Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the department of the Government of Canada which manages immigration. As an international student, it is important you understand immigration policies, your responsibilities as a temporary resident in Canada, as well as the policies and procedures for keeping your immigration documents valid.
Residency categories in Canada
- Citizens of Canada
- Permanent Residents
- Temporary Residents (visitors, international students, foreign workers)
Entry documents versus status documents
Entry documents authorize entry into Canada. Foreign nationals who wish to enter Canada require one or more of these depending on their country of citizenship:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) - stamped in passport
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - electronically linked to passport
Status documents define what a foreign national is authorized to do once inside Canada, but do not authorize entry into Canada.
- Study permit
- Work permit
- Visitor record
Required Immigration Documents for International Students
There are several documents you require as an international student and temporary resident of Canada, including:
- Valid passport
- Valid study permit
- Entry document: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Documentation for your co-arriving dependent family members
Maintaining Your Immigration Status in Canada
As an international student, you are responsible for maintaining your immigration status and adhering to immigration regulations during your stay in Canada.
You will need to ensure all immigration documents are valid, and the information stated in your documents is accurate. Your Canadian immigration documents will not be issued past the expiry date of your passport.
If you extend your study permit, or transition from student status to worker status by applying for a post-graduation work permit, you will be required to extend other documents after you receive your new permit.
| Document type | When to extend |
| Passport | At least six months prior to the expiration date. Processing times within Canada can be much longer than renewing your passport from your country of residence. |
| Study Permit | Four to six months before the expiration date. |
| Co-op Work Permit | Four to six months before the expiration date. |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | Depends on your circumstances (see below):
NOTE: If you will leave Canada, even for a short trip, you must obtain a new TRV before you travel. This is your entry document, and it is required for entry into Canada. If it has expired, do not leave Canada. Typically, the expiry of your TRV aligns with your status document expiry (study permit/work permit). Therefore, once you extend your study permit or receive a post-graduation work permit, apply for a new TRV. |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | Your eTA is aligned with the expiry of your passport. If you obtain a new passport, you will also need to apply for a new eTA. |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Before the expiry date or after you extend your study permit or obtain a post-graduation work permit. |
Study Permit Conditions
To maintain your status as a student and continue to study in Canada, you must meet all the conditions of your study permit throughout your time at Trent. As a valid study permit holder, you must:
- be enrolled at Trent (a designated learning institution (DLI)), unless you are exempt;
- be enrolled full-time or part-time during each academic term;
- make progress towards completing your program’s courses and requirements;
- not take authorized leaves longer than 150 days from your study program;
- apply to extend your study permit to change post-secondary schools;
- end your studies if you no longer meet the requirements of being a student;
- and leave Canada when your permit expires.
You may also be required to follow other conditions pertaining to travel, working in Canada, medical procedures as outlined on your study permit.
Full-time Enrollment and Immigration
Remaining enrolled full-time in your studies will ensure you meet your study permit working conditions (if eligible). It will also ensure you remain eligible for a future post-graduation work permit (if your program is eligible).
Full-time enrollment is defined as:
| Undergraduate |
|
| Postgraduate Certificate |
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| Graduate |
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If you are in a part-time course load during your final term of study, you will still be deemed a full-time student for immigration purposes.
The immigration information on this page, and all other related immigration pages, has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document, and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.