Immigration
Studying in Canada
My SFU account has been deactivated. What steps should I follow to reactivate and return to SFU as an international undergraduate student?
If you have been away from studies at SFU for 3 or more consecutive terms, your SFU account will be deactivated. Before resuming your studies at SFU, you need to reactivate your account by following the specific steps mentioned on this page. The deactivation can also impact on your study permit validity.
Under the , a study permit becomes invalid on the day when students are no longer enrolled at SFU (except for completing a program).
Prior to submitting your reactivation request, you should also check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) and familiarize yourself with the to ensure sufficient time to have your new study permit approved. We recommend submitting your reactivation request at least 4 months prior to your reactivated term (i.e. the term when you request to be reactivated and start resuming your studies at SFU). Important dates such as a start date of each term can be foudn on SFU's academic calendar.
Next steps
If you meet the eligibility for reactivation, you can follow the steps below on how to apply for reactivation and obtain a provincial attestation letter (PAL) for your new study permit, .
Step 1
If you will be applying for reactivation you are required to complete and submit the reactivation form found on the SFU website.
Step 2
After submitting your reactivation form, a SFU International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist will contact you to provide information about applying for a study permit and whether you require a PAL as part of your study permit application.
Step 3
If you require a PAL for your study permit application, you will be required to pay a $5000 CAD deposit before you will be reactivated at SFU.
Note : Payment information
Step 4
Once you have made the payment, email the receipt to Chelsey Acierno (Director of International Recruitment at SFU) at director_internationalrecruitment@sfu.ca
Important: include your full name and SFU's student ID# in the email
Step 5
Your reactivation application will then be processed, and a customized confirmation of enrollment letter (COE) and a PAL (if needed) will be issued to you by SFU for your study permit application.
Want to learn more?
- SFU website - Undergraduate Reactivation and Readmission
- SFU website - News and Updates - 2025 Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements
- IRCC website - - see under other considerations "who doesn't need a permit to study in Canada"
- IRCC website -