A passport is an official document containing a given person's identity and nationality issued by the country of citizenship, which allows a foreign nation to travel internationally. Most passports have a validity period.
As an international student, you must know the expiry date of your passport. Your immigration status in Canada (issued by IRCC – i.e., study permit, co-op work permit and TRV) is not going to be issued longer than your passport validity.
It is important to plan and have a passport that will be valid during your stay in Canada. If you need to renew your passport during your stay in Canada, contact your country's embassy or consulate in Canada at least six months before it expires. Please visit the Global Affairs Canada page for a list of foreign representatives in Canada.
Before travelling to Canada, ensure you have all documents ready to provide to the Canadian border services officer at your port of entry and that you have the authorization to enter and remain in Canada.
Please visit Study permit: Prepare for arrival to and Study in Canada: Pre-departure guide to better prepare for your trip.
Below, please find a list of documents to support your travel to Canada:
Important Tip: always keep your documents with you. Do not put them in your checked luggage.
Don’t travel if you feel sick or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
When you arrive in Canada, you’ll meet a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. The officer will:
Please note that entry to Canada is at the discretion of a CBSA officer. The CBSA officer will review all your supporting documents and decide whether you can enter Canada at your port of entry. They must be satisfied that you meet the requirements to enter Canada, and that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
We recommend students review the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) guidelines. The Government of Canada provides customs services and information about Entering Canada, including steps if you arrive by air or land.
If you arrive in Canada by air, you will need to declare your travel information at the primary inspection kiosk. The following steps will include picking up your luggage and proceeding to immigration. At the CBSA officer desk, you will present your initial study permit approval port of entry (POE) letter of introduction and any additional documentation. If your entry into Canada is approved, the CBSA officer will issue you your study permit and your co-op/practicum work permit (if applicable). Review your documents before leaving to ensure that all personal information, conditions, and remarks are correct. If something is incorrect, please notify the CBSA officer.
If you have a valid study permit, ensure all documents are ready to provide to the CBSA officer.
If you arrive in Canada by land: There will be no kiosks. You may answer the CBSA officer's questions and let them know if you need a study permit.
The information on this page has been developed and endorsed by Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, the information may change without notice, and this is not a legal document. Please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date information.
