Travelling, Visas and inviting your family to visit

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a document that allows you to enter Canada and stay for a specified time. Citizens of some countries need a TRV in addition to a Study Permit. See the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for a list of countries that require a TRV.

Your Study Permit is the important document that permits you to remain and study in Canada. With a valid Study Permit there is no need to apply for a new TRV unless you leave Canada and want to re-enter.

When deciding to travel outside of Canada check your travel documents to make sure they are valid. It is best to renew documents while you are in Canada. Give yourself enough time to have your immigration documents in order prior to booking any travel arrangements.

Know the expiry dates of your passport, study permit and your TRV (to re-enter Canada), if applicable.
Immigration documents are not issued beyond the expiry date of your passport. A study permit must be extended before applying for a TRV. This process can take up to four months.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

A TRV is a small sticker (counterfoil) placed in your passport and has an expiry date. It does not have to be valid for you to remain in Canada. There are single entry and multiple entry types. If you plan to visit Canada multiple times in the near future, you shold consider applying for a multiple entry temporary resident visa. You can apply from your home country or if you are in Canada.

View CIC's on-line video "Temporary Resident Visa Application Form" for help. For TRV information and process refer to CIC website.

Applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

If you are currently in Canada it is advised to apply for a TRV before you leave Canada. As of May 30, 2012 if you are a temporary resident in Canada with a valid study permit or work permit and want to apply for a TRV to return to Canada before you leave, you can now apply within Canada at the Case Processing Pilot office in Ottawa (CPP-O), an extension of CIC's overseas network.

Application, documents and instructions

On-line Applications:

Through your MYCIC account, you will download and complete the IMM5257, generate the barcode, and then upload the PDF file. Do not worry about not having signed the application form, you will need to declare your information before you transmit and pay.
Once your application has been approved CIC will send a message to your MYCIC account with a PDF file. You need to print the PDF file and send it with your passport to the designated address.
Purchase two prepaid Xpresspost - Regional envelopes at any Canda Post retail outlet. (Arts Building accross from the Buffateria)

Paper-Based: Complete application, carefully read instructions and mailing procedures by following steps outlined on CIC's website:

obtain a temporary resident visa application
read the instructions carefully
complete the application forms and attach the necessary documents (validate the application to include the bar code 5th page)
Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt
mail the application

Additional documents:

proof that you are studying: Proof of enrolment (PAWS "Confirmation of Enrolment letter" can be used)
most recent transcript (PAWS transcripts are accepted)

It is advisable to make a photocopy of your application and all appropriate supporting documents before you send it. If there is a problem you will have a copy of the application.

Include a letter explaining travel dates and time (if applicable)

To make your request and instructions clear it will help to write a letter explaining your situation, indicate travel dates if known.

View a sample letter

Date:

CIC address:

RE: Application for a Multiple Entry Visa (or you may wish to apply for a Single Entry Visa)

I am presently a student in the College of (_____________________) at the University of Saskatchewan. I have a Study Permit that expires on (__________________). My TRV expire(s) (d) on (_____________________). I am applying for a new Multiple Entry Visa (or Single Entry Visa) that will expire on the same date as my Study Permit. I am leaving Canada on _____________and will return on __________ my itinerary (copy of ticket) is attached (if applicable).

My application package includes a pre-paid National Xpresspost envelope for return of my documents.

Thank you for your consideration.
(Don’t forget to sign the letter.)

Cost and payment

payment of $75.00, single entry; $150.00 for a multiple entry

Pay the application fee online or at a financial institution in Canada.

ISSAC has the "original receipt" used for payment at a financial institution in Canada!

How do I send my TRV application?

Made sure you have completed, validated the application to include the bar code 5th page, and attach the necessary documents. A premium mail service will allow you to track the delivery. For return mail instructions refer to:

Mailing address and instructions

Where to find help

CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100
Contact ISSAC

Travelling to the United States

If you are a University of Saskatchewan student planning to visit the United States check the Consular Canada, US Embassy for visa entry requirements. The nearest USA Consulate is located in Calgary, Alberta.

Entry back to Canada

If you are traveling outside of the USA, you must have a valid temporary resident visa (TRV), if applicable, to return to Canada.

TRV exemption policy: If you are returning to Canada following a visit solely to the United States there is an agreement between the U.S. and Canada that allows you to return to Canada provided you have a valid passport and Study Permit, Work Permit, or Visitor Permit. For details on the TRV exemption policy (PDF) see the section titled Division 5, Temporary Resident Visa Exemptions, section 190 (3) (f). We recommend that you take a copy of this policy if you are visiting the United States and returning to Canada.

Please note: Not all airlines are aware of this policy. If you are travelling by air it is strongly recommend that you have a Temporary Resident Visa in your passport to avoid any delays or refusals by the airline to board your flight.

Inviting Family to Visit

Follow these steps when you want to invite a family member or friend to visit you in Canada.

Write a Letter of Invitation: Citizen and Immigration Canada has a guide for you to follow.
Send the letters to your invited person. The invited person will include your letter with their Temporary Resident Visa application (if applicable) to submitt to their local Canadian visa office

Family members who apply for a TRV may undergo and pass a medical examination. If your family members enter Canada without you, they will likely be admitted on visitor status for six months. Visitors admitted for six months or less are not eligible for Saskatchewan’s Health Services Plan.

Travel CUTS

Travel CUTS is an on-campus travel service specializing in Canada's student, youth, and budget travel. They have over 40 years of experience, with over 50 locations on or near Canadian university and college campuses and in the United States, plus hundreds of affiliated offices worldwide. They develop and promote exclusive travel products like Student Class Airfares, Bon Voyage Travel Insurance, SWAP Working Holiday Programs, Gap Year Abroad, and more.

They also offer the International Student Identity Card which gives you many savings on travel worldwide ( www.isic.org ) They are locaton on the main level, Place Riel (University of Saskatchewan) or you can visit www.travelcuts.com.