Entry and travel documents

If you leave Canada to go home or take a vacation, you will need proper and valid immigration documentation to re-enter Canada. Please make sure to renew your documents before you travel.

You will need:

  • a valid passport
  • a valid visa (TRV or eTA)
  • a valid study permit

To renew your study permit, go here. To get a new visa, go here. 

If you let your study permit and visa expire while you are abroad, you will have to apply for a new study permit from outside of Canada, will need a new visa to be able to travel to Canada, and will need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for your study permit application.

We strongly advise against leaving Canada if your study permit extension is in process and your current study permit has expired in the meantime or will expire while you are abroad. "Maintained status during processing" applies only as long as you remain in Canada. 

You should not leave Canada if you do not have a valid visa. You will not be allowed entry to Canada if you require a visa to travel to and enter Canada. If you need more assistance, please contact ISSAC before you make travel plans.

Common questions

  • As an international student, can I return home or travel outside Canada while studying? Please see more information here. 
  • I have applied to extend my study permit. Can I travel outside of Canada and be able to return? Please see more information here.