Travel Documents for International Students

To travel outside of Canada and return for your studies, you need to have the correct documents.

Your Key Documents 📄

When travelling to Canada as an international student, you need a valid passport and a valid study permit. You also need one of two travel authorizations:

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): This is a sticker placed in your passport. You may hear it called a visitor visa or entry visa. It shows that you meet the requirements to enter Canada.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): This is a digital travel document linked to your passport. You need an eTA if you are from a visa-exempt country and are arriving by air.

The document you need depends on your country of citizenship.

Leaving and Re-entering Canada ✈️

When you return to Canada, a border services officer will check your documents to make sure they are still valid. It is a good practice to carry proof that you are still enrolled in your school. This can be a recent transcript or a letter of enrolment.

Make sure your study permit and your TRV or eTA will not expire while you are travelling. You must have a valid status to re-enter the country. If your documents expire while you are away, you will need to apply for new ones before you can return.

Travel Tips ✅

• Keep digital and physical copies of your documents separate from the originals.
• Check the expiry dates on your passport, study permit, and TRV or eTA before booking travel.
• Confirm if you need a visa for any countries you plan to visit or pass through.

This information is for guidance and not legal or medical advice. Always check official government sources for the most up-to-date information.