Entry Visas, Canada Student Visas, Visa Information for Perspective Students

ENTRY VISA

An Entry Visa is a stamp impression on a passport or other document; it is issued only outside of Canada for presentation at a port of entry. It signifies that, at the time of issuance, it was the officer's opinion that the admission to Canada of the visa-holder would not be contrary to the Canadian Immigration Act or Regulations. It must be used prior to the expiration date, but does not have to be a valid one to re-enter Canada (even if you are in possession of a valid Study Permit) if you visit any country other than the United States. A Visa is not the same as a Study Permit.

All students, upon receipt of their "Letter of Admission" from McMaster University, should apply immediately for an Entry Visa (if applicable) and a Study Permit to enter Canada. Canada immigration is now pre-printing "This does not authorize re-entry" on all newly issued study permits. This is only to remind you that persons who hold citizenship of certain countries require an Entry Visa in addition to the Study Permit; an Entry Visa can only be obtained at a Canadian consulate or embassy outside of Canada. MENTION NAMES OF SPOUSE OR/AND CHILDREN (IF APPLICABLE) WHO ARE TO FOLLOW YOU TO CANADA.

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PASSPORT

You must obtain a valid passport from your government. It is also important that your passport remains valid as Immigration officials cannot issue documents beyond the expiry date of your passport. It must be valid at the time of application for a Study Permit.

PASSPORT EXPIRY

Canada Immigration cannot extend documents beyond the expiry date of your passport. Passport renewal for some countries can take as long as eight months. Be sure to note your passport expiry date and begin the renewal process early.
It is impossible for you to have a valid Study Permit without a valid passport.

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Study Permit

What is a study permit? This is the official document issued by an officer that allows foreign persons to study in Canada. Do I require a study permit to study in Canada?

If you are not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a family member of a foreign representative accredited to Canada or a member of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purpose of the Visiting Forces Act, you must obtain a study permit to study in Canada. The Protocol Division of Foreign Affairs approves the passports of everyone who has diplomatic, consular, or official status in Canada. If you have this approval, you do not need a study permit to take courses in Canada.

Important for a Study permit

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