International Students In Canada: Entry Requirements Explained

International students can enter Canada with a valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing approval for a study permit. Students must also have a valid passport or travel document, attend a designated learning institution (DLI), and have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). They must also meet basic entry requirements, including having sufficient funds for their stay and proving they will leave Canada at the end of their studies. Inadmissibility to Canada may result from security, health, or financial concerns.

International students need a valid study permit to enter Canada

International students must meet several requirements to enter Canada. Firstly, they must have a valid passport or travel document and be attending a designated learning institution (DLI). They also need either a valid visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on their specific circumstances. Moreover, students must be able to prove that they will leave Canada at the end of their studies and demonstrate ties to their home country, such as a job, home, financial assets, or family. Sufficient funds for their stay in Canada are also necessary, and the amount required can vary depending on factors such as the length of stay and accommodation arrangements.

It is important to note that a study permit is not the only requirement for entry into Canada. International students must also pass an identity check and meet the entry requirements set by the Canadian government. A border services officer will assess each student's situation and determine their admissibility to Canada. If a student is deemed inadmissible, they will not be permitted to enter the country.

In addition to the study permit, international students should be prepared to provide other relevant documents upon their arrival in Canada. These documents may include a letter of introduction from the visa office and proof of a valid immigration medical exam, which is mandatory for those who need one. It is recommended that students review the Canadian Border Service Agency's information for international students and download their PDF pamphlet to ensure a smooth arrival process.

Inadmissibility criteria for international students entering Canada

International students must apply for a study permit to enter Canada. A Canadian immigration officer will decide if an international student can enter Canada when they apply for a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If the officer determines that the student is not admissible, they will not be allowed to enter Canada. Students normally have to apply for a study permit from outside Canada.

International students can be deemed inadmissible for several reasons, including criminal, security, health, or financial reasons. For instance, a prior criminal record, including driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can result in a Canadian Immigration Officer refusing entry on the basis of criminal inadmissibility. Other criminal grounds for inadmissibility include membership in an organization that takes part in organized criminal activity, people smuggling, or money laundering.

In addition, international students may be deemed inadmissible if they are temporary residents who don't respect the conditions of their stay, such as by overstaying without authorization, or working or studying without the proper permits. Permanent residents who haven't lived in Canada for the required amount of time may also be deemed inadmissible. Furthermore, individuals who have been previously deported from Canada and try to re-enter without written authorization will be deemed inadmissible. In some cases, an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) may be required for admittance.

Health-related grounds for inadmissibility may also apply to international students. This could include medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demands on health or social services. However, the specific conditions that fall under this category are not publicly available.

Documents required for international students entering Canada

International students intending to enter Canada should ensure they have all the required documents before travelling. The specific documents required for entry into Canada as an international student include:

• A valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing approval for a study permit. This letter of introduction is sent by the visa office and must be presented to the border services officer upon arrival. It is important to note that a study permit application may be returned if it does not include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where the student plans to study.
• A valid electronic travel authorization (eTA), a valid visitor visa (temporary resident visa), a valid green card, or other valid travel documents. If entering with a valid eTA, it must be linked to the passport used to apply for the study permit.
• Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. The amount required can vary depending on factors such as the length of stay and accommodation arrangements.
• Proof of ties to the home country, such as a job, home, financial assets, or family, demonstrating an intention to return after the stay in Canada.
• A valid passport, which will be stamped by the border services officer upon entry, indicating how long the student can stay in Canada.

In addition to the above, international students may also need to provide the following:

• A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required if the student intends to work in Canada or access government programs and benefits. The application for a SIN can be made online or at a SIN clinic, and the student must provide all the required documents.
• A medical exam is mandatory, and the results must be valid for entry into Canada. If the exam expires before entering the country, a new one is needed, even if the letter of introduction is still valid.

International students entering Canada must prove they will leave at the end of their stay

International students are required to prove that they will leave Canada at the end of their studies. This is a basic requirement for entering Canada as a student. Students must be able to demonstrate that they have ties to their home country, such as a job, home, financial assets, or family, that will ensure their return. They must also have a valid passport or travel document and be attending a designated learning institution (DLI).

To enter Canada as a student, one must possess a valid study permit or a letter of introduction indicating approval for a study permit. This permit allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Students should apply for this permit before travelling to Canada and ensure that they have all the required documents.

Upon arrival in Canada, international students will encounter a border services officer who will verify that they meet the basic requirements for entry. This officer will stamp the student's passport and inform them of how long they are permitted to stay in the country. Normally, individuals are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months. It is recommended that students arrive in Canada early enough to allow a reasonable amount of time to prepare before commencing their studies.

If an international student's study permit expires while they are still in Canada, they must restore their student status and apply for a new study permit. They may still be able to enter Canada as a visitor, but they cannot apply for a new study permit within the country. Students must apply for an extension of their study permit from outside of Canada.

International students entering Canada need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work

International students are allowed to work in Canada, but they need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to do so. The SIN is a unique nine-digit identifier issued by the Canadian government. It allows you to work, receive benefits, and access government services. It is required for most jobs in Canada, as well as for certain government benefits and services.

To be eligible for a SIN, international students must be authorised to work in Canada by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and have a valid study permit or work permit. Students in degree programs do not need a work permit to work off-campus. However, a valid SIN alone does not make you eligible to work on or off-campus; you must still meet the eligibility requirements to work legally.

The application process for a SIN is relatively straightforward. To apply for a SIN, you will need to assemble certain documents to prove your identity and eligibility, including a valid study permit or work permit. Most original birth certificates are acceptable to get a SIN. However, some birth certificates may no longer be considered valid or meet the requirements for various reasons. If you are under the age of majority in your province or territory, a representative must apply for a SIN on your behalf. You can contact Service Canada or your school's international student office for help with your application.

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can submit your SIN application and provide all the required documents. If everything is in order, you will receive your SIN during your visit and will not need to part with your documents. You can also apply for a SIN online and upload your digital documents securely.

Frequently asked questions