Additional information or documents
After the visa office receives your application, the visa office may request more information or documents. These may include the following:
Medical information
In most cases, you will need a medical examination. A visa officer will send you instructions if you need one. This may add more than three months to the processing time of your application. Find more information about medical examinations.
Security information
If you want to study in Canada, you and any family members who come to Canada with you, and who are 18 years of age and over, may have to provide police certificates. Find out more about the security checks.
The documents you need to enter Canada
When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will greet you. The officer works for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA protects Canada's borders and points of entry.
The officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents. Even if you do not need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa to enter Canada, the officer will ask you a few questions. The officer will make sure that you meet the requirements to enter Canada.
You will not be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information. You must demonstrate to the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada. You will also have to demonstrate to the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your approved stay.
Children under 18 should have valid identification with them. The documents a minor child needs to present depend on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone. Find out about the specific requirements for minor children.
The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. The period is usually six months. In some cases, the officer may limit or extend this period to cover only the planned purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you are not sure about anything.
If you do not obey the conditions of your eTA or visa, we will ask you to leave Canada. Most people asked to leave Canada have the right to a fair hearing to review the decision.
The CBSA officer will ask to see your travel documents when you arrive in Canada. Make sure they are not packed in your luggage, and that you have them with you. This will help speed up your entry to Canada.
You should be ready to show the following documents:
- a valid passport or travel document. Note: If you have an approved eTA, it will be linked to the passport that you used to apply for your study permit.
- the letter of introduction from the visa office that you received when your study permit was approved (this letter contains your permit reference number and the CBSA officer needs this letter to issue your study permit)
- a valid temporary resident visa (if required)
- a copy of the letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution at which you are accepted to study
- proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada and
- letters of reference or any other documents recommended by the visa office where you applied.
Carry these items and all other valuable papers, cash, and traveller’s cheques with you at all times. Do not put them in your checked luggage.
You may not be allowed into Canada if any of your documents are missing or if any of the information on your application or letters of reference is incorrect.
Possession of these documents does not guarantee entry. All persons must establish that they meet all the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations before being authorized to enter or re-enter Canada.
If there are no problems at the point of entry, the officer will let you enter Canada and will issue your study permit. You should:
- check the study permit to make sure your personal information is accurate and
- check the expiry date on your study permit. You must leave Canada by this date.