Valid Passport
Before coming to Canada, you must obtain a valid passport from your government. This Passport should remain valid for the length of your stay in Canada since the Immigration Officers cannot issue documents beyond the expiry date of your passport. It must be valid at the time of application for a Study Permit. If your passport expires, please contact the Embassy or Consulate of your country. The only universally accepted document for identification is a passport. Keep it protected at all times.
Temporary Resident VISA
This is a form of permission granted by Canada for you to enter Canada. It is required by visitors from most countries but not all. It consists of your passport. It is issued outside of Canada at the Canadian consulate or embassy to be presented at the Port of entry of Canada, and must be used prior to the expiry date. This is not the same as a Study Permit. If you need to renew your Temporary Resident Visa, you must go to a Canadian Embassy or High Commission outside of Canada. The Visa may be for single or multiple entry to Canada. For more information visit www.cic.gc.ca or the TIP Office.
TRV APPLICATION: Necessary Documents
If applying for a TRV (e.g., through Buffalo or Detroit) the CIC Document checklist (IMM 5484 (01-2008)E ) says you must include "any additional documents required by the responsible visa office."
It has been confirmed that these additional required documents are as follows:
1. A Proof of Acceptance or Enrollment Letter (undergraduate students can order this through TIP).
2. ***Official Transcript (signed and stamped by Registrar) in sealed envelope (unofficial copy such as Academic Summary is okay for Study Permit renewal but NOT for TRV)
More information is posted on the CGN Detroit website.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TRV APPLICANTS WITH TEMPORARY STATUS IN CANADA:
If you are in Canada with a study permit and are leaving the Country (and therefore need to apply for a TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA to come back into Canada), please provide:
- A photocopy of your current Study Permit
- Originals of your most recent transcript
- Proof of current enrolment
If you are in Canada with a temporary work permit and are leaving the Country (and therefore need to apply for a TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA to come back into Canada), please provide:
- A photocopy of your current permit
- A letter from your employer or other proof of current employment.
For details please contact Cindy Awe at TIP 705- 748-1300.
Renewing your Temporary Resident VISA
TIPs on applying for a TRV Renewal:
TRV renewal requires the student to submit actual passport (not photocopy)
Sometimes it takes over 4 weeks to process TRV renewal applications
Courier Information:
Buffalo Office does not send back applications by courier, however, you can save time by getting them to send back your documents by registered mail (priority courier, Canada Post national Xpresspost).
To do this:
Go to Shoppers Drug Mart or any Canada Post retail outlet and purchase a 24 x32 cm prepaid National Xpresspost envelope (NOT Xpresspost–USA)
Complete the mailing label showing your full mailing address in both the ‘Deliver to’ and the ‘Return Address’ field.
Write down the Tracking number and mail.
Include items on checklist e.g. 2 passport size photos (must be recent), Letter from TIP specifying major and length of program, year of study, full time status, transcripts showing marks for all your courses completed so far, bank statement, etc.
Toll free number for Buffalo for inquiries: 1-800-992-7037
Money order to be made out to the Consulate General or Receiver General.
Study Permit
Persons wishing to study in Canada for longer than 6 months and are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada, must obtain a Study Permit. This is an official document stating that the person may study within Canada, provided that admission to Canada is not contrary to the Immigration Act or Regulations. This is issued or endorsed at the Canadian Port of entry or the nearest Canadian consulate or Embassy in your home country. Normally Study Permits are authorized for full-time study which at Trent means 3.5 courses or more per year. Students who pursue a course of study of 6 months or less may enter the country on a Temporary Resident Visa and do not necessarily require a study permit. However, if a student intends to pursue studies beyond 6 months or work during their program of study, a Study Permit is necessary.
Extending you Study Permit
You may be required to extend your Study Permit to continue your studies at Trent. To extend your Study Permit you can apply from within Canada. Your application for extension must be mailed at least one month prior to the expiry date. Also, when applying for an extension of your Study Permit, you should ask for an extension until one to three months beyond the completion of your program. Students who do not renew their Study Permit on time or those who do not comply with the conditions of their Permit may face severe consequences. For further information, contact Immigration Canada or visit the TIP Office.
Note: A student, whose status lapses while he/she is outside the country, must obtain a new Study Permit prior to returning to Canada. Therefore it is recommended that any student planning to be outside of Canada at the time their Study Permit expires must obtain an extension prior to departing.
Internet Resources
Citizenship and Immigration Canada main website:
www.cic.gc.ca
Specific links:
FIPPA
The Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) is the Canadian legislation that protects the privacy of information. The University will release student information if, and only if, it is requested by an authorized agency (e.g., immigration official) in accordance with a specific legal requirement.
