Page 3 - International Student Pre-Arrival Guide

Planning Your Trip
Prepare your documents
It is your responsibility to obtain the correct documents from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC),
and to abide by IRCC conditions.
Passport
All visitors to Canada require a valid passport. If your passport expires while you are in Canada, all your immigration documents, your family’s immigration documents, your MSP coverage, and Social Insurance Number will expire at the same time. If possible it is best to renew your passport before leaving your home country to ensure that it will cover the duration of your stay.
Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization
Depending on your citizenship, you may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Canada. Check the IRCC website to see if you require a TRV or ETA.
A visa is used to enter Canada, while a study permit allows you to remain in Canada. While a visa is not needed to stay in Canada, it is recommended to keep a valid visa in case of sudden trips abroad.
When you apply for an initial study permit, you do not need to apply separately for a visa. You will be issued a visa or ETA along with your study permit.
Study Permit
You must have a valid study permit if you plan to stay in Canada for six months or longer. You are responsible for ensuring your study permit is valid throughout the duration of your studies. You can apply for a study permit online or by paper at your local Visa Application Centre. Visit IRCC’s website for information on how to apply for an initial study permit from outside Canada. You can also nd detailed information about the documents required to apply.
It can take several months to process your application, so make sure to apply as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance from Royal Roads University.
When your application for a study permit is approved, you will be issued a Letter of Introduction. You must present this letter when you enter Canada, at which time you will be issued your study permit.
Citizens and permanent residents of the United States can apply for a study permit at a Canadian Port of Entry.
If your program is shorter than six months, you are not required to apply for a study permit. However, it is important to apply for one if you would like to work on campus, or extend your studies after the initial six-month period.
Royal Roads University
Pre-Arrival Student Guide 2