INTERNATIONAL CURRENT STUDENTS

immigration documents

There are numerous documents that you will need to understand, apply for and keep up to date as part of your immigration journey. You may also need documents from MacEwan University to support immigration-related applications.

Your IRCC Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Your IRCC Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is an official document issued by MacEwan University that confirms to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that you have been accepted into your program. Your LOA provides important details for you and IRCC, including the duration of your studies and any special conditions, such as a work-integrated learning component.

When you receive your offer of admission email from MacEwan University, you also receive an email from ApplyProof with a unique link to access your letter of acceptance for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

To access your IRCC LOA, go to the ApplyProof website through the secure link in your email and enter your unique passcode. Download and print your LOA for IRCC applications and border services.

ApplyProof™ is a valid and secure way to access and share international documents with immigration authorities and third parties. With ApplyProof, you can verify the legitimacy of your IRCC Letter of Acceptance (LOA) document online, in real-time, from anywhere in the world.

Your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

As of January 22, 2024, provinces and territories will issue Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) to Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) upon request for their students. MacEwan University can request a PAL from the Province of Alberta after you accept your admission offer and pay the admission deposit. This letter confirms that the student has been included in a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap.

Immigration document types and definitions

IRCC states that study permits, work permits, visitor records and Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) cannot be laminated or altered in any way. Once laminated or altered, these documents are no longer valid.

IRCC // Documents for temporary residents

Permits, visas and travel documents

Your passport is your proof of citizenship. You are responsible for keeping it safe and ensuring it does not expire.

Apply for a new passport or ensure that your current passport will be valid for at least 6 months. Your immigration documents will not be issued past the expiry of your passport. Make sure you extend your passport before you apply for other immigration documents.

Learn more about valid passports and the other travel documents you need to come to Canada on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

IRCC // Passports & travel documents

Most international students in Canada are required to have a study permit. International student specialists at MacEwan International have prepared information to help you understand study permit applications and extensions.

Studying in Canada at MacEwan

Official information about immigration and student status is set by the Government of Canada. Always check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date immigration information.

IRCC // Study Permits

A co-op work permit allows you to participate in work-integrated learning that is a mandatory component of your study program. If your program has a work-integrated learning component, such as a practicum, clinical practice, field placement or co-op, you require a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.

Co-op Permits for Work-integrated Learning at MacEwan

Official information about immigration and student status is set by the Government of Canada. Always check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date immigration information.

IRCC // Co-op Work Permits

A work permit is an immigration document that permits you to work in Canada. This is different from the authorization to work under your study permit.

Working in Canada

Official information about immigration and student status is set by the Government of Canada. Always check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date immigration information.

IRCC // Work Permit

The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit which is issued to eligible graduates.

Working after graduation for MacEwan students

Official information about immigration and student status is set by the Government of Canada. Always check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date immigration information.

IRCC // Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A study permit or work permit is not an entry document. Depending on your country of citizenship and country of residence, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

The TRV is a counterfoil placed in your passport which permits you to travel to Canada if you are from a visa-required country. The eTA is linked to your passport and allows you to travel to Canada if you are from a visa-exempt country.

Follow these guidelines to apply for entry documents and keep them up to date.

Entering Canada

A Visitor Record is a document that is issued to extend or limit the length of stay or specify conditions during the stay of a temporary resident.

Official information about immigration and student status is set by the Government of Canada. Always check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date immigration information.

IRCC // Visitor Record

See also:

Documentation for Refugees and Protected Persons

The Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD) serves as proof you have submitted a claim to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

IRCC // Refugee Protection Claimant Document

If your claim for refugee protection is accepted, you receive a positive refugee notice of decision which grants you protection under Canadian law.

If your claim is rejected, you receive a notice of decision that outlines the reasons for the rejection.

The Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is issued to refugees who have been approved for permanent residency in Canada. This document is important as it contains your official date of arrival as a permanent resident in Canada.

It is crucial to note that merely declaring your presence in Canada does not automatically grant permanent residency status; you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document, which serves as official confirmation of your status.

Validating/Verifying your COPR

If you are outside Canada and your application for permanent residency is approved, your COPR should be signed by an immigration officer when you land in Canada to be considered valid.

If you are in Canada and your application for permanent residency is approved, you can confirm your permanent resident status online using the Permanent Residence Portal. This secure online portal simplifies the process by eliminating the need for in-person interviews in most cases.

When confirming your permanent residence online using the portal, it's important to verify the legitimacy of the email you receive. A genuine email from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

  • will have an email address ending in @cic.gc.ca, and
  • will be presented in both English and French.

The subject line to look for is “IRCC - Permanent Residence Portal (PR Confirmation) / Portail de résidence permanente (Confirmation de la RP).” Additionally, the email should provide a link to the official confirmation page.

IRCC // Confirming your permanent residence online

Documents from MacEwan University

You can download a verification of enrolment document on your own through myStudentSystem for your temporary resident visa application or to support your invitation of a family member to Canada.

Other documents for immigration purposes require submission of a form and can take up to a week for processing.

Download or request documents

A verification of enrolment document lists credits, full-time or part-time status, program and program length.

The verification of enrolment includes the signature of the University Registrar and is on official MacEwan letterhead. It is produced using a secure, authorized login so does not require an additional university seal.

The verification of enrolment can be used for access to student-specific benefits at other organizations, specifically:

  • RESP providers
  • Parental health plans
  • Employer benefits
  • External-to-MacEwan scholarship applications

Canadian and domestic students

The verification of enrolment document is not sufficient for student loans. Talk to a financial aid advisor.


International students

The verification of enrolment document may support immigration applications but additional documents are required. Request immigration documents from MacEwan International.

Print or download verification of enrolment

Note: You must disable pop-up blockers to complete this task.

  1. Log in to myPortal.MacEwan.ca using your MacEwan username and password.
  2. Launch myStudentSystem from the Quick Links menu.
  3. From your student homepage, select Academic Records.
  4. Select Enrolment Verification in the menu.
  5. Select your processing options:
    • Leave the Credential Verification section blank.
    • Select the range or terms for Term Enrolment Status. Click on the magnifying glass to open a pop-up window with a list of available terms. Click on the term number in the list to select it.
    • Choose your Output Options.
  6. Click Submit.

The verification of credentials document lists a specific credential or all of the credentials you have earned. You can access a verification of credentials document through myStudentSystem anytime after you have applied to graduate. If you have applied to graduate but are unable to access the Credential Verification document, please contact your program.

The verification of credentials document includes the signature of the University Registrar and is on official MacEwan letterhead. It is produced using a secure, authorized login so does not require an additional university seal.

The verification of credentials document available from myStudentSystem is not sufficient for immigration applications. You need to request immigration documents from MacEwan International.

Print or download verification of credentials

Note: You must disable pop-up blockers to complete this task.

  1. Log in to myPortal.MacEwan.ca using your MacEwan username and password.
  2. Launch myStudentSystem from the Quick Links menu.
  3. From your student homepage, select Academic Records.
  4. Select Enrolment Verification in the menu.
  5. Select your processing options:
    • Select All Credentials or select Specific Credential and choose from the dropdown menu.
    • Leave the Enrolment Verification section blank.
    • Choose your Output Options.
  6. Click Submit.

If you require additional information from the options listed above, the Office of the University Registrar can provide a confirmation letter. This may include confirmation of:

  • Courses extra to credential (attestation letter)
  • Enrolment in cooperative education
  • Full-time enrolment in Spring/Summer
  • Program completion (confirming program end date)

Request a confirmation letter:

  1. Complete the General Request form.
  2. Indicate the purpose of your request as clearly as possible.
  3. Submit the form to the Office of the University Registrar.

Your request will be completed in five business days.

MacEwan International provides documents to verify enrolment or credentials for immigration permits and other purposes related to studying in Canada as an international student. Request the following documents from MacEwan International:

  • Study permit extension letter
  • Co-op work permit letter
  • Post-graduation work permit letter
  • Military letter
  • Authorized leave letter
  • Case-specific letters (withdrawal dates, program start and end dates, etc.)

Request a document for immigration

  1. Complete the General Request form.
  2. Indicate the purpose of your request as clearly as possible.
  3. Submit the form to international@macewan.ca or, if you are student in a School of Continuing Education PD certificate, email sceinternational@macewan.ca to request a verification of enrolment letter.

Allow five business days for processing.

Documents for immigration and outstanding fees

If you have outstanding tuition or fees, arrange for payment or a payment plan before requesting the documents from MacEwan International. Documents for immigration purposes may not be released to students who have outstanding tuition or other fees owing to the university in accordance with section 2.1.2 of the Tuition & Fees Procedure.

Connect with an Immigration Specialist
International students can direct immigration-related questions to an international student specialist at MacEwan International, or contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) directly.