Returning To Canada: International Students' Guide

can international student return to canada

International students who plan to travel and then re-enter Canada must meet specific requirements. These include having a valid passport or travel document, attending a designated learning institution (DLI), and obtaining the necessary visas or permits, such as a valid study permit, visitor visa, or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Additionally, international students should be aware of the potential loss of maintained status when leaving Canada while their study permit extension application is still pending. To avoid complications, it is advisable to renew immigration documents before travelling and ensure compliance with safety, security, and health protocols. Understanding tax obligations as an international student in Canada is also essential, as residency status impacts income tax filing requirements.

Characteristics Values
Required Documents Valid study permit, approval for a study permit or study permit extension, valid passport or travel document, attendance at a designated learning institution (DLI), valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Other Requirements Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay, results of a valid immigration medical exam, proof of intention to leave Canada at the end of the stay
Inadmissible Cases Involvement in criminal activity, human rights violations, or organized crime; security, health, or financial concerns
Travel Advice Consult the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories for safety, security, health, and entry requirement updates; be mindful of cybersecurity and confidential information on electronic devices

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Required documents

International students may be able to re-enter Canada if they have the following documents:

  • A valid study permit or approval for a study permit/study permit extension.
  • A valid passport or travel document.
  • Proof of attendance at a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • A valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on the document required.
  • Proof of financial assets or ties to your home country, such as a job, home, or family, demonstrating that you will return after your stay.
  • Enough money for your stay (the amount varies depending on the length of your stay and your accommodation arrangements).
  • Results of a valid immigration medical exam (if required).

It is important to note that the requirements for re-entry may change, and students should refer to the Canadian Border Service Agency's information for international students for the most up-to-date guidelines. Additionally, as of November 8, 2024, students will need a new study permit if they change schools.

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Travel considerations

As an international student, there are several travel considerations to keep in mind if you plan to leave and re-enter Canada. Firstly, ensure that you have the necessary documents to re-enter Canada. This includes a valid study permit, approval for a study permit or study permit extension, a valid passport or travel document, and either a valid visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on your specific situation. Check the expiration dates of your documents and renew them if necessary before travelling.

If your immigration documents will expire while you are outside Canada, or if you have applied for an extension and need to travel, it is recommended to contact International Student Advising for support. Additionally, if you are waiting for a study permit extension and need to travel to the United States, you do not need a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada, provided you return within the authorized period.

When re-entering Canada, you must demonstrate to the border services officer that you meet all the requirements. You may also need to convince an immigration officer that you have ties to your home country and that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit. Having sufficient funds for your stay and a valid immigration medical exam (if required) are also important considerations.

Before travelling, it is recommended to consult the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories for up-to-date information on safety, security, and health notices, as well as entry requirements for your destination. Additionally, take cybersecurity seriously and be mindful of the sensitive information stored on your electronic devices, as these may be subject to search by border officials in other countries.

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Inadmissibility

International students who wish to return to Canada after travelling outside the country must meet several requirements to be allowed to re-enter. These requirements include having a valid study permit or approval for a study permit or extension, a valid passport or travel document, attending a designated learning institution (DLI), and possessing a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Additionally, they must demonstrate to the border services officer that they meet all the necessary criteria for entering Canada.

Criminal Activity

Involvement in criminal activity, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can render an individual inadmissible to Canada. This also extends to membership in organizations engaged in organized criminal activity, people smuggling, or money laundering. If an individual has committed or been convicted of a crime, they may have options to overcome their criminal inadmissibility, such as obtaining a temporary resident permit.

Human Rights Violations

Individuals who have been senior officials in a government engaged in gross human rights violations or subject to international sanctions may be deemed inadmissible to Canada.

Security and Health Reasons

Financial Considerations

Financial reasons can also contribute to inadmissibility. For example, temporary residents who do not respect the conditions of their stay, such as overstaying their visa or working without the proper permits, may be deemed inadmissible.

Misrepresentation

Providing false information or withholding relevant information directly related to decisions made under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) can result in inadmissibility.

It is important to note that even if an individual is deemed inadmissible, there may be options to overcome this status, depending on the specific circumstances. In some cases, a temporary resident permit may be issued if there are compelling reasons for the person to travel to Canada.

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COVID-19 protocols

International students intending to study in Canada should be aware of the changes in procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian government advises against all non-essential travel outside the country. International students wishing to return home should consider whether their home country will allow them to enter, whether they will be able to re-enter Canada in the future, and how this may affect their eligibility to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit.

International students can enter Canada if their designated learning institution (DLI) has a government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan in place. Provincial and territorial governments will assess these university plans to ensure there are suitable protocols in place to protect students in case there are COVID-19 cases on campus. The official website states:

> The list of DLIs with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan in place will be posted on IRCC’s web page for international students affected by COVID-19 restrictions and updated regularly as provinces and territories identify additional schools.

Only post-secondary institutions listed on the federal government website are allowed to reopen for international students with approved study permits. Students should not make any travel plans until they have met all requirements and received the necessary authorization. In addition to their study permit, international students will need to obtain valid travel documents in order to enter Canada, such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Students should also be aware that most universities and colleges have closed their international centres, but continue to help international students by phone, email, and video conferencing. Most colleges and universities are planning to finish the winter semester through online courses. Students should prepare for all of their learning to take place online until further notice.

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Income tax requirements

As an international student in Canada, you may need to file a Canadian income tax return. Your residency status determines your income tax return filing requirements.

If you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes, you may be eligible for benefit and credit payments, including GST/HST credits, tuition carry-forward credits, and other provincial credits or tuition rebates. You will need to file an income tax and benefit return each year to continue to receive these benefits and credits. As a resident, you will be taxed on all income you receive, regardless of where it comes from, but you will be able to claim any taxes you paid to a foreign government as a foreign tax credit. You may also be able to claim tuition credits, fees paid to educational institutions, and the interest paid on student loans as deductions.

If you are a non-resident of Canada for income tax purposes, you may still be required to pay tax on income you receive from Canadian sources, including investment earnings from employment, interest or dividends, or taxable scholarships. If you are a non-resident, you only need to file a tax return if you have Canadian source income, and you want to claim a refund or pay taxes if you have overpaid tax on income from Canadian sources.

To determine your residency status, you should consider your residential ties to Canada. Residential ties can include having a home in Canada, a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependent who is moving to Canada to live with you. If you spend less than 183 days or 6 months in Canada and do not have significant residential ties in the country, you will likely be considered a non-resident.

Frequently asked questions

You must have a valid passport or travel document, a valid study permit or approval for a study permit/extension, and either a valid visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (ETA), depending on which document you need.

If you have a valid study or work permit, or valid visitor status, and you only visit the United States, you do not need a TRV to re-enter Canada, provided you return by the end of your authorized stay.

You will not benefit from maintained status upon your return, and you may be denied entry. If you are allowed to enter, you will not be authorized to study or work until a new study permit is issued.

In general, it is best to renew your immigration documents before you leave Canada. If your documents will expire while you are outside Canada, contact International Student Advising before traveling for support.

You must meet all the requirements for entering Canada, including having valid medical exam results and enough money for your stay. You may also need to convince an immigration officer that you have ties that will take you back to your home country and that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.

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