How late can I enter Canada with student visa?

We get it – life happens. You might have had a last-minute change of plans or your flight might have been delayed.

But if you’re a student who’s looking to start your program in Canada, it’s important to try to arrive in Canada on time.

Many students find themselves arriving in Canada late or a few days after the start of their program.

In most cases, it’s unintentional but what has remained constant is that; they find themselves struggling with virtually everything else in school.

And this struggle can last for months.

This makes it hard to catch up with studies and other activities in school.

If you have been admitted by a designated learning institute in Canada and you find yourself in this situation or you fear you might be in this situation.

We have covered in this article, how you can handle arriving in Canada late to your program.

See Also: Benefits of studying in Canada for international students

We also answered the “how late can I enter Canada with student visa” question.

Our target is to provide you with the best steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.

Getting ready to come to Canada as a student

There’s a lot to think about when you’re getting ready to come to Canada as a student.

You might be excited about coming to a new country and experiencing all it has to offer, but you might also feel a little bit anxious about what to expect.

There are a lot of uncertainties that come with studying in a foreign country but with a little preparation, you can make the transition to life in Canada relatively seamless.

There are a few things you’ll need to do before you arrive in Canada, like getting a study permit and a student visa (if you need one).

You’ll also need to make sure you have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses.

Finally, you need to get all your documents ready and ensure they are complete, one missing document can prove costly.

To avoid forgetting any document(s), ensure you prepare two or three days ahead of your travel date.

See also: Which countries allow dual citizenship with Canada

It’s better to be too early than to be late.

Arriving in Canada as a student

Arriving in Canada as a student can be exciting (because of the beautiful nature of the country, and the new things to learn and experience) yet challenging experience.

The hope for a new and better beginning, the joy of finally being able to study in your most desired school.

Challenging because it’s a new country (if you haven’t been to Canada before), you are not used to anything about the country and there is a lot to learn about Canada.

One of the first things you’ll need to do when you arrive in Canada is to get a student visa if you don’t have one already.

This can be done by visiting the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

See also: How to Get Canadian citizenship through a grandparent

You’ll need to provide proof of your enrollment at a Canadian educational institution, as well as other documents such as a passport and a letter of introduction.

Once you have your student visa, you’re ready to start your journey in Canada!

You’ll need to find a place to live and a way to get around.

You’ll also need to register as a student at your school. This is important so that you can get the most out of your time in Canada.

How early can I enter Canada with student visa?

You can enter Canada with a student visa as early as 20 days (four weeks) before the start of your program but not more than 28 days before the start of your program.

If you can, entering Canada at least 14 days before the start of your program is always the best, this will give you maximum time to familiarize yourself with the Canadian lifestyle.

See also: Why are People Leaving Canada

Gel with the environment and the people, and get used to the school and your community.

One very essential thing is that you arrive in Canada on or before the start date listed on your study permit.

You can enter Canada no later than the expiry date on your permit.

And while you are in Canada, you must respect the conditions of your permit.

For example, if your study permit does not allow you to work while studying, you must not be found working.

Additionally, if your permit says “Valid for six months,” you cannot stay in Canada for more than six months at a time.

How late can I enter Canada with student visa?

It is not advisable to enter Canada late on a student visa as it may cause you a lot of difficulties clearing yourself at the port of entry, getting your study permit, and finding accommodation.

But if you plan to enter Canada late, you must notify the school where you plan to study of your new arrival date.

The school may then provide you with a Letter of Introduction, which you will need to apply for a study permit.

If you are applying for a study permit from outside of Canada, you must submit a letter of explanation with your application.

In this letter, you must explain why you will be arriving late.

If you do not notify the school of your new arrival date, and you try to enter Canada late, you will likely be delayed on arrival or even denied entry.

See Also: How many hours can international students work in Canada

So if you’re planning to enter Canada late, be sure to follow the proper procedures to avoid any problems.

If you arrive in Canada on time, you will be able to get everything in order before the start of your program which will save you a lot of stress.

Important note: Even if you are entering Canada late with a student visa, you must arrive at your port of entry (POE) before your authorized period of stay expires.

If you do not, you will be deemed inadmissible and may be subject to removal from Canada.

Your authorized period of stay is noted on your visa and generally corresponds to the length of your program of study.

For example, if you are enrolled in a four-year program, your authorized period of stay would be four years.

If you are entering Canada by land or sea, you will need to present your valid passport and study permit.

See Also: How can I check my Canadian visa status online

If you are entering by air, you will need to present your valid passport, study permit, and a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

The negative impact of arriving in Canada late for your studies

Many students find themselves arriving in Canada late or a few days before the start of their program, this can be bad for several reasons.

• First, it can be difficult to find housing at the last minute.
• Second, you may not have time to get all the necessary supplies for your course.
• Third, you may not have time to get your Student Visa sorted out.
• And fourth, you may not have time to adjust to the time difference.

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic!

There are a few things you can do to make the most of your situation.

See also: Where to Send Passport for Canada Visa Stamping in the USA

First, try to find housing as soon as possible, you can do this by trying out the services of agents.

Though it may be costly, you don’t have options.

Second, get all the supplies you need for your course as fast as you can.

Third, get your Student Visa sorted out, and finally try to adjust to the time difference.

Whichever means you use to get through the possible challenges you may face due to late entry, keep it lawful.

A single mistake is enough to take you back home; the authorities don’t joke with the country’s law.

See Also: 15 Amazing Places to visit near Edmonton during the summer

Do not violet them!

In general, it is not advisable to enter Canada late as a student.

If you do so, you may face many difficulties, including being detained at the airport, being placed in removal proceedings, and being deported back to your home country as the case may be.

You may also be unable to enroll in school.

If you are a student who is planning to enter Canada, make sure to do so well in advance of the start of your program.

This will ensure that you have enough time to get all the required documents in order and to make any necessary travel arrangements.

See also: Does Canada allow triple citizenship

Documents required to travel to Canada for international students

As an international student, you will need to obtain a few documents before you can travel to Canada.

These include a study permit, a temporary resident visa (if required), and a valid passport. You will also need to make sure you have enough money to support yourself during your studies.

Before you begin your journey to Canada, make sure you have all the required documents. If you do not have all the documents, you are likely going to be delayed on arrival.

See Also: What happens if an international student gets pregnant in Canada

Below is a list of the documents required to travel to Canada for international students.

• A valid passport
• Two recent passport photographs
• A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
• Proof of financial support
• A letter of explanation
• Application fee

FAQ

Can I travel to Canada if my student visa expires in 1 month?

The answer is yes, you can still travel to Canada as long as you have a valid passport. However, you’ll need to renew your student visa as soon as you get to Canada.

But if your student visa is expired, you’ll need to get a new visa before you can enter Canada.

You can apply for a new visa at a Canadian embassy or consulate.

The process is pretty simple and straightforward, and you’ll just need to submit a new application and pay the application fee.

Wrapping up

If you have been accepted by a designated learning institute in Canada, it’s essential you enter Canada at most 28 days and at least 14 days before the start of your program.

Why? Well, for one, it gives you time to adjust to the time difference and get over any jet lag.

But more importantly, it gives you time to sort out any last-minute details like getting your student ID or buying textbooks.

If you wait until the last minute, you might find yourself scrambling to get everything done – and who needs that extra stress?

So if you can, try to give yourself a few days before your program starts to get settled in.

Trust us, it’ll be worth it in the long run.