Students are responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate immigration documents to be eligible to study and, if applicable, work in Canada; and for ensuring that their immigration documents, including passports, visas, study permits, and work permits are properly maintained and renewed within specified times. Our Student Services staff are available to assist students to find information about the processes they need to follow, and they also organize a variety of seminars on immigration related matters, which students are encouraged to attend. However, our staff cannot take responsibility for any issues related to the application or renewal of students’ documents. For information specific to your situation, please contact the consulate of your home country, the country you wish to visit, or Immigration Canada, or consult a professional immigration consultant. 

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Designated Learning Institution Number (DLI Number) 

Fairleigh Dickinson University is a designated learning institution in British Columbia. FDU’s DLI Number is O19227134842 – the number begins with the letter “O”. 

When you apply for your study permit or visa, CIC may ask for FDU’s DLI Number. 

Study Permits – Who Can Apply 

In most cases, you must obtain a study permit if you want to study in Canada. To be eligible to study in Canada: 

  • You must have received acceptance into academic, professional, vocational or other education or training that is more than 6 months in duration at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. 
  • You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your: 
    • Tuition fees; 
    • Living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada; As of January 1, 2024, the minimum cost-of-living financial requirement has increased from $10,000 to $22,895 for 2025, For new study permit applications, you will need to show proof of funds for the cost-of-living financial requirement plus your first year of tuition fees and travel costs. The cost-of-living amount will be adjusted each year based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off and 
    • Return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada. 
  • You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. 
  • You may have to provide a police certificate. 
  • You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary. 
  • You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when you have completed your studies. 

BorderPass Visa Support for International Students 

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Vancouver is committed to supporting international students with a clear and structured study permit process. To enhance this support, we have partnered with BorderPass– a platform that provides expert guidance to help students navigate the Canadian study permit application with confidence, transparency, and ease.  

What is BorderPass? 

BorderPass is a third-party platform that provides step-by-step support as you prepare to apply for your Canadian study permit. The service is designed to help students understand the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and organize their application with greater confidence. 

Through your BorderPass account, you can: 

  • Complete a Getting Started Assessment that outlines your visa readiness.
  • Secure online platform for preparing, reviewing, and submitting study permit applications.  
  • Receive personalized guidance from Immigration Lawyers on the next steps in your study permit preparation. 
  • Access tools and resources to help organize your documents. 
  • Chat directly with the BorderPass support team for assistance. 

Study Permit Submission through BorderPass 

Once your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) are issued, you have the option to submit your study permit application directly through BorderPass. Please note, BorderPass does not charge a service fee – The primary cost is the CAD 150 IRCC application fee; however, additional IRCC fees may apply depending on individual circumstances. These fees are paid directly to BorderPass. 

Please note: while FDU Vancouver partners with BorderPass to support study permit readiness, you are not obligated to use their services. You may choose to proceed with your study permit application independently or with the assistance of a certified immigration representative of your choice. 

Important Notes: 

Please note that BorderPass is an independent company that has been engaged by Fairleigh Dickinson University to provide visa support services. BorderPass is not a unit, department, or affiliate of the University, and BorderPass is solely responsible for any issues or complaints regarding its services. 

Submitting a study permit application through BorderPass does not guarantee visa approval by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship department of the Government of Canada (IRCC). The IRCC, and not the University or BorderPass, is responsible for and has exclusive decision-making authority with respect to the issuance of student visas needed for study in Canada. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. What is BorderPass?
    BorderPass is a platform that assists students in preparing strong and complete Canadian study permit applications. FDU Vancouver partners with BorderPass to assess visa readiness and provide enhanced support throughout the study permit application process. To learn more about BorderPass, please visit BorderPass | Home. 
  2. How do I create a BorderPass account?
    Follow these steps:

    • Click on the referral link.
    • Register using the same email address you used in your FDU Vancouver application.
  3. I’m having trouble completing the steps with BorderPass. What should I do?
    You can:

    • Click the Chat button at the bottom right corner of your BorderPass dashboard. The chatbot is available 24/7. If you require support from a member of BorderPass’ support team, type “create a support ticket” in the chat window.
    • Visit the BorderPass FAQ for answers to common technical and visa questions.
  4. Will using BorderPass improve my chances of visa approval?
    While no tool can guarantee a visa, BorderPass provides expert advice and tailored support that can significantly improve the quality of your study permit application. It’s strongly recommended that you explore the tools and guidance in your account to maximize your chances of approval.
    Submitting your study permit application through BorderPass does not guarantee visa approval by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship department of the Government of Canada (IRCC). The IRCC, and not BorderPass, is responsible for and has exclusive decision-making authority with respect to the issuance of student visas needed for study in Canada.   

Study Permit Exceptions 

(Reference –  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-who.asp) 

In some cases, you do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada. 

  • If you wish to study in a short-term course or program 
    You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada. 
  • Foreign representatives to Canada 
    If you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD), you may not need a permit to study in Canada. You should contact your embassy in Canada. Your embassy can contact the Office of Protocol at DFATD to find out whether you need a study permit. 
  • Members of foreign armed forces 
    If you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, you do not need a permit to study in Canada. If your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they must meet the requirements. 
  • Foreign nationals who are Registered Indians in Canada 
    If you are a citizen of another country who has Registered Indian status in Canada, you do not need a permit to study in Canada.