Canada · study · guide
Canada Study Permit: Preparing for Your Arrival
This guide helps approved students prepare for their arrival in Canada.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 23 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare-arrival.html
Who can enter Canada
To enter Canada, you must be in good health. You must also have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.[1][2]
You must convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit. To do this, you must prove that you will leave at the end of your stay. You must show that you have ties that will take you back to your home country.[3][4][5]
Documents you must bring
You must have a valid travel document, such as a passport, to enter Canada. You also need a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA), a valid visitor visa, a valid green card, or another valid travel document.[6][7]
You must bring the port of entry letter of introduction that the visa office sent you when they approved your study permit. You must also have a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from your school. Bring any letters of reference or other documents the visa office told you to bring.[8][9][10]
Medical exam requirements
If you needed an immigration medical exam, you must have valid exam results. Your medical exam is valid for 12 months from the date of the exam. It must be valid on the day you enter Canada. You must get another medical exam if your current exam will expire before you enter Canada.[11][12][13][14]
Costs and changing your school
You must have enough money for your stay in Canada.[15]
If you change your designated learning institution after your study permit is approved, you must submit a new application. You must include a new letter of acceptance and pay all the fees again.[16][17][18]
Deferring your enrolment
If you want to defer your enrolment before arriving in Canada, you must get your deferral approved by your school. You must get an updated letter of acceptance and have a valid letter of introduction. When you arrive in Canada, you must show your deferral approval, updated letter of acceptance, and valid letter of introduction at the port of entry.[19][20][21][22]
After you arrive
You must not work on or off campus until you begin your studies in Canada.[23]
Checklist
- Valid travel document, such as a passport[6]
- Valid eTA, visitor visa, green card, or other travel document[7]
- Port of entry letter of introduction[8]
- Copy of a valid letter of acceptance from your school[9]
- Valid immigration medical exam results, if you needed one[11]
- Proof of enough money for your stay in Canada[15]
Questions people ask
Can I work before my classes start in Canada?
No. You must not work on or off campus until you begin your studies in Canada.[23]
What happens if I change my school after my study permit is approved?
You must submit a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance. You must also pay all the application fees again.[16][17][18]
How long is my immigration medical exam valid?
Your immigration medical exam is valid for 12 months from the date of the exam. It must be valid on the day you enter Canada.[12][13]
What do I need to show if I defer my enrolment before arriving?
You must get your deferral approved by your school. When you arrive, you must show your deferral approval, an updated letter of acceptance, and a valid letter of introduction at the port of entry.[19][22]
Do I need to prove I will leave Canada?
Yes. You must convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit. You must show you have ties that will take you back to your home country.[3][5]
What travel documents do I need to enter Canada?
You must have a valid travel document like a passport. You also need a valid eTA, visitor visa, green card, or other valid travel document.[6][7]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.