How to Complete IMM 5710: Document Checklist for Study
By WelcomeAide Team
What Is the IMM 5710?
Quick tip: download the official IMM5710 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download IMM5710 form (official IRCC).
The IMM 5710 is the official document checklist for study permit applications to Canada. It serves as a comprehensive guide to all the documents you need to submit alongside your IMM 1294 (Application for Study Permit). Think of it as your master checklist — every item that IRCC expects to see in your application is listed here.
For international students applying to study in Canada, submitting a complete application is crucial. Incomplete applications are one of the top reasons for processing delays and refusals. The IMM 5710 ensures you do not miss anything important.
Where to Access the IMM 5710
When you apply online through your IRCC account at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html, the system generates a personalized document checklist after you answer the eligibility questionnaire. This personalized list is based on the IMM 5710 but tailored to your specific situation (country of residence, program type, etc.).
If applying on paper, you can download the generic IMM 5710 from the IRCC forms page. However, online applications are strongly recommended for faster processing.
Complete List of Documents on the IMM 5710
1. Application for Study Permit (IMM 1294)
Your completed IMM 1294 form is the foundation. Ensure it is fully filled out with no blank required fields, and if using the PDF version, click "Validate" to generate the barcode. See our detailed guide on the IMM 1294 for field-by-field instructions.
2. Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
This form lists your immediate family members. Even if no family members are accompanying you to Canada, you must still complete this form listing your parents, siblings, spouse/partner (if applicable), and children (if applicable). Include:
- Full names, dates of birth, and current addresses of each family member
- Their marital status and occupation
- Their relationship to you
3. Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
Your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution is the most critical document. It must include:
- The full name of the institution
- The DLI number (starts with "O" followed by numbers)
- Your full name as it appears on your passport
- The program name and level of study
- Program start and end dates
- Tuition fees
- Any conditions of acceptance
Verify that the DLI number on your LOA matches the one listed in the IRCC DLI database at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html.
4. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Since 2024, most study permit applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter. The PAL confirms that your application falls within your province's international student allocation. Key points:
- Your DLI typically initiates the PAL on your behalf
- The process varies by province — contact your school's international student office
- Exemptions exist for master's and doctoral students, K-12 students, and some other categories
- Without a required PAL, your application will be returned unprocessed
5. Valid Passport or Travel Document
Submit scans of:
- The biographical (photo) page
- Any pages with stamps or visas
- The page showing date and place of issue
Your passport should ideally be valid for the entire duration of your study program. If it expires during your studies, you may face complications renewing your study permit later.
6. Passport-Size Photographs
Two recent photos meeting IRCC specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses, neutral expression. For online applications, you upload a digital version. Ensure the file is clear and high-resolution.
7. Proof of Financial Support
This is where many applications succeed or fail. IRCC requires evidence that you can pay for:
- Tuition: As stated in your LOA
- Living expenses: Approximately $20,635 CAD per year (outside Quebec) or $14,546 CAD per year (in Quebec) — check current amounts on the IRCC website
- Return transportation: Evidence you can afford to travel home after your studies
Acceptable proof includes:
- Bank statements from the past 4-6 months showing sufficient and consistent funds
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution — this is one of the strongest proofs of funds
- Scholarship or bursary letter from your school or a funding organization
- Letter from a parent or sponsor with their bank statements and proof of income
- Government sponsorship letter (if your government is funding your studies)
- Student loan approval letter from a recognized institution
Important tip: IRCC officers look for consistent savings, not sudden large deposits. If your bank account shows $500 one month and $40,000 the next, the officer will question where the money came from. If someone gifted or loaned you money, include a letter explaining this along with evidence of the transfer.
8. Proof of Ties to Your Home Country
IRCC wants assurance that you will leave Canada after your studies (or apply for an appropriate status change through legal channels). Strong ties include:
- Family members remaining in your home country
- Property ownership
- A job offer or career plan for after graduation in your home country
- Evidence of cultural or community ties
9. Statement of Purpose / Study Plan
While not always a mandatory field on the checklist, a well-written study plan or statement of purpose can significantly strengthen your application. Your study plan should explain:
- Why you chose this specific program and institution
- How this program fits your career goals
- Why you chose Canada over other countries
- How you plan to use your education after graduating
Keep it to 1-2 pages, be specific, and avoid generic statements like "Canada has the best education." Instead, mention specific programs, faculty, research opportunities, or industry connections that attracted you.
10. Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
Applicants from certain countries or those planning to study in healthcare or childcare fields may need to undergo an immigration medical exam. The exam must be performed by an IRCC-designated panel physician in your country. Find a panel physician at https://secure.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx.
The medical exam includes:
- Physical examination
- Chest X-ray (for applicants 11 years and older)
- Blood and urine tests
Results are sent directly to IRCC by the panel physician. Book your medical exam early, as wait times can be long in some countries.
11. Police Certificates
If you are 18 or older, you may need police certificates from every country where you have lived for 6 months or more since age 18. Each country has its own process for issuing police certificates — some take weeks or months, so start early. IRCC provides guidance on how to obtain police certificates for each country at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates.html.
12. Translations
Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must include:
- A statement from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original
- The translator's name, signature, and contact information
- The date of translation
Some countries have government-authorized translators; in Canada, certified translators can be found through professional associations like ATIO (Ontario) or OTTIAQ (Quebec).
13. Custodian Declaration (for Minors)
If you are under 18 and will be studying in Canada without a parent or legal guardian, you need a custodian declaration. A custodian is a responsible adult in Canada (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) who will be responsible for you. The declaration must be notarized and signed by both your parent(s) and the custodian.
Organizing Your Application
For online applications, name your files descriptively:
- Passport_Bio_Page.pdf
- Letter_of_Acceptance_UniversityOfToronto.pdf
- Bank_Statements_Oct2025_Mar2026.pdf
- GIC_Certificate_RBC.pdf
- Study_Plan.pdf
Combine related documents into single PDFs where possible (e.g., all bank statements in one file) to stay within IRCC's upload limits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an expired LOA: Letters of acceptance often have validity dates. Ensure yours is still valid when you submit your application
- Insufficient financial proof: If your funds are in a currency other than CAD, include the conversion rate and ensure the equivalent meets IRCC's minimum requirements
- Forgetting the PAL: This relatively new requirement catches many applicants off guard
- Low-quality scans: Blurry, dark, or cut-off scans will delay processing. Use a scanner, not a phone camera, if possible
- Not accounting for dependents: If your spouse or children are accompanying you, you need additional funds for them and they may need their own applications
Tips for Newcomers
- Start gathering documents immediately: Some documents (police certificates, medical exams) take weeks to obtain. Start the process as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance
- Use the GIC strategy: A GIC from a Canadian bank (like RBC, Scotiabank, or CIBC) is highly regarded by IRCC because the funds are already in Canada and guaranteed
- Contact your school: Your DLI's international student office can often help with the application process, including the PAL and advice on common issues specific to your country
- Keep copies of everything: Before submitting, save copies of every document and your completed forms. You may need them later for your visa interview, at the port of entry, or for future applications
The IMM 5710 checklist is your roadmap to a successful study permit application. Follow it systematically, gather high-quality documents, and submit a complete, well-organized application. Your Canadian education journey begins with this paperwork — get it right, and the rest will follow.
Download This Form
Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download IMM5710 form (official IRCC). Always use the latest version.
Related internal guides
Official external resources
- Download IMM5710 form (official IRCC)
- IRCC forms and guides library
- IRCC document checklists
- CRA forms and publications
- IRCC processing times
- WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
- Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
- Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
- Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
- Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services
- Guide to IMM 5708: Document Checklist for Visitor Visa
- Guide to IMM 5487: Document Checklist for Super Visa
- How to Fill Out IMM 5257: Canada Visitor Visa
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