Essential 7 Documents for New Study Visa Holders Traveling to Canada

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers play a key role in checking the immigration status of new study visa holders at Canadian airports. They also have the important task of deciding whether to allow or deny your entry into Canada, based on the information you provide and the documents you show them.

International students arriving in Canada might encounter extended waiting times at Canadian airports or land borders due to the necessity of fulfilling all necessary paperwork.

A border services officer (BSO) guides these incoming students to the correct destination for submitting their study permit applications.

Certain Canadian airports have established dedicated processing zones for incoming study visa holders. It is highly recommended that study visa holders carefully examine and promptly rectify any errors in their study permit upon receiving it.

Who Can Enter Canada as an International Student?

Before making any travel plans, international students must ensure they fulfill the general eligibility criteria.

To gain entry into Canada as a student, individuals must:

1. Hold a valid study visa or possess a letter of introduction confirming their study approval.
2. Provide evidence of enrollment in a designated learning institution (DLI).

According to CBSA, individuals holding study visas are encouraged to embark on their travels shortly after obtaining their visa stamp. This approach helps them steer clear of the substantial influx of travelers during the late August, early September, and early January periods.

Complete Documentation List Required for New International Students

According to CBSA, if you lack any of the seven specified documents outlined below, your immigration check at the Canadian airport may encounter delays or potentially lead to your repatriation to your home country.

For entry into Canada, new international students are required to have the following:

1. Acceptable travel documents, including a valid passport.
2. The letter of introduction you received at the port of entry, or a valid study permit if you already have one, supplied by the visa office upon approval of your study permit.
3. A legitimate letter of acceptance from your chosen school.
4. A study visa foil stamped in your passport or a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if your country is visa-exempt.
5. Proof of sufficient funds, demonstrated through means such as a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), to support your stay.
6. No history of criminal or immigration-related convictions, unless a pardon or rehabilitation has been granted.
7. A good state of health and valid immigration medical examination results at the time of your entry into Canada.

If the validity of your medical examination expires before you enter Canada, you must undergo a fresh medical examination, even if you have already received your visa stamp.

CBSA recommendation: Keep these documents in your handbag for convenient access, and avoid putting any of these materials inside the luggage or bag.

When Are New Students Permitted to Enter Canada on a Study Visa?

The timeline for a new international student with a study visa to travel to Canada is flexible.

Those who have a visa stamped in their passport and possess all the required documents are free to arrive whenever they choose to integrate into the Canadian community.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that they are not permitted to engage in work or study until their scheduled course start date.