Tuition deposits often come before students feel fully ready to apply for a study permit. The pressure can be high when an offer has a short payment deadline, a limited refund period, or an intake that starts soon. This topic is for planning the sequence instead of rushing a payment without checking the rest of the file. Specific questions worth discussing: - What should be ready before paying a first tuition deposit? - How should students compare refund dates, PAL or TAL timing, proof of funds, medicals, biometrics, and study plan preparation? - When might a later intake be more sensible than forcing a tight timeline? - What questions should be asked directly to the school in writing? If replying with a similar situation, include the province or city, current status, key dates, program or job details when relevant, and the official source you are using. Please do not post private documents, UCI numbers, passport details, bank account information, or full addresses. For reference value, please mention what official page or school, employer, bank, landlord, or province-specific source you checked most recently. That helps other readers understand whether the answer depends on timing, location, document wording, or a personal planning assumption. This is a community discussion starter, not legal advice. Please check official requirements or speak with a qualified professional when needed.