What is a student visa?
A Student visa, also called an entry visa, is a document which gives you the authorization to enter Canada. With a valid student visa, you can travel to Canada. Depends on the type of your study, you can get a multiple entry visa or a single-entry visa.
With a multiple entry visa, you, you can enter Canada for as many times as you want within the its validity or before the expiry of your passport. In some cases, (for example, you come to Canada for one-time special event), you might just get a single-entry visa which only permits you to enter Canada for one time. For international students, you are more likely to get a multiple entry visa.
What is a study permit?
Possessing a student visa alone is not enough. You still need to receive a paper copy of the study permit when you arrive at the Canadian Borders like an airport. A study permit will allow you to stay in Canada during the time of your study.
Do I need a student visa or a study permit?
Depends on which country you are from, you might or might not need a student visa to travel to Canada. For example, if you are from one of those visitor-visa exempt countries(e.g. Mexico, South Korea or Japan etc.), you don't need a student visa.
However, these visa-exempt foreign nationals still need a eTA if you wish to fly to Canada. As an exception, US citizens (and some visa holders or some French citizens traveling from a specific region) may travel to Canada without a visa or eTA given that they are admissible to Canada. For applicants from other countries(e.g. China), you will need a student visa before you can come to Canada.
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. The validity of your study permit is usually the same as the length of your study or before the expiry of your passport. In some rare situations, you don't need a student permits.
Let us help
If you have any questions or issues with your study permit applications, extension, or restoration, you are more than welcome to fill out the Enquiry form and book a free consultation session with one of our RCICs. We are here to help and support you throughout your academic journey.
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