A complete application to a public district is often reviewed within days to a few weeks, but the official letter of acceptance is normally issued only after tuition is paid, and the study permit takes additional time.
- School review: Timing differs by district. Toronto asks families to allow at least five working days after the application and all required documents are submitted through its portal.
- Two-step acceptance: Many districts first send a conditional offer. Toronto issues the official letter of acceptance after tuition is paid and custodianship documents are received.
- Payment confirms the place: Vancouver states that placement is not confirmed until tuition is paid.
- Study permit stage: The permit application can be submitted only with the letter of acceptance. IRCC decides every application and publishes current processing times by country on its website.
- Private schools: Boarding schools add steps such as testing and an interview, so allow more time before an offer.
Please note: No school or consultant can guarantee a permit decision or its timing; only IRCC decides.
Official sources: Toronto District School Board: International students FAQs · Toronto District School Board: How to apply · Vancouver School Board: Applicant information, September 2027
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More questions on this topic
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