Study Permit Application – Funds and Tuition Question (Protected Person)

[sanene]

Hi everyone,


I’m a protected person in Canada and have been accepted into college. The college confirmed I’m eligible for domestic tuition, but since I’m still considered an international student for immigration purposes, I need to apply for a study permit.


One of the questions on the application asks about tuition and funds available for my stay. I’m currently not working and have applied for OSAP to cover my tuition and living expenses.


What should I enter in the “funds available” section? And since I’m relying on OSAP, do I still need to show enough money in my bank statements to cover tuition and living costs?


Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,


I’m a protected person in Canada and have been accepted into college. The college confirmed I’m eligible for domestic tuition, but since I’m still considered an international student for immigration purposes, I need to apply for a study permit.


One of the questions on the application asks about tuition and funds available for my stay. I’m currently not working and have applied for OSAP to cover my tuition and living expenses.


What should I enter in the “funds available” section? And since I’m relying on OSAP, do I still need to show enough money in my bank statements to cover tuition and living costs?


Thanks in advance for any advice!

Typically OSAP doesn’t cover all your tuition's and living expenses. It can cover a significant about but most still have to work. Would attach proof of OSAP, savings and estimated salary for job.

 

[appwarez]

Hi everyone,


I’m a protected person in Canada and have been accepted into college. The college confirmed I’m eligible for domestic tuition, but since I’m still considered an international student for immigration purposes, I need to apply for a study permit.


One of the questions on the application asks about tuition and funds available for my stay. I’m currently not working and have applied for OSAP to cover my tuition and living expenses.


What should I enter in the “funds available” section? And since I’m relying on OSAP, do I still need to show enough money in my bank statements to cover tuition and living costs?


Thanks in advance for any advice!

No, not in the same strict way that international students do. Protected persons are exempt from many of the financial proof requirements that apply to foreign nationals applying from abroad.


But, IRCC still asks about funds in the form for completeness — so you should answer truthfully and explain your financial situation.
In the IMM5709 form or online application, when it asks:

Funds available for your stay (in Canadian dollars):

You should:

1. Enter the total amount of OSAP you're expecting to receive (you can estimate if you don’t have the final amount yet).
   
   • Example: $15,000 (tuition + living costs).
2. In the explanation or Letter of Explanation, state clearly:
   
   • You are a protected person;
   • You have applied for OSAP, which will fund your tuition and living expenses;
   • You are not currently employed, and your financial support will come from OSAP and possibly other small sources (if any).

Do you need to show bank statements?​

Not necessarily. For protected persons, IRCC doesn’t typically expect:

• Upfront proof of funds like international students,
• Bank statements or letters from financial institutions.

But if you do have any small savings or financial support documents (e.g., confirmation of OSAP application, a bank account with a balance), including them can help strengthen your application, though it’s not mandatory.

Suggested items to upload with your application​

• Letter of Explanation
• OSAP application confirmation
• Notice of Decision or Protected Person status document.
• Letter of Acceptance from the college.
• Any bank statement, even if it’s a small amount (optional).

 

[Gusmcr]

How is he going to apply to osap without a study permit?
Isn't the condition to apply it?