new program must also meet the field of study requirement. IRCC has published a list of programs with a field of study requirement. You can view the list of Seneca programs that are PGWP-eligible. This list will continue to be updated. If you require a study permit extension on or after Nov. 1, 2024 for the same program indicated in your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), you will remain eligible for a PGWP even if your program does not meet the field of study requirement. This includes if you apply to the Work Integrated Learning Stream of your original program.

For advisement on PGWP eligibility, connect with an immigration specialist by contacting theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca or current students can book an appointment by logging in to The Service Hub and visiting the My Services tab.

Visit the IRCC website for more details.

As a result of the September 18, 2024 IRCC announcement, if you are a prospective student who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, you will be eligible for a PGWP as long as you can meet the minimum language proficiency now required by IRCC, which is a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 (CLB5) for college graduates.

If you apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, your eligibility for a PGWP will be dependent on your program of study and meeting the minimum language proficiency now required by the government (CLB5 for college graduates). If you require a study permit extension on or after November 1, 2024 to begin a new program, your new program must also meet the field of study requirement. IRCC has published a list of programs with a field of study requirement. You can view the list of Seneca programs that are PGWP-eligible. This list will continue to be updated. If you require a study permit extension on or after Nov. 1, 2024 for the same program indicated in your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), you will remain eligible for a PGWP even if your program does not meet the field of study requirement.

Visit the IRCC website for more details.

To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) for the full duration, you must:

• be in Canada for the complete duration of your studies from September 1, 2024 onwards
• attend at least 50 per cent of your program in class and meet all other PGWP requirements. In class options include in-person, hybrid, and flexible courses. For flexible courses, you must plan to attend your class on campus

Time spent studying outside of Canada from September 1, 2024 onwards will be deducted from the length of your PGWP.

Program and course delivery information for each program is available on program pages. If your courses were moved online due to the pandemic, the time you spend studying online from within Canada until September 1, 2024, still counts toward the length of your PGWP.

When possible, select courses that have an in-class component (e.g. in-person, hybrid or flexible). If your courses are only available online, the time you spend studying in Canada will still count towards the length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) provided it accounts for no more than 50 per cent of your studies.

Check the PGWP eligibility updates for more details on IRCC requirements before confirming your schedule.

If you have questions around PGWP eligibility, connect with an immigration specialist by contacting theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca with your question.

Time away from Canada during the holiday closure, study week or non-academic terms (if your program has a scheduled break), would typically not be deducted from the length of your PGWP. Any time outside of Canada taken during your academic term, may pose a risk of the time being deducted from the length of your PGWP after August 31, 2024. Check the PGWP eligibility updates for more details on IRCC requirements. If you have questions around PGWP eligibility, connect with an immigration specialist by contacting theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca with your question.

IRCC has published a list of programs with a field of study requirement. You can view the list of Seneca programs that are PGWP-eligible. This list will continue to be updated.

If you are starting in a future term and would like to explore other program options, please connect with The Service Hub by emailing theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca. There is no fee to request a program change.

Yes. IRCC will assess if the program is eligible for PGWP at the time of study permit or PGWP application. If on the list at either time, it will be eligible. You can view the list of  Seneca programs that are PGWP-eligible.

Yes, Seneca is agile and innovative with program offerings. New programs are added regularly and available seats are added to programs with increased demand where resources allow.

IRCC has published a list of programs with a field of study requirement. You can view the list of Seneca programs that are PGWP-eligible. This list will continue to be updated.

Visit the IRCC website for more details.

If you have a study permit or applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024 both programs will count toward the duration of PGWP.

If you apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, both programs must be PGWP eligible to receive a work permit based on two years of study. If only one program is eligible, the work permit will be issued based on the duration of the eligible program only.

Effective January 21, 2025

Only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will be able to apply for a family or spouse open work permit. These permits will be limited to spouses of international students who are enrolled in:

• master’s programs that are 16 months or longer
• doctoral programs, or
• select professional and eligible programs

Prior to January 21, 2025

Your spouse or common-law partner’s eligibility for an open work permit depended on when you applied for their permit.

If your spouse or common-law partner applied for a spouse open work permit before March 19, 2024 they may be eligible for an open work permit if you meet these three requirements:

• You have a valid study permit
• You are eligible for a post-graduation work permit
• You are registered as a full-time student at Seneca

If your spouse or common-law partner applied for an open work permit between March 19, 2024 and January 21, 2025, they may be eligible to apply for a spouse open work permit only if you have a valid study permit and you are:

• studying in a master’s or doctoral degree program at a university or polytechnic institution, or
• completing one of the following professional degree programs at a university:
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
  • Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  • Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
  • Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
  • Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

Note that Seneca degree programs are no longer eligible for the spouse open work permit. If your spouse is not eligible for a spouse open work permit, they may be eligible for another type of work permit.

Learn more at the IRCC website or connect with an immigration specialist  by contacting the The Service Hub.

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to extend their existing open work permit until the end of your study period if you meet these three requirements:

• You have a valid study permit
• You are eligible for a post-graduation work permit
• You are a full-time student at Seneca.

Learn more at the IRCC website or connect with an immigration specialist by contacting the The Service Hub.

Effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will be able to apply for a family or spouse open work permit. As a PGWP applicant (or PGWP holder), your spouse will be eligible if you are employed in a:

• TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or
• select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages or linked to government priorities. These include occupations in the natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports and military sectors. The full list will be available on January 21, 2025.

In addition, you must have at least 16 months validity on your work permit at the time when your spouse applies for their open work permit. To meet this requirement, you must graduate from a program of 16 months or longer and meet all “in-class” study requirements to ensure you receive the full duration of PGWP.

If your spouse is not eligible for a spouse open work permit, they may be eligible for another type of work permit.

(updated Jan 17, 2025)

As an international student enrolled in a full-time program at Seneca, you have mandatory health insurance included in your ancillary fees. It is provided by Morcare.

Learn more about your health insurance coverage on the Seneca International Health Insurance webpage. View an on-demand Morcare session to help you navigate your coverage, learn how to access your student medical card, add family dependents, avoid upfront costs when visiting medical facilities, submit health claims and much more.

For students starting their studies in the September 2024 Term, your insurance coverage period is September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

International students can get their flu vaccine directly through Toronto Public Health at no cost. Students must schedule an appointment at their preferred location and should book early to guarantee a spot. Learn more about the flu vaccine.

Please scan or send a photo of all required documents to theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca. Be sure to include your Seneca ID number or application number in all your emails to avoid any delays in processing your application.

If you are an international applicant, your offer of admission will always be sent to the email address you used when applying. Seneca will only communicate via email and will never mail a physical, paper copy of your offer of admission.

If you are using an educational agent to apply to Seneca, make sure that your representative is registered with Seneca and that you always have direct access to email communications with Seneca at all times. Learn more about using an educational agent.

If you have any questions or concerns about the authenticity of your offer of admission, contact The Service Hub at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca using the email address you used when applying and attach a copy of the offer of admission you received.

Seneca accepts several English proficiency tests. Some of these are offered online and include at-home options including TOEFL iBT and Duolingo. Applicants from some English-speaking countries are exempt from submitting English Language Proficiency test scores. View the complete list of exempt countries. You can also learn more about our English proficiency requirements.

To check requirements for your program, visit the Seneca’s English Requirements page.

If you apply to a full-time program at Seneca through our International Web Application before December 31, 2025, you will first have to pay a $90 CAD fee at the time of your application, which will later be reimbursed after you've been accepted and have paid your tuition deposit. This $90 CAD amount will be deposited to your Student Home account.

Seneca requires that all the important information about your travel plans be provided using the Seneca MOBILE app.

• Download Seneca MOBILE on Google Play
• Download Seneca MOBILE on Apple App Store

This information allows us to support your arrival and transition to Canada and to book your complimentary airport pick-up.

To submit your request, open the Seneca MOBILE app and scroll to “International Students” to submit your travel form.

For more details visit the airport pick-up webpage.

Seneca provides transportation from the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) to your destination within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by private taxi at no cost. Your airport pick-up will be booked based on your submitted travel plan.

You can submit your travel plans by using the Seneca MOBILE app:

• Download Seneca MOBILE on Google Play

• Download Seneca MOBILE on Apple App Store

To submit your request, open the Seneca MOBILE app and scroll to “International Students” to submit your travel form.

Your airport pick-up will be booked based on your submitted travel plan.

If there are changes to arrival, you must update your travel plan on the Seneca MOBILE app. When you arrive in Canada, you can also confirm your arrival by opening the app.

For more details visit the airport pick-up webpage.

When you are planning to travel to Canada, please refer to our resources for pre-departure planning and arriving in Canada.

Before you travel, please ensure you have the following:

• a valid study permit or port of entry letter of introduction
• no symptoms of COVID-19
• proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who are coming with you to Canada
• Passport with a valid VISA or eTA (electronic Travel Authorization)
• Seneca Letter of Acceptance
• a travel plan submitted through the Seneca MOBILE app.
  • Download Seneca MOBILE on Google Play
  • Download Seneca MOBILE on Apple App Store

Seneca will provide transportation from the airport to your destination within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by private taxi at no cost. Pick up is based on your submitted travel plan.

For more details visit the airport pick-up webpage.

Seneca is committed to supporting our international students upon arrival.

Seneca provides transportation from airport to your destination within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by private taxi at no cost. Your airport pick-up will be booked based on your submitted travel plan.

Seneca requires that all the important information about your travel plans be provided using the Seneca MOBILE app.

• Download Seneca MOBILE on Google Play
• Download Seneca MOBILE on Apple App Store

To submit your request, open the Seneca MOBILE app and scroll to “International Students” to submit your travel form. For more details visit the airport pick-up webpage.

When you arrive in Canada, please confirm your arrival on the Seneca MOBILE app.

Once you arrive in Canada, a representative from Seneca will get in touch with you through email to check on your well-being, ensure you’ve settled in and to share other important information.

Seneca has many virtual and in-person activities and workshops for international students to help you meet other students and stay connected.

View the Life in Canada video for an introduction to living in Canada and resources to help you get settled.

View the Life in Canada video for an introduction to living in Canada and resources to help you get settled.

You can visit the International Student Services website for helpful resources and settlement support.

If you need to seek for medical attention at this time, you have the option to book Virtual Appointments available with the Seneca Medical Centre or use Virtual Doctor, offered by Morcare. If you have any questions regarding the plan, or in case of an emergency, please call the 24-hour customer support line, 1.888.985.1552.

You can also reach out to Telehealth Canada, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1.866.797.0000 and speak with a registered nurse.

To find a walk-in clinic, view Morcare’s provider map for a list of clinics that will directly bill Morcare.

If you visited a Canadian walk-in health clinic or hospital and had to pay for your visit upfront, you can submit a claim for a refund. Please email claim@morcare.ca to submit your claim. Instructions can be found here.

The Government of Canada has announced  support for Turkish and Syrian temporary residents in Canada effective March 29, 2023. These include:

• Eligible Turkish and Syrian nationals can continue to study, work or visit family by applying for an extension of their status free of charge

• An open work permit pathway will be made available for Turkish and Syrian nationals already in Canada. These measures will make it easier for Turkish and Syrian nationals who wish to extend their temporary status in Canada and to move between temporary streams

• More details and instructions on how to apply will be available on the Government of Canada website

There are also Seneca resources to support you:

• Schedule a phone, video or in-person appointment with Counselling Services by emailing senecacnas@senecapolytechnic.ca
• Receive personal and crisis support through WeConnect. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the language of your choice. Download the Dialogue application from the Apple or Android app store or call 1-855-853-0565 to book a one hour session.
• Seneca has established a team of student navigators to connect you with the right person to help you with any challenges or concerns. You can contact a student navigator by replying to this email or contacting theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca

The Government of Canada has announced new measures to support Iranian temporary residents in Canada effective March 1, 2023. These include:

• Eligible Iranian nationals who are currently in Canada as temporary residents will be able to apply for an extension of their study permit or open work permit at no cost
• Applications from Iranians in Canada will be processed on a priority basis
• More details and instructions on how to apply are available on the Government of Canada website

There are also Seneca resources to support you:

• Schedule a phone, video or in-person appointment with Counselling Services by emailing senecacnas@senecapolytechnic.ca 
• Receive personal and crisis support through WeConnect. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the language of your choice. Download the Dialogue application from the Apple or Android app store or call 1-855-853-0565 to book a one hour session.
• Seneca has also established a team of student navigators to help you with any challenges or concerns. You can contact a student navigator by emailing theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca

Seneca has established a team of Student Navigators who can connect you with the right person to help you with any concerns or issues you may have. You can connect with a Student Navigator by emailing theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

There are other Seneca resources to support you:

• Scheduling a phone, video or in-person appointment with Counselling Services can be scheduled by emailing senecacnas@senecapolytechnic.ca
• Receive personal and crisis support through WeConnect. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the language of your choice. Download the Dialogue application from the Apple or Android app store or call 1-855-853-0565 to book a one hour session.
• Students outside of Canada can access counselling wherever you are located through the keep.meSAFE program; download the mySSP app through the Apple App Store or Google Play

Government Assistance:

The Government of Canada has announced measures to support students from Ukraine, which include:

• priority processing of Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel applications
• increased newcomer services for Ukrainians arriving in Canada
• waiving of fees
• support for flights to Canada

Please continue to check the Government of Canada website for updates.

On November 8, 2024, IRCC increased the number of hours international students are permitted to work off campus, to 24 hours per week.

To work off campus, international students must have:

• a valid study permit that shows that you’re authorized to work off campus 

• started a full-time Seneca program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate and have full-time student status

• have received a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Please refer to IRCC or the Finances in Canada website for more information about requirements for working in Canada as an international student.

Seneca Residence guarantees acceptance to students from every Seneca campus for the May 2025 Term. Living in residence offers convenient access to Seneca’s free intercampus shuttle service, which travels between Newnham, Seneca@York and King campuses.

*Please review the Guaranteed Residence terms and conditions

If you need to defer your studies, please complete the Request to Defer Admission for International Admissions form (pdf) and email it to theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca before day 10 of scheduled classes.

If you decide to withdraw from Seneca, please complete the Request for Tuition Fee Refund form (pdf) and email it to theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca before day 10 of scheduled classes.

Refunds can take between six to eight weeks to process. Wire transfers could possibly take longer. Seneca will make every effort to stay within these processing times, but large volumes may result in slight delays.