Make sure you have the right documents to re-enter the country. Check the expiry dates on your study permit, passport and other travel documents, and renew any documents as needed before you depart. 

Learn what documents you need to return to Canada.

Study permit

If your study permit will expire in six months or less, apply for an extension as soon as possible. 

Learn how to extend your study permit from within Canada.

Note: If you apply to extend your permit from within Canada and then leave the country after your permit expires, you cannot resume your studies in Canada until your extension is approved.

If your study permit expires while you’re outside Canada, you must apply for a new study permit through your IRCC secure account and provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) as part of your application. 

Learn how to apply for your study permit from outside Canada.

Temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) 

Ensure your temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) is valid for re-entry to Canada. 

If you have a valid study permit, work permit or visitor status in Canada, and you travel only to the United States, you don’t need a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to return to Canada. However, you must return before the end of your authorized stay in Canada.

Please note that the University of Ottawa’s Student Immigration Advising Team can’t provide guidance on immigration rules for other countries. If you have questions about immigrating to another country, contact that country’s embassy or consulate. 

See the list of foreign consulates in Canada.

Remember: Final decisions about entry to Canada are always made by the border officer at the port of entry.

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs). While we aim to keep it accurate, it could change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.