International Fee Exemption
Effective November 3, 2025, all applications for an International Fee Exemption (IFE) must be submitted to the University Registrar’s Office using the process on this page.
An International Fee Exemption (IFE) allows eligible international students to pay domestic tuition. This page explains who may apply, how to submit an application using the online form, applicable deadlines, what to expect after submission, and how to obtain assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
International students must meet the requirements of one of the following categories:
- You are approved “In-Principle” for Permanent Resident Status in Canada
- You are a dependent of a Person Approved “In-Principle” for Permanent Resident Status in Canada
- You are a visitor with a Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit
- You are a dependent of a Visitor with a Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit
- You are a visitor with Diplomatic Status
- You are a dependent of a Visitor with Diplomatic Status
- You are a protected Person or Refugee
- You are a dependent of a Protected Person or Refugee
- You are a dependent of a Canadian Citizen or Indigenous Person
- You are a dependent of a Permanent Resident
Refer to the definitions section for a full understanding of each category.
You must have a valid Canadian post-secondary study permit listing the University of Toronto as the DLI by the first day of your studies, unless you are legally exempt from this requirement.
Preparing to Apply
Carefully review the Supporting Documentation Requirements section to determine which documents are required for your legal status.
Prepare all of the required documents in advanced of applying, ensuring they are clear, legible, and unaltered digital versions of the original paper documents, or the original documents issued digitally. The University of Toronto reserves the right to request any digital documentation submitted through this application in their original format (e.g., paper).
See the Deadlines to make sure you submit on time and that you understand the impact of late applications. IFE applications will not be accepted after the posted deadlines for a given academic term. Apply as early as possible to avoid being impacted.
Deadlines
|
Academic Session/Term |
Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Fall Term |
November 1 |
|
Winter Term |
February 1 |
|
Summer Session |
June 30 |
Please note:
- The University is closed on weekends. If a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, statutory holiday, or University closure, it will be moved to the preceding business day (e.g., the Friday before).
- Exceptions to deadlines are not permitted. Submissions beyond the applicable deadline may be considered for future academic terms but will not be applied to the current one; e.g., if you apply on November 2, you will no longer be considered for domestic fees in the Fall term but you will be considered for the Winter.
How to Apply
Click the Apply button at the bottom of this page when you have finished reviewing supporting documentation requirements, definitions, deadlines, and have compiled all of the appropriate documentation in a PDF format.
The form will guide you through a sequence of questions to determine eligibility and to identify the precise documents required. Do not use the application form until you have collected all of the required documentation needed.
Upon successful submission, an onscreen confirmation will appear. You will also receive a confirmation, which is sent to your University of Toronto email address (@mail.utoronto.ca). Retain a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
After you Submit
All follow-up emails, and a final decision, will be sent to your @mail.utoronto.ca email account. You may be asked to provide additional supporting documentation or answer further questions. Monitor your U of T email regularly and check junk/spam folders to ensure that you receive communications regarding your application.
If you are approved, an email will be sent to your University of Toronto email. Approvals will indicate the end date of your IFE. Retain this email for future reference, as you will be required to re-apply before the approved end date.
Please do not use the Contact Form to inquire about an active application. A final decision can take between 4 and 6 weeks while the University reviews and authenticates your supporting documentation and information. We appreciate your patience.
Decisions, Re-application, and Appeals
You can submit one application per academic term. Once a final decision has been issued on an application, that decision is final and cannot be appealed. However, you can apply for an IFE in a future academic session should your legal status change, and you meet eligibility requirements at a later date. Retroactive approvals are not permitted. New applications during the same term (e.g. Fall term) will not be considered if a decision has already been made.
Maintain Your International Fee Exemption Status
If you wish to be considered for an international fee exemption beyond the approved end session, you must re-apply before your current international fee exemption expires. Failure to re-apply on time will result in being charged international tuition fees for subsequent terms. Refer to the approval email you received for a record of the end date of your IFE.
You are required to immediately report any relevant changes to your legal status in Canada, or a change in the legal status of your parents, spouse or common law partner, using the Contact Form. For example, if your parents leave Canada or the conditions of your parent’s work permit have changed. Failure to do so may result in review under the Code of Student Conduct.
All approvals are subject to audit at any time. The University reserves the right to rescind or retroactively remove an International Fee Exemption if fraud or misrepresentation has been discovered.
Supporting Documentation Requirements
Use the information below to assist you in determining the appropriate supporting documentation you need to provide in the application form. Collect all of the documentation prior to using the form.
Prepare clear, legible, and unaltered digital versions of the original paper documents, or the original documents issued digitally. The University of Toronto reserves the right to request any digital documentation submitted through this application in their original format (e.g., paper). Additional documentation may be requested at the discretion of the University Registrar’s Office through a request to your UofT email address.
Students will also be required to prove their dependent relationship with their parent, spouse, or common-law partner where applicable (See Proof of Dependent Relationship).
Academic Integrity Warning
It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide complete and accurate information. The University of Toronto will validate the authenticity of documentation submitted in the IFE application, for example, by contacting the CRA, IRCC, landlords, parents, adoptive parents, spouses, common law partners, and employers, as well as any agents listed in any of the documentation provided. Falsifying information is fraud and is punishable under Canadian law. It is also a serious academic offence under the U of T Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. Penalties for forgery under the Code may include multi-year suspensions or even expulsion from the University.
Category-Specific Documentation
Provide one of the following documents:
- “Approval-in-Principle” letter – Evidence of this is a standard letter which confirms that the IRCC has determined that the individual is eligible for immigration to Canada and meets the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence.
- A valid (not expired) and unsigned official Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) letter issued by the IRCC
Notes: Regarding the “Approval-in-Principle” letter, proof of submission or acknowledgment of receipt is not accepted. If you have a signed unexpired COPR, please see your registrar’s office to request a legal status change to Permanent Resident; there is no need to apply for an IFE if you are a permanent resident.
Provide Proof of Dependent Relationship to your Parent, Spouse, or Common-law Partner.
Provide one of the following documents for your Parent, Spouse, or Common-Law Partner:
- “Approval-in-Principle” letter – Evidence of this is a standard letter which confirms that the IRCC has determined that the individual is eligible for immigration to Canada and meets the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence.
- A valid (not expired) and unsigned official Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) letter issued by the IRCC
Note: Regarding the “Approval-in-Principle” letter, proof of submission or acknowledgment of receipt is not accepted.
Provide all of the following:
- Valid work permit with a specified employer in Canada
- Letter of employment outlining your start date, salary, and hours of work
- Three months of the most recent pay stubs showing income from the employer/business.
- The full and complete most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) received by the CRA. The income on the NOA must include the income being reported on pay statements and employment letters submitted to the University of Toronto as part of the international fee exemption application. Please note, your most recent Notice of Assessment is required if your work permit was issued more than 12 months ago.
Note: Volunteer work, charitable work, part-time work, or self-employment which does not generate income, is not eligible.
Provide Proof of Dependent Relationship to your Parent, Spouse, or Common-law Partner.
Provide all of the following documents for your Parent, Spouse, or Common-Law Partner:
- Valid work permit with a specified employer in Canada
- Letter of employment outlining your start date, salary, and hours of work
- Three months of the most recent pay stubs showing income from the employer/business.
- The full and complete most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) received by the CRA. The income on the NOA must include the income being reported on pay statements and employment letters submitted to the University of Toronto as part of the international fee exemption application. Please note, your most recent Notice of Assessment is required if your work permit was issued more than 12 months ago.
Note: Volunteer work, charitable work, part-time work, or self-employment which does not generate income, is not eligible.
Provide all of the following documents:
- Foreign, Consular, or Special Passport (photo page)
- Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Identity Card
- Letter confirming diplomatic appointment (must be dated, and include start and end date of appointment)
Provide Proof of Dependent Relationship to your Parent, Spouse, or Common-law Partner.
Provide one of the following documents:
- Foreign, Consular, or Special Passport (photo page)
- Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Identity Card
Provide all of the following documents for your Parent, Spouse, or Common-Law Partner:
- Foreign, Consular, or Special Passport (photo page)
- Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Identity Card
- Letter confirming diplomatic appointment (must be dated, and include start and end date of appointment)
Provide one of the following documents:
- “Notice of Decision” issued by Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
- A protected person document (IMM 5520) issued by issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada under section 31(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Note: A refugee claimant document cannot be used for International Fee Exemption. A decision must be made in the case before an International Fee Exemption can be applied for.
Provide Proof of Dependent Relationship to your Parent, Spouse, or Common-law Partner.
Provide one of the following documents for your Parent, Spouse, or Common-Law Partner:
- “Notice of Decision” issued by Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
- A protected person document (IMM 5520) issued by issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada under section 31(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Note: A refugee claimant document cannot be used for International Fee Exemption. A decision must be made in the case before an International Fee Exemption can be applied for.
Provide Proof of Dependent Relationship to your Parent, Spouse, or Common-law Partner.
Provide one of the following documents for your Parent, Spouse, or Common-Law Partner:
- Canadian passport (photo page)
- Birth certificate and government-issued photo ID
- Canadian citizenship card
- Canadian citizenship certificate and government-Issued photo ID
- Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued by DIAND/INAC/AANDC) or new Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (SCIS)
Provide Proof of Dependent Relationship to your Parent, Spouse, or Common-law Partner.
Provide one of the following documents for your Parent, Spouse, or Common-Law Partner:
- Valid Canadian Permanent Residency Card
- Signed and unexpired Confirmation of Permanent Residence letter (COPR) (e.g., IMM 5292, IMM 5688)
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
Proof of Dependent Relationship
If any of your documents are not originally issued in English or French (e.g., foreign marriage or birth certificate), a complete translation must be provided by a certified translator who is a member in good standing of a recognized provincial or territorial translation association in Canada. Any translations or certified true copies must also be certified by a Canadian notary public to confirm their authenticity and accuracy.
Parent’s Valid Passport
- Provide a copy of the photo page of your parent’s valid passport
Provide one of the following:
- A Canadian long form birth certificate with parental information
- A foreign birth certificate translated into English with parental information
- Parent’s Record of Landing document (IMM 1000) with list of accompanying family members
- Parent’s Confirmation of Permanent Residence Visa with list of accompanying family members
- Notice of Decision document from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada with list of accompanying family members
- Proof of adoption: certified or notarized copies from the issuing authority of either (a) Canadian Issued Adoption Order or (b) a Canadian Issued Adoption Certificate; and (c) an original copy of an amended birth certificate
Spouse’s Valid ID
- Provide a copy of the photo page of your spouse’s valid passport
Provide one of the following:
- Canadian marriage certificate
- Foreign marriage certificate officially translated into English
Partner’s Valid ID
- Provide a copy of the photo page of your partner’s valid passport
Provide one of the following documents:
- Declaration of common law union (IMM 5409)
- Notarized affidavit of common-law status demonstrating 3 years of co-habitation (must be a Canadian notary)
Provide all of the following documents:
- Both partners’ Notice of Assessment statements from the Canada Revenue Agency for the past 3 years, indicating the same address.
- Both partners’ Proof of Income Statement from Canada Revenue Agency showing that taxes for the past 3 years have been filed as Common Law.
Note: Filing multiple years of tax returns retroactively will not be accepted (e.g., filling three years of returns in the current tax year).
Provide one of the following documents:
- Property tax bills demonstrating three years of cohabitation at the same address with both partner’s names.
- Residential lease agreements demonstrating three years of cohabitation at the same address with both partner’s names.
Note: The age of majority in Ontario is 18, and common law cannot begin before 18 years of age. For example, a 20-year-old student who requests an IFE on the basis of being in a common law relationship does not qualify, because they must have been living with their partner for a period of at least 3 years on or after their 18th birthday.
Apply Online
When you have collected all required documents, click the Apply button to begin your IFE application. You will be asked to login using your UTORid.
You will be unable to access the International Fee Exemption application form if:
- You are not currently registered or invited to register.
- You are not an international student.
- You have already submitted an International Fee Exemption application for the current academic session. If you wish to re-apply, you may do so in a future application period.
Contact Us
Not a student of the University of Toronto but have a question? Click Here
Please do not use the contact form to appeal a decision or to request status updates on an active application. All follow-up emails, and a final decision, will be sent to your @mail.utoronto.ca email account. Monitor your email.
Definitions
A citizen of Canada within the meaning of the Citizenship Act, or a person registered as Indigenous within the meaning of the Indian Act in Canada.
A permanent resident is one of the following:
- A person who has been granted “permanent resident” status, has not had that status revoked.
- A person who has been approved “in-principle” for permanent resident status in Canada. Evidence of this is a letter which confirms that Citizenship and Immigration Canada has determined that he/she is eligible for immigration to Canada and meets the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent resident status in Canada. Such letters must be dated prior to the enrolment count date and presented prior to the enrolment report due date.
A visitor, and his/her dependents, who is authorized to work in Canada having been issued a work permit.
The following students are excluded from this category:
- A visitor who is a graduate teaching assistant
- A visitor, and his/her dependents, holding an open work permit
- An international student holding a work permit to complete his/her co-op, internship or medical residency employment
- An international student holding an open work permit for post-graduate work (usually for up to three years of work opportunities upon graduation)
- An international student whose spouse or common-law partner has received a work permit as a result of the international student holding a valid Study Permit
- An international student holding an “Off-Campus Work Permit”
- International clinical fellows and dependents
- Dependents of post-doctorate fellows who received their study permit prior to their parent, spouse, or common law partner receiving their work permit
A visitor who is admitted to and remaining in Canada with official accreditation from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who has entered Canada, or is in Canada, to carry out her/his official duties as one of the following:
- A diplomatic or consular officer
- A Canadian government-accredited representative or official of a country other than Canada, of the United Nations or any of its agencies, of any intergovernmental organizations of which Canada is a member
- A dependent (see Section 1.1.7 for definition) or a member of the staff of any such diplomat, consular officer; representative or official accredited to Canada by the Canadian government
- A member of a foreign military force or of a civilian component; thereof admitted to Canada under the Visiting Forces Act or any dependents of such personnel.
A person, and his/her dependents is one of the following:
- Determined to be a protected person, including a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection, within the meaning of subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. A protected person document issued under section 31(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or a “notice of decision” issued by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada or by the IRB must be presented
- A refugee claimant who applied to the federal government for Convention refugee status prior to January 1, 1989, and can provide documentation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to that effect.
Defined as:
- a spouse
- a common-law partner
- a dependent child
A dependent child is a child who is a biological child who has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner, or an adopted child; and who is in one of the following situations of dependency:
- Under age 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner
- Enrolled continuously at a college, university or other educational institution and
dependent substantially on the financial support of the parent since before age 22
since becoming a spouse or common-law partner if that occurred before age 22 - A person with a disability who has been financially supported substantially by his or her parents, and who is unable to be self-supporting because of the disability.
You are living in a common-law relationship if you and your partner meet one of the following:
- Have cohabitated continuously for a period of at least 3 years
- Are in a relationship of some permanence and are the natural or adoptive parents of a child.