Lana Oconnell
International students enrolled in studies in Canada may travel and re-enter the country, but there are several things to consider before leaving. Students must ensure that their documentation is up to date and valid for re-entry, including a valid study permit, visitor visa, or electronic travel authorization (eTA). They should also be aware of local rules when transiting through airports and check the latest updates on travel restrictions. Students waiting for a decision on a study permit extension application should not leave Canada, as they will lose their maintained status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Travel outside Canada | Allowed |
| Travel to the United States | Allowed with a valid study permit, work permit, or visitor status in Canada |
| Re-entry to Canada | Allowed with a 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), and meeting other requirements for entering Canada |
| Document expiration dates | Check and renew if necessary before travel |
| Study permit extension | May result in loss of maintained status when leaving Canada and inability to resume studies until approved |
| Inadmissibility | Involvement in criminal activity, human rights violations, or organized crime; security, health, or financial reasons |
| COVID-19 requirements | As of October 1, 2022, no vaccination, testing, quarantine, or mask requirements for travel to Canada; local rules may apply when transiting airports |
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What You'll Learn
Required documents to travel outside Canada
International students travelling outside Canada and planning to re-enter will need to meet several requirements and have the correct documents. Firstly, it is important to check the expiration dates of your documents and renew them if necessary before travelling.
To re-enter Canada, international students will need a valid passport or travel document, and they must be attending a designated learning institution (DLI). Students will also need either a valid visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on their circumstances. If students have a valid study permit, work permit, or visitor status in Canada, and they only visit the United States, they do not need a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada, as long as they return before the authorized period of their stay ends.
Students must also show that they meet all the other requirements for entering Canada. This includes having a valid immigration medical exam, proving they have enough money for their stay, and convincing an immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit and have ties to their home country.
Additionally, students may need to provide a valid letter of acceptance from their school, letters of reference, and any other documents requested by the visa office. It is important to note that students may experience delays or be refused entry if they do not have all the required documents.
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Re-entering Canada as an international student
International students intending to travel outside Canada and then re-enter must ensure they have the right documents. Here is a checklist for re-entering Canada as an international student:
Firstly, ensure you have a valid study permit. If your permit has expired, you must apply for an extension. If you have applied for an extension and are awaiting approval, you may still be allowed to enter Canada, but you will not be able to resume your studies until the extension is approved.
Secondly, you must have a valid passport or travel document. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada and beyond.
Thirdly, ensure you are attending a designated learning institution (DLI). If you change your DLI, you must submit a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance.
Fourthly, you must have either a valid visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on your nationality and the document you used to enter Canada initially. If your visitor visa or eTA has expired, you may still be allowed to re-enter Canada if you have only visited the United States or St-Pierre and Miquelon and return to Canada by the end of your authorized stay.
Additionally, you must meet all the other requirements for entering Canada, including having sufficient funds for your stay and, if required, a valid immigration medical exam. You may also need to prove that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay and that you have ties to your home country, such as a job or family, that will take you back.
It is important to check the specific requirements for your nationality and ensure all your documents are valid before travelling outside Canada as an international student.
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Inadmissibility to Canada
International students with a valid study permit or work permit, or those with valid visitor status in Canada, can travel outside Canada. However, they must possess the right documents to re-enter Canada. This includes a valid passport or travel document, attendance at a designated learning institution (DLI), and a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Inadmissibility refers to the status of individuals who are not allowed to enter Canada under Canadian immigration law. There are several reasons why a person may be deemed inadmissible to Canada, including:
- Criminal activity: A prior criminal record, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can result in a person being deemed criminally inadmissible. Canada screens all visitors for their criminal background, sharing criminal history information with the United States.
- Human rights violations: Individuals who have been involved in gross human rights violations or are subject to international sanctions may be deemed inadmissible.
- Organized crime: Participation or membership in organizations engaged in organized criminal activity, such as people smuggling or money laundering, can lead to inadmissibility.
- Security and health reasons: Inadmissibility may be due to security concerns or specific medical conditions.
- Financial reasons: In some cases, individuals may be deemed inadmissible for financial reasons, such as not having sufficient funds to support their stay in Canada.
- Misrepresentation: Providing false information or withholding relevant information during the immigration process can result in inadmissibility.
- Temporary resident violations: Temporary residents who do not respect the conditions of their stay, such as overstaying their visa or working without proper permits, may be deemed inadmissible.
It is important to note that even if a person is deemed inadmissible, they may still have options to overcome their inadmissibility and enter Canada. This includes applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation, which offer short and long-term solutions, respectively.
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Travel to the United States
International students in Canada need to consider several factors before travelling to the United States. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your immigration documents are valid and up to date. Check the expiration dates of your passport, visa, and any other relevant documents, and renew them if necessary. If your immigration documents will expire while you are outside Canada, or if you have applied for an extension and must travel urgently, be sure to contact International Student Advising for support and guidance.
When travelling to the United States, Canadian citizens must provide proof of citizenship upon entry. For international students, this may include a valid study permit or work permit, or valid visitor status in Canada. It is important to note that the requirements for entry into the United States may vary depending on your country of citizenship. Some countries' citizens require a US visa, while others may need to obtain an ESTA or complete specific forms. Always check with the US Consulate or the US Department of State website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements.
If you plan to stay in the United States for an extended period, it is crucial to be aware of the strict immigration regulations enforced by the US government. If you wish to stay longer than six months, you must apply for an extension at a USCIS office before your initial authorised stay expires. US authorities strictly enforce entry requirements, and failure to comply can result in serious consequences such as detention or deportation. It is advised to comply with all interactions with border authorities and provide honest and accurate information.
When returning to Canada, international students must meet specific criteria to be allowed re-entry. In addition to having a valid passport or travel document and attending a designated learning institution (DLI), students must possess either a valid visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). It is important to note that if your visitor visa or eTA has expired, you may still be allowed to re-enter Canada if you have only visited the United States and can demonstrate that you will return by the end of your authorised stay. However, you will not be able to resume your studies until your study permit extension is approved.
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COVID-19 border measures
International students in Canada have been significantly impacted by the country's border measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the Canadian government closed its borders to non-residents to curb the spread of COVID-19, leaving many international students in limbo. This resulted in a sharp decline in the number of study permits issued, affecting the finances of universities offering in-person classes.
However, the government gradually eased border restrictions, and by August and September 2021, fully vaccinated travellers from the US and other countries were allowed entry for discretionary purposes. Additionally, the requirement to stay in government-authorized accommodation upon arrival was eliminated.
As of October 20, 2020, international students attending a "designated learning institution" with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan were permitted entry into Canada. Universities welcomed this decision, working with authorities to ensure a safe return for their international students.
To enter Canada, international students needed to meet specific criteria. They required 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). They also had to be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet all other entry requirements for Canada.
Amid concerns over the Omicron variant, the Canadian government reintroduced travel restrictions. All air travellers entering the country, except those from the United States, were required to undergo COVID-19 testing. Additionally, an entry prohibition was issued for several African countries, including Botswana, Egypt, and South Africa. Fully vaccinated travellers were required to have a quarantine plan and disclose their vaccination information. They were also advised to carry their vaccination documentation for verification at the border and retain it for 14 days after entering Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid study permit, approval for a study permit or study permit extension, a valid passport or travel document, a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), and you must meet all other requirements for entering Canada.
If you leave Canada and visit only the United States, you do not need a valid TRV to re-enter, provided you return by the end of your authorized stay.
You will need to apply for a new study permit from outside Canada and you will not be able to enter Canada until your new application has been approved.
Students who are waiting to receive a decision on a study permit extension application should not leave Canada. If you need to travel to the United States, contact the International Office for assistance.
You must ensure you are eligible to enter Canada and that you have all the necessary documents. You should also be aware of local rules if you are transiting through airports en route to Canada, and consider booking flights with long layovers to allow time for immigration.
