In addition to a study permit, most students will need a travel document to enter Canada. The type of travel document depends on your country of citizenship. These documents are known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The difference between a study permit and a travel document is distinct: a travel document allows you to enter Canada and a study permit allows you to remain in Canada. Most students will need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada - not both.
A temporary resident visa (TRV) is an official counterfoil document issued by a visa office that is placed in a person’s passport to demonstrate that they have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (student). To find out if you require a temporary resident visa, complete this short questionnaire: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.
International students who require a temporary resident visa (TRV) will automatically be issued one when their study permit is approved. When you receive your approval for your study permit, you will also receive a passport request letter. This letter will provide instructions for how to send your passport to the visa office to have your temporary resident visa (TRV) added to it.
Duration: A temporary resident visa (TRV) is usually (but not always) issued for the same duration as your study permit.
There are 2 types of temporary resident visas (TRV): single-entry and multiple-entry TRVs.
You can apply for a new temporary resident visa from inside Canada, after extending your valid temporary resident status (i.e. receiving a study permit extension). Visit this link for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-new-temporary-resident-visa-within-canada.html.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for students who do not require a temporary resident visa (TRV). An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. To find out if you require an electronic travel authorization (eTA), complete this short questionnaire: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.
International students who require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) will automatically be issued one when their study permit is approved. You will receive a notification with the duration of your eTA and the number associated with the eTA. There is no physical document associated with the eTA.
Duration: An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to apply for a new eTA.
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