To study in Canada from the US, choose an eligible program, get your letter of acceptance, check if you need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), and apply for a study permit online or at the border.
As a US citizen, you have some advantages: you do not need a visa or eTA to enter Canada, you are exempt from biometrics, and you can apply for your study permit when you arrive. This guide walks you through every step, from choosing a program to your first weeks in Canada.
Start with the right program
Search Canadian universities and colleges on ApplyBoard and apply with expert support.
Step 1: Choose a Program and School
Start by deciding what and where you want to study. As you compare options, check that:
- The school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Only DLIs can accept international students on a study permit.
- The program fits your goals. Choose between a university degree and a college diploma or certificate. Compare colleges and universities.
- The program qualifies for a work permit after graduation, if you want to work in Canada afterward. Check PGWP-eligible programs.
- The cost fits your budget, including tuition, living costs, and the exchange rate.
- The school is eligible for US federal aid, if you plan to use FAFSA loans or GI Bill benefits.
Step 2: Check Admission Requirements and Apply
Canadian universities mainly look at your grades and prerequisite courses. Most do not require the SAT or ACT. Learn how Canadian admissions work.
Apply through ApplyBoard or directly to the school, and pay attention to intake dates. Most programs start in September, and some also start in January or May. Learn about Canadian intakes.
Step 3: Accept Your Offer and Get Your Letter of Acceptance
When you accept your offer and pay any required deposit, your school will issue a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). You need this letter to apply for your study permit. Check that your name, program, and start date are correct. Read our LOA guide.
Step 4: Find Out If You Need a PAL
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) confirms that you have a place within your province's share of Canada's study permit cap. Most post-secondary students need one, and your school usually requests it for you after you accept your offer.
Note: PAL rules can change each year. Your school will tell you whether you need one and how to get it. Learn about study permit caps and PALs.
Step 5: Gather Your Study Permit Documents
- Valid US passport
- Letter of Acceptance from your DLI
- Provincial Attestation Letter, if required
- Proof of funds: enough to pay your first-year tuition, plus at least CAD 23,448 for living costs if you study outside Quebec, plus travel costs. See proof of funds rules.
- Any other documents your school or IRCC asks for, such as a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if you study in Quebec
Read the complete study permit guide
Every requirement, step, and document for a Canadian study permit.
Step 6: Apply for Your Study Permit
US citizens and US permanent residents have two options:
Warning! Only US citizens, US permanent residents, and residents of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon can apply at the border. If you live in the US on another visa, such as an F-1, you must apply online before you travel.
Step 7: Plan Your Move
- Housing: Apply for student residence early, or start your rental search. Read the Canada housing guide.
- Health insurance: Coverage depends on your province, and some provinces have a waiting period. Learn about health insurance.
- Banking: Plan how you will move money and pay bills. Open a Canadian bank account.
- Travel documents: Keep your passport, LOA, PAL, and proof of funds in your carry-on. See the travel checklist.
Step 8: Arrive and Settle In
- At the border: Show your documents and receive your study permit. Check that all details are correct before you leave.
- Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you plan to work.
- Attend orientation and register with your school's international student office.
- Know your work rights: You can usually work up to 24 hours per week off campus during terms, and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Your Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
US citizens do not need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada, but you do need a study permit for most programs longer than six months.
Both are options for US citizens. Applying online first means you know the decision before you move. Applying at the border can be faster, but you must have every document ready, and the officer decides on the spot.
No. US nationals are exempt from the biometrics requirement for a study permit.
Outside Quebec, you need your first-year tuition plus at least CAD 23,448 for living costs, plus travel costs. Quebec sets its own amount.
Studying in Canada from the US is a straightforward process when you take it step by step. Choose the right program, prepare your documents carefully, and apply for your study permit with plenty of time to spare. ApplyBoard can help you at every stage.
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