Hamilton is a busy education hub, home to thousands of international students at McMaster University, Mohawk College and other local schools. Keeping a study permit in good standing means following the rules of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
If your studies have not followed a straight line, IRCC may ask for more information about your situation, for example through a procedural fairness letter or a request for additional documents when you apply to extend your study permit, restore your status, or apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Many students choose to support their written explanation with a statutory declaration.
At Crown Seal Notary, we know how stressful these deadlines can be. We offer remote online commissioning for students: you meet our commissioner on a live video call from home or campus, and your commissioned document is emailed back to you, ready to upload.
Please note: Crown Seal Notary is an independent notary public and commissioner of oaths. We are not a government agency and not an immigration representative. We do not give immigration advice, and we do not prepare or submit applications. For advice about your file, speak with a licensed immigration consultant or a lawyer.
WHEN IS A STATUTORY DECLARATION USED?
A plain letter of explanation is not always enough when there are gaps or changes in your academic history. A statutory declaration, a written statement that you solemnly declare to be true, can add weight to your explanation in situations such as:
- A gap semester or authorized leave: If you took time off for medical reasons, a family emergency, financial difficulties or a delayed program start, you can set out what you did during that time.
- Changing programs or schools: If you switched programs at McMaster, or transferred between Mohawk College and another designated learning institution (DLI), a declaration can help explain your timeline.
- Part-time study: IRCC’s PGWP rules generally require full-time study in each academic session of your program, with some exceptions, such as your final session and authorized leaves. If you studied part-time during a session, a declaration can explain the circumstances. Always check IRCC’s current rules for your own situation.
- Financial support: If a relative or friend in Canada or abroad is paying for your studies and living costs, they may provide a statutory declaration confirming their support, along with proof of funds.
HOW REMOTE ONLINE COMMISSIONING WORKS FOR STUDENTS
Step 1 — Fast Online Booking
Select the “Remote Online Commissioning” option in our booking portal. Choose a time between classes or during your study breaks. You will upload a digital copy of your unsigned explanation letter or IRCC form.
Step 2 — Identity Verification
Have your official, unexpired identity documents ready. As an international student, you can verify your identity using:
- Your passport
- An Ontario Driver’s Licence or Ontario Photo Card
- Your Permanent Resident (PR) Card, if applicable
Step 3 — The Video Meeting
You join a live video call with our commissioner. We review the document with you, confirm your identity against your photo ID, and witness your signature on screen.
Step 4 — Instant Delivery to Your Inbox
Our commissioner completes the commissioning section and signs the document electronically. The completed PDF is emailed back to you, ready to upload to your IRCC account.
PREFER AN IN-PERSON APPOINTMENT? VISIT OUR OFFICE, OR WE COME TO YOU
If you prefer to handle your paperwork in person, or if the organization receiving your document asks for an original wet-ink signature, Crown Seal Notary also offers in-office and mobile appointments.
Instead of travelling across town, you can visit our office or our notary can come to you, on campus, at your student residence or at another convenient location across:
McMaster University campus & Westdale area
Mohawk College campuses (Fennell and Stoney Creek)
Ancaster, Dundas, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and the GTA
GET YOUR STUDENT FILE BACK ON TRACK. BOOK NOW.
Don’t let a tight IRCC deadline add to your stress. Book a fast, affordable appointment and get your declaration commissioned so you can keep your studies moving forward.
Choose your booking option:
Click Here to Book an Online Session or an In-Person Appointment
