Frequently Asked Questions

Seneca is working with the federal and provincial governments to understand how these changes will affect our students. You are our top priority and resources are available to support you as we navigate these changes, including Frequently Asked Questions and Ask Us Webinars. We will continue to share more information as it becomes available.

A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is a document issued by the province of Ontario that must be included with your study permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

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

The PAL is a new requirement that has been made by IRCC. Any study permit application received by IRCC on or after January 22, 2024, that does not include a PAL, will be returned and refunded.

Each province and territory in Canada is developing a process for applicants to obtain a PAL. The PAL process for Ontario is now in place.

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 your first-semester tuition fees to confirm your seat and so that Seneca can request a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for you from the Ontario government.

When we have your PAL from the Ontario government, we will email it to you with your Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

For new students starting in May or September 2024 who have already received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA):

You will need to pay your first-semester tuition fees to confirm your seat at Seneca. Also, please be sure to update information about the status of your study permit application in Student Home. Follow this tip sheet for step-by-step guidance on how to update your current study permit application status in Student Home.

Once you have completed these steps, the Seneca team will be in touch with you regarding your PAL and with important information about starting your program.

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 tuition fees 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

No, you do not require an attestation letter if your study permit application was submitted to IRCC before January 22, 2024.

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.

If your study permit application has been returned and refunded by IRCC, you will need to reapply with a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the Ontario government. Seneca will request a PAL for you and send the letter to you by email as soon as it is available.

Your spouse or common-law partner’s eligibility for an open work permit depends on when they 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-graduate 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 on or after March 19, 2024, 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 Education (B. Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

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 their spouse open work permit if you meet these three requirements:

• You have a valid study permit
• You are eligible for a post-graduate 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.

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit after you have graduated and obtained a post-graduate work permit. Learn more about this process on the IRCC website.

You do not need a PAL when applying for a study permit if you are:

• applying to study in a preschool, primary school or secondary school (up to grade 12)
• applying to study in a master’s degree or doctoral degree program, or you are in Canada and you:
  • are applying for a study permit extension
  • have a work permit
  • are a temporary resident who has completed a course or program of study that is a prerequisite to you enrolling at a DLI
  • are a refugee or protected person
  • are a family member of a study permit or work permit holder in Canada
  • are a family member of a refugee or protected person in Canada

A complete list of those who do not need a PAL can be found at the IRCC website.

Study permit applications received before 8:30 am ET on January 22, 2024 do not require a PAL.

(updated February 7, 2024)

Full-time academic programs across all Seneca campuses — including programs at Seneca International Academy (SIA), Markham Campus and programs for INSCOL students — are eligible for a PGWP. The duration of the PGWP is determined by the length of program you are taking.

For example:

• 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.

Please review the IRCC website for PGWP eligibility and duration.

Yes, you may be able to request a deferral if you require more time to obtain the necessary documents.

Only students who have paid their first-semester tuition fees can be granted deferred admission. Deferral requests are also subject to program availability, please refer to the How to defer – International page for more information.

If you are unable to start your program at Seneca as planned, we recommend deferring to the next intake of your program or starting your studies online. To learn more about these options, connect with The Service Hub.

If you choose to withdraw from your program and request a refund, administrative fees may apply. Please refer to our refund policies for more information.

If you are not issued a PAL, you may be eligible for a refund. Please refer to our refund policies for more information.

You may be eligible for a refund if your permit application was rejected by the IRCC. A reduced administrative fee may be applied for withdrawal and refund requests due to a study permit refusal.

Refund requests must be accompanied by an IRCC rejection letter and submitted no later than 14 days after the date noted on the letter. Only IRCC rejection letters relevant to the term you are withdrawing from will be considered.

Please refer to our refund policies for more information.

Current study permit holders and study permit extensions will not be impacted by this IRCC announcement. We will update this section when more information becomes available on any implications for current students, and we encourage you to check back frequently.

No, international students already in Canada and those applying for a study permit extension are exempt from the PAL requirement.

You do not need a PAL when applying for a study permit if you are:

• applying to study in a preschool, primary school or secondary school (up to grade 12)
• applying to study in a master’s degree or doctoral degree program, or you are in Canada and you:
  • are applying for a study permit extension
  • have a work permit
  • are a temporary resident who has completed a course or program of study that is a prerequisite to you enrolling at a DLI
  • are a refugee or protected person
  • are a family member of a study permit or work permit holder in Canada
  • are a family member of a refugee or protected person in Canada

A complete list of those who do not need a PAL can be found at the IRCC website.

Study permit applications received before 8:30 am ET on January 22, 2024 do not require a PAL.

(updated February 7, 2024)

No, you do not require a PAL if your study permit application was submitted to IRCC before January 22, 2024.

Your spouse or common-law partner’s eligibility for an open work permit depends on when they 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-graduate 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 on or after March 19, 2024, 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 Education (B. Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

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 their spouse open work permit if you meet these three requirements:

• You have a valid study permit
• You are eligible for a post-graduate 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.

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit after you have graduated and obtained a post-graduate work permit. Learn more about this process on the IRCC website.

Full-time academic programs across all Seneca campuses — including programs at Seneca International Academy (SIA), Markham Campus and programs for INSCOL students — are eligible for a PGWP. The duration of the PGWP is determined by the length of program you are taking.

For example:

• 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.

Please review the IRCC website for PGWP eligibility and duration.

Do I need a study permit or approval for a study permit to study for the Winter 2024 Term?

Note: This information may have changed as a result of an update from IRCC on Jan 22, 2024. Learn more about the update.

If you are starting in the January 2024 Term and are awaiting study permit approval, you can begin your program from your home country as long as your courses are available in an online or flexible format. Your study permit must eventually be approved.

If your study permit is not approved by April 19, 2024, students are recommended to take a Leave of Absence before May 6, 2024, and continue their second semester when they receive an approved study permit. For more details visit the Change of Plans website.

Please confirm your program delivery format for the January 2024 Term. Program delivery information for each program is available on our program pages. 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.

What should I do if my study permit is denied?

Note: This information may have changed as a result of an update from IRCC on Jan 22, 2024. Learn more about the update.

Students who have applied for their study permit and are waiting for approvals from IRCC may be eligible to request a refund or deferral to restart your studies in a future term (an administrative fee of $200 will be applied for refunds and deferrals).

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.

As an international student, can I work while studying in Canada?

International students may be eligible to work in Canada while studying, if your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus. You must also meet all the other requirements. You can only start working in Canada when you start your program of study. You can’t work before your studies begin.

The Government of Canada has announced until April 30, 2024, international students who are in Canada and who have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will not be restricted by the 20-hour-per-week rule.

To work more than 20 hours per week off campus, international students must have:

• a valid study permit or a study permit application received on or before Dec. 7, 2023

• 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

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

• have received a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Learn more about finding employment as an international student.

If you have questions about working while studying, please email theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca to connect with an immigration specialist.

Do I need a social insurance number (SIN) to work while in Canada and, if so, how do I apply for one?

A SIN is a nine-digit number that you need in order to work in Canada. It is a unique number assigned to you and cannot be used by anyone else.

You can apply for a SIN online. You will need to provide a valid primary document that proves your identity and legal status in Canada; a valid secondary document to confirm your identity; and a proof of address.

As an international student, you will also need to provide your study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), indicating that you are authorized to work in Canada.

Visit the Finances in Canada website for more information about working in Canada.

What do I need to do if I am changing my school or program?

Before you change your school or program, you must meet all the conditions of your study permit. This means you must be:

• enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) and
• actively studying while you’re in Canada.

You will need to contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you:

• are a post-secondary student changing schools
• have a co-op work permit and you’ve changed post-secondary schools to another co-op program or
• need to change conditions on your study permit

Please read and follow IRCC details online.

If you have issues, contact the IRCC Client Support Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only) from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I have a work permit, do I require a study permit to study?

All current students require a study permit to study in Canada.

As of June 27, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced a temporary public policy allowing eligible foreign workers to study without a study permit.

To be eligible, you must be authorized to work in Canada with either of the following:

• a valid work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023, or
• a letter authorizing you to work while your work permit extension application is being processed
  • The letter must have been issued on or before June 7, 2023.

If you applied for a work permit after June 7, 2023, you’re not eligible for these measures.

Please note: if you have a co-op work permit to complete a work term (including WIL, co-op, internship or placement), international students still require a valid study permit until the completion of your program.

Visit the Government of Canada website for more details. If you have questions, connect with an immigration specialist by emailing theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Do I need a co-op work permit?

For a work term (including WIL, co-op, internship or placement), international students:

• must meet all academic requirements
• should have applied for a co-op work permit when submitting their initial study permit application or from within Canada

For steps and instructions on how to apply for your co-op work permit, view the Co-op work permit - Apply online in Canada guide.

The Government of Canada has announced that international students who are in Canada and have permission to work off campus will no longer be limited to work 20 hours or less each week. This temporary change will continue until April 30, 2024.

If you have not received your co-op work permit, you are able to start working full-time hours for your WIL/work term if you meet the following requirements:

• you have a valid study permit or a study permit application received on or before Dec. 7, 2023
• study permit shows that you’re authorized to work off campus
• WIL/co-op placement ends by April 30, 2024
• have received a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If you do not meet the conditions noted above, you may work up to 20 hours per week.

Please note:

• for students who are required to work in childcare, school or health service occupations, your study permit must not include conditions restricting working in these fields.

Review this resource to understand how your study permit conditions affect the hours permitted to work as an international student.

How do I get my co-op work permit?

You may apply for your co-op work permit at the same time you apply for your study permit if you are applying from abroad for your initial study permit using you Letter of Acceptance.

If you choose not to apply for your co-op work permit when applying for your study permit, your WIL co-ordinator will issue you a co-op letter at the start of your WIL prep course. This letter is required to obtain your co-op work permit when you apply while in Canada.

For steps and instructions on how to apply for your co-op work permit, view the Co-op work permit - Apply online in Canada guide.

When will my WIL Co-ordinator contact me about my co-op work permit/co-op letter?

Your WIL Co-ordinator will contact you at the start of your WIL prep course by email and on Blackboard. Once your WIL Co-ordinator contacts you, please notify them immediately if you require a co-op letter for your co-op work permit.

How long will it take for me to get my co-op work permit?

Wait times for co-op work permits vary. Please check the IRCC website.

If I am studying abroad, can I complete my co-op/work term abroad as well?

Students are required to be in Canada during their entire co-op/work term, whether the job is on-site or remote.

Can I complete my co-op/work term with an international company?

You can complete your co-op/work term with an international company, but you must be in Canada while you are working.

Do I have health insurance coverage if I complete my co-op placement or work term outside of Ontario?

If you complete a co-op placement or work term outside of Ontario, you will only have emergency out of province coverage for emergency injury or sickness, and will not have access to your full health insurance benefits. You should consider purchasing additional insurance coverage if your employer has not included health insurance benefits with your co-op work contract.

Out of province coverage is for a maximum of 180 days. You may need to consider additional coverage if you are planning to stay outside of Ontario for more than one term.  For more information, please email global.learning@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Note: Students are not covered if completing a work term in their home country.

Visit the health insurance website for more details on your Morcare health insurance.

Can I complete the January 2024 or May 2024 Term from outside of Canada?

If you started your program after Sept. 1, 2022, you must complete at least 50 per cent of your program in Canada and meet all other PGWP requirements to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

It is highly recommended that you select and attend in-class course options when available. These include hybrid, flexible and in-person.

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

Please confirm your program delivery format for the January 2024 Term. Program delivery information for each program is available on our program pages. Check the PGWP eligibility updates for more details on IRCC requirements before confirming your schedule.

If you were enrolled in a program in Mar. 2020 or started a program between Mar. 2020 and Aug. 31, 2022, please review PGWP eligibility requirements for studying from outside Canada.

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

Can I graduate from outside of Canada and still be eligible for a PGWP?

Students who graduate from outside of Canada and meet the eligibility requirements of the temporary PGWP policy changes do not need to hold or have held a valid study permit within 180 days of applying for the PGWP. In order to be eligible to apply outside of Canada, graduates must either have a study permit or have received a study permit approval, and must still apply within 180 days of receiving written notification of program completion from Seneca.

Please note: if you graduate from your program from abroad, you will need to receive PGWP approval before travelling to Canada. Visit the Government of Canada website for more information on requirements to travel to Canada.

I am an international student already in Canada. Does studying online affect my PGWP eligibility?

If your courses were moved online due to the pandemic, the time you spend studying online from within Canada until Sept. 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-Graduate 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.

What is a bundled graduate certificate?

A bundled graduate certificate is when you complete two, one-year graduate certificate programs in consecutive years.

Does the government consider a bundled graduate certificate as a two-year program?

No, the Government of Canada considers bundled graduate certificates to be two, separate one-year programs for immigration and PGWP purposes — not a two-year program.

If I am in a bundled graduate certificate program, can I study outside Canada without negatively affecting my PGWP eligibility?

The Government of Canada has announced an extension to the policy changes for PGWP eligibility related to studying outside Canada. These temporary measures will be in effect until Sept. 1, 2024.

Under these temporary measures, how long you need to study in Canada to be eligible for a PGWP depends on when you start your program(s). Here are the details:

If you will begin your first or second graduate certificate in the January 2024 Term:

• You must complete at least 50 per cent of your program in Canada
  
• You need to be in Canada for the May 2024 Term
  

If you began your first or second graduate certificate program in the Fall 2023 Term: 

• You must complete at least 50 per cent of your program in Canada
  
• You need to be in Canada for the Winter 2024 Term
  
• Any study time you complete abroad after Sept. 1, 2024 will be deducted from the length of your PGWP
  
• You must meet all the other PGWP requirements

Can I complete studies from outside of Canada without affecting my PGWP eligibility?

If you started your program after Sept. 1, 2022, you must complete at least 50 per cent of your program in Canada and meet all other PGWP requirements to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

It is highly recommended that you select and attend in-class course options when available. These include hybrid, flexible and in-person.

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

Please confirm your program delivery format for the January 2024 Term. Program delivery information for each program is available on our  program pages. Check the PGWP eligibility updates for more details on IRCC requirements before confirming your schedule.

If you were enrolled in a program in Mar. 2020 or started a program between Mar. 2020 and Aug. 31, 2022, please review PGWP eligibility requirements for studying from outside Canada

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

If I leave Canada during the holiday closure, study week, or to visit family for a short time, will that time be deducted from my PGWP?

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 Dec. 31, 2023. 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.

As an international student, do I have health insurance coverage?

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 January 2024 Term, your insurance coverage period is Jan. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2024.

As an international student, where can I get a flu vaccine?

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.

I don't have an Ontario Health Card. Can I book an appointment to get vaccinated?

Yes, you can contact your local public health unit where you will be asked for another form of identification. Once the public health unit has confirmed your eligibility for vaccination, they will help book your appointment.

To find your local public health unit and contact number, visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine and select the "no Ontario health card" option from the drop down menu under "Health Card Type." There is no cost for a COVID-19 vaccine.

How can I submit documents that were not initially uploaded with my application?

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.

How do I verify the authenticity of my offer of admission?

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.

How can I apply to Seneca without my IELTS (or other Seneca recognized English tests) due to COVID-19 closures?

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.

What can I do if my tuition fee payment will be delayed?

All applicants have been given a deadline on their fee statements to pay their first semester tuition. If you feel you cannot meet the deadline due to COVID-19-related complications and want to request an extension, please email theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca. Learn more about how you can pay your fees.

What app must I download if I plan to travel to Canada?

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.

To be admitted into Canada, do I need to be fully vaccinated?

You are not required to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. Visit the Government of Canada website for details on travel requirements.

Does Seneca provide transportation from the airport?

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.

If you have any questions regarding your arrangements, please email transportation.bookings@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Where do I find the information I need to prepare to travel and arrive in Canada?

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.

What support does Seneca provide upon my arrival?

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.

Do I require a travel support letter to travel to Canada?

Travel support letters are not required for Seneca students.

If you require confirmation of Seneca’s status, the Government of Canada website contains a list of approved DLIs.

The Canadian government considers international student travel to Canada as non-discretionary. This means a student can travel to Canada even if the program is delivered 100% online provided the student has all required documentation to enter Canada.

For new students, your offer of admission/acceptance letter would confirm your student status. Students who require proof of enrolment can submit an Enrolment Verification Request. Please allow adequate time to process your request.

To avoid travel issues, new students are encouraged to travel no earlier than 30 days prior to the start of the term. Morcare offers early arrival coverage for emergency procedures beginning 30 days prior to the semester start date. You can view details of this coverage under Enhanced Coverage.

Can I travel to Canada in the middle of the term?

International students in possession of a valid study permit or port of entry letter of introduction, a valid offer letter/enrolment verification letter, proof of funds and a quarantine plan are able to travel to Canada even after classes begin and even if your classes were delivered in an online or flexible format that did not require you to be in Canada for the start of the term.

Review your course schedule and outlines to ensure travel plans do not conflict with classes or important academic deadlines.

Confirm whether your program has on-campus learning activities that make it necessary for you to be in Canada prior to the start of the term. You can reference Seneca’s pre-departure checklist as you prepare to travel.

I have recently arrived in Canada. What supports are available to me?

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.

What do I do if I am not feeling well or notice changes in my health?

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.

If you are on campus and start to feel ill or experience symptoms of COVID-19, please notify Security Services and leave campus immediately.

After leaving campus, go immediately to a provincial COVID-19 assessment centre and get tested.

In case of an emergency on campus, you can reach Security by calling 416.764.0911.

If you take a COVID-19 test, we ask that you provide Seneca the results at health@senecapolytechnic.ca. Seneca continues to work closely with local public health units and will follow their guidance with regard to personal health information collected from students and employees. This information is also critical for focusing Seneca’s enhanced cleaning and disinfecting activities and contact tracing.

What supports are available for students from Türkiye and Syria?

The Government of Canada has announced  support 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 & Accessible Learning Services by emailing senecacnas@senecapolytechnic.ca
• Receive personal support and counselling worldwide through WeConnect. Call or text 1.888.377.0002 for support 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the language of your choice
• 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

What supports are available for students from Iran?

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 & Accessible Learning Services
  by emailing senecacnas@senecapolytechnic.ca 
• Receive personal support and counselling worldwide through WeConnect. Call or text 1-888-377-0002 for support 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the language of your choice
• 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.

I am affected by the war in Ukraine. What supports are available?

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:

• Schedule a phone, video or in-person appointment with Counselling & Accessible Learning Services can be scheduled by emailing senecacnas@senecapolytechnic.ca
• International students in Canada can access immediate crisis text/video counselling support through MyWellness: Text CONNECT to 686868 or visit the website
• 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.

What steps do I need to take to defer my studies?

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.

What steps do I need to take to withdraw from Seneca?

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.

How long will it take to process refunds?

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.