International Student

Entry requirements

Documents required to enter Canada

When you arrive in Canada, you will meet with an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) who will decide if you meet the requirements to enter the country.

You will need to carry the following documents for your entry to Canada:

For students entering Canada for the first time / students who have applied for a new study permit from outside Canada

  • valid passport
  • depending on your country of citizenship, you will need one of the following:
    • valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV); or
    • valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - note U.S. citizens/permanent residents do not require an eTA
  • letter of introduction (final approval letter for your study permit) - your study permit will be issued by a border services officer
  • OCAD U letter of acceptance
  • proof of funds - you will need to show proof that you have funds available to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses (e.g. current bank account balance)
  • proof of a valid medical exam - you will need to show proof of a valid medical exam if you were required to do an exam for your study permit application; please note that results are only valid for 12 months from the date of your exam. If your results are no longer valid, you will need to do a new exam before you come to Canada.

For returning students

  • valid passport
  • depending on your country of citizenship, you will need one of the following:
    • valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV); or
    • valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - note U.S. citizens/permanent residents do not require and eTA
  • valid study permit
  • OCAD U confirmation of enrolment letter - request this letter for the current academic term through MyCreds
  • proof of funds - you will need to show proof that you have funds available to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses (e.g. current bank account balance)
  • proof of a valid medical exam - only required if you have been in a designated country for at least six consecutive months within the past 12 months

Please visit the Government of Canada's websites for up-to-date entry requirements and information on preparing for your arrival as an international student. 

Travelling outside Canada

If you plan to leave Canada to go home or take a vacation during the holidays, it’s important that you have the proper and valid immigration documentation.

You must have the following documents to re-enter Canada:

  • a valid passport
  • a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (note U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not require a visa or eTA)
  • a valid study permit
  • OCAD U confirmation of enrolment letter

If necessary, please make sure to renew your documents well in advance of travelling.

It’s recommended that you not leave Canada while you have a study permit extension or TRV application in progress.