As a foreign student in Canada, I took full advantage of my breaks to travel.
Each one was an opportunity to visit friends, and families, or see iconic places, both in and outside Canada.
Scheduled breaks, like winter and summer, are perfect times to travel outside Canada.
You can go on vacation, visit relatives, or go home to spend time with your loved ones.
These moments are important, especially after a busy academic season.
If you wish to go home, you’re allowed to return home and travel outside, as long as you meet the conditions.
As a foreign student can I return home or travel outside Canada while studying?
If you’re a foreign student in Canada, you can return home or travel outside Canada while studying.
However, you must have a valid study permit, a valid visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada.
Additionally, you should bring documents proving you are gainfully enrolled in a designated learning institution to show at the border when you return.
Indeed, your study permit isn’t a travel document; it only allows you to engage in academic activities in Canada. However, it must be valid for you to be recognized as a student when you return.
In clear terms, your study permit allows you to stay in Canada for your studies.
Read also: How can I host a foreign exchange student?
It does not act as a visa or grant you entrance to Canada, but you still need it valid when you return.
Generally, if you plan to return home or travel outside Canada, you need:
- Your study permit
- And, a temporary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) only applies to students from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada.
If your country is visa-free to Canada, you do not need a TRV to re-enter.
On the other hand, eTA is for students from visa-exempt countries.
Read also: How to write a scholarship application letter
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you need a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada.
Your eTA must be up-to-date upon return.
Re-entry requirements after returning home or travelling outside Canada while studying
Before you’re allowed to enter Canada upon return, you’ll present:
-
A valid passport
-
- Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.
- If your passport expires while you’re outside Canada, you have to renew it before you return.
- Ideally, it should be valid for at least six months beyond your entire stay in Canada.
-
-
Study permit
-
- Even though your study permit is not a travel document, it must be valid both during your trip and upon your return to Canada.
-
-
Proof of enrollment
-
- Carry proof of your enrollment at a designated learning institution in Canada when leaving and upon return.
- Your tuition receipts can work here.
-
While all of these documents will make your return easier, even with the right travel document, returning to Canada isn’t guaranteed.
You still need to prove to the border services officer that you meet all the entry requirements before you’re allowed back in.
Read also: How to convert a student visa to a work visa in Germany
You’ll answer questions from the border officers about your travel before they let you in.
What to do before you return home or travel outside Canada while studying
Before you leave Canada, inform your school.
- If you’re travelling during the academic season, notify your institution, and they’ll grant you travel permission.
- Except you’re returning home, check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting and obtain the necessary permission for a visit.
What if your documents expire while outside Canada?
If your documents like your visa expire while you are outside Canada, you’ll not be allowed to re-enter the country with the expired visa.
You’ve to apply for a new visa before returning.
Read also: Can I change my college after 1st semester in Canada?
Whether you’re outside or inside Canada, your documents must be valid to avoid any issues with the authorities.
How long can I stay out of Canada as an international student?
As an international student, you can stay out of Canada for up to 150 days after which you’ll be considered not actively pursuing your studies.
If you leave Canada for less than 150 days, you’ll still be considered as actively pursuing your studies and therefore, is in compliance with your study permit conditions.
While you can leave the country, do not stay out for long.
Read also: Giving birth in Canada as an international student
If you’re out of Canada for too long (more than 150 days), your permit could be at risk.
Can a student travel in and out of Canada?
A student with a valid study permit, a valid passport and a visa (a TRV or eTA) can travel in and out of Canada.
Can international students travel during term time?
International students can travel during term time, but you need to get approval from your institution first.
Notify your institution about your intention to travel and make sure that your time away will not negatively affect your studies.
Can I leave and come back to Canada if I have a study permit?
You can leave and come back to Canada if you have a valid study permit, however, you’ll also need a valid passport and, depending on your country of origin, a valid visa (TRV) or eTA.
Can you return home on a student visa?
You can return home on a student visa but, when coming back to Canada, you’ll need to meet all re-entry requirements, like having a valid study permit, a valid passport, and a visa (TRV) or eTA.
Read also: How to fill out a UK student visa application form
If you wish to travel outside Canada or return home as a foreign student, the rule says, yes – and you’ll be allowed back in as long as meet re-entry requirements.
When you leave, there is no guarantee you’ll be allowed to re-enter, except if you meet entry requirements.
Leave a comment