Study Permit
Have you applied for college or university in Canada and have obtained the acceptance letter from the institution? If you have you are one step closer to obtaining your Study Permit for Canada. In order to study in Canada, you must obtain a Study Permit. Now with this type of permit you are able to be in Canada and study. Depending on your country of citizenship you may also require a Visitor Visa to Canada also known as Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) . TRV is required for persons that come from non-visa exempt countries such India, Pakistan, Brazil, Uganda and many more. Upon meeting requirements for TRV you get a stamp on your passport that confirms you have met all the requirements as visitor. Now that you have your Student Visa and your Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable) you are able to attend the school/ educational institution that you were accepted to.
Can I go on Vacation while on Study Permit?
Let’s just say that you came to Canada for school, and now you want to travel back home for the holidays, you will need to look at the terms of your visa to see if you are able to travel with that kind of visa. Generally visas are for just coming to the country with a onetime entry, but sometimes however it is possible to get multiple entry visas, meaning you can travel back and forth to other countries while still being considered a temporary resident in Canada.
If you exit Canada and like to come back
-
You must have a valid passport or travel document
-
You must have a valid study permit that is if you planning on continuing with your studies
-
You must a have valid visitor visa if you come from a non-visa exempt country. Also, if your visitor visa has expired you have to reapply
-
You must reapply if you have single entry visa, so if you left Canada on single entry visa and like to come back then you would have to reapply for a new visitor visa
Also, if you come from visa exempt country and you have received your Study Permit before August 1, 2015 and you decide to go on a vacation and return back to Canada you would need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The purpose of the eTA is to check if you have any inadmissibility issues to Canada for example, a criminal record, misrepresentation, overstayed your welcome stay etc.
If you get your Study Permit on or after August 1, 2015 you will automatically be issued an eTA along with your permit.
Also, if you are student and have a valid Study Permit or Work Permit you can apply for a new visa at Case Processing Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. If you are outside of Canada you have to apply at Canadian visa office for a Visitor Visa.
What do I do if my Visitor Visa Expires?
Generally it is advised to make sure that you are paying attention to the validity of your visa or permit to avoid overstaying your welcome stay in Canada. If you know that your visa or permit is set to expire it is best to reapply or renew your visa before you leave the country. Immigration officials are not there to remind you that your visa or permit is about to expire. So if you plan on leaving Canada for vacation make sure that you check your study permit and visitor visa is valid for reentry. There have many situations in which international students were Denied Entry to Canada because either their Study Permit has expired or their Temporary Resident Visa was not valid for reentry. You are able to reapply or renew your study or permit outside of the country but the processing times are extensive. So it is highly recommended to check the validity of the permit or visa prior to leaving Canada to avoid being denied entry to Canada.
What Documents do I need for reentry as International Student
Once you have enjoyed your holidays with your family and like to come back to continue your studies in Canada there are certain documents you would need for reentry:
-
Valid passport or Travel Document
-
Valid Study Permit
-
Valid Visitor Visa that is multiple entry if you come from non-visa exempt country
-
Valid eTA if you are travelling by air
I have my Study Permit Approved can I still be Denied Entry to Canada
Having an approved Study Permit does not mean the officer at the border cannot deny you entry into Canada. Once you arrive at the border the immigration officer has the right to refuse you if they believe your intent to Canada is not temporary. Once you arrive at the border try not to be nervous, remember your application got approved and you don’t want to give the immigration officer the wrong vibe.
Some tips on having a successful border crossing:
-
Have all your documents ready
-
Have your travel documents ready such as passport
-
Have your Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable)
-
Have your eTA ready
-
Have your acceptance letter ready
On top of that it is also recommended that you bring in proof that you are able to support yourself while in Canada. You should also make sure that the dates, your name and other information is all correct on the immigration documents. Also, Canadian Border Agency has tips and tricks for travelling and understanding customs regulations. Especially if you just went back home and your parents spoiled you with gifts, make sure you declare them and fill out a customs form of the things you are bringing back to Canada.
It is super important even if you are irritated from waiting from one to maybe even three hours at the border to stay calm and take a deep breath. Take each question that you are asked seriously, and answer consisitently, peacefully and truthfully. Make sure your application is honest and accurate as you may be asked questions about it.
Contact Akrami & Associates
Need help with obtaining your Study Permit for Canada? Not sure if you require a Visitor Visa or if you meet the requirements to study in Canada. Akrami & Associates has submitted many successful temporary applications and we can help you achieve your immigration goals as well. Call us today at 416-477-2545 and our immigration experts will be more than happy to answer your questions.
With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!