Where exactly to find each number on the study permit
Short answer: The IMM 1442 layout — top-left photo (if applicable), top-center "Study Permit / Permis d'études" header, top-right Document Number (F + 9 digits), upper section UCI/Client ID, middle section personal details, lower section permit conditions (school, program, expiry, work authorization), bottom issue date and signature plus the document number repeated.
A Canadian study permit (IMM 1442) is a single page with the IRCC and Canada wordmarks at the top. Here is the layout:
Top left: Holder's photo (if applicable, depending on the permit version)
Top center: "Study Permit / Permis d'études" header
Top right: Document Number (F + 9 digits). This is what most forms ask for.
Upper section: UCI / Client ID (8-10 digits)
Middle section: Personal details (name, date of birth, country of citizenship)
Lower section: Permit conditions (school name, program, expiry date, work authorization details)
Bottom: Issue date, signature, and the document number repeated
The document number at the top right is the one to use whenever a form asks for "study permit number" or "document number on study permit." If a form is unclear about which number to use, the document number (F + 9 digits) is the safe default.
Common situations where you need the study permit document number
Short answer: You use the document number for IRCC online account login (with UCI), study permit extension IMM 5709, PGWP application, Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) when you become a PR, university enrollment confirmation each semester, and driver licence applications in Ontario and BC.
1. Opening an IRCC online account. When you set up an IRCC account, you'll be asked to verify your identity using your study permit document number plus your UCI.
2. Applying for a study permit extension. The extension form (IMM 5709) asks for your current study permit document number so IRCC can pull your existing file.
3. Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP application requires the document number from your most recent study permit.
4. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). If you applied for PR and need a BOWP to maintain status while waiting, the application requires your current study permit document number.
5. Travel Document for Permanent Residents (PRTD). Once you become a PR but your card expires while abroad, the PRTD application asks for any prior document numbers, including study permit.
6. University enrolment and re-enrolment. Most Canadian universities require you to confirm your study permit document number each semester to verify your status with the school.
7. Driver's licence application in some provinces. Provinces like Ontario and BC require proof of legal status, and the study permit document number is part of the verification.
What to do if your study permit document is missing or unclear
Short answer: If the document number is unreadable, first sign in to your IRCC online account dashboard which shows active document numbers; alternatively request a copy via Verification of Status (IMM 5009, 4 to 6 weeks processing) or contact your DLI which has the number from your enrollment paperwork; for lost/stolen/destroyed permits, file IMM 5009 replacement (90 to 120 day processing).
If you cannot read the document number on your study permit (smudged, damaged, low-quality print), the safest path is:
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Sign in to your IRCC online account (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html). The account dashboard shows your active document numbers.
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Request a copy of your study permit through the Verification of Status (VOS) form (IMM 5009). Processing takes 4-6 weeks.
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Apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) only if needed. Usually not relevant for study permits.
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Contact your designated learning institution. Schools often have your study permit document number on file from your enrolment paperwork.
If your study permit is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you need to apply for a replacement permit using the IMM 5009 form. Processing time for replacement is currently 90-120 days. You remain in valid status during processing as long as your original permit had not expired.