Understanding the Canadian Student Visa

Eligibility and Advantages

The Canadian Student Visa, officially known as a 'study permit,' allows foreign nationals to study in Canada at a designated learning institution (DLI). This visa system is designed to enable international students to reap the benefits of Canada's top-quality education framework while contributing to the cultural, economic, and social boost of the country. However, what many students are not aware of is the additional advantage that this student visa poses: the potential to travel to other countries while on this permit. As a Canadian student visa holder, the scope of countries you can visit primarily depends on your home country's visa agreements and your current visa status.

Study and Travel

A distinct feature that stands out about the Canadian student visa is how it creates the opportunity for foreign students to travel extensively during their studies. After all, being an international student is not merely about pursuing an education; it's also about experiencing a newer world, cultures, people, and places. With the regular study breaks and holidays involved in Canada's academic curriculum, Canadian student visa holders often get the chance to explore other countries besides Canada. However, the nature of these trips would typically need to be short-term, such as tourism, business trips, or visiting friends and family.

Maintaining Visa Status

While you certainly can travel to other countries with a Canadian student visa, it's crucial to understand that maintaining your status is paramount. This includes complying with your visa conditions, such as studying at a DLI, making progress in your course, and not overstaying your visa. Ensure that you are fully aware of your visa limitations and other related legalities not only in Canada but also in the countries you plan to visit. This information can be obtained via the official websites of the respective nation's immigration department or embassies.

Countries Accessible with a Canadian Student Visa

The Influence of Home Country's Visa Regulations

Your accessibility to other countries while holding a Canadian student visa largely depends on the visa rules and regulations of your home country. Some countries have bilateral or unilateral visa agreements with other countries, providing their nationals visa-free access or on-arrival visas. Therefore, you must always check with your own country's foreign affairs department or official government website to understand which countries you can visit without needing a visa. High levels of diplomatic relationships between your home country and the country you desire to travel to can make your travel process much less burdensome.

Visa-Free or Visa-On-Arrival Countries for Canadians

If you possess dual citizenship or if your Canadian student visa allows you to be a temporary resident, you can travel to countries where Canadians are exempt from visa requirements or where visa-on-arrival facilities are available for Canadians. Countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Australia and most Caribbean countries provide such facilities. However, visa regulations can often change. Therefore, it's important to double-check with the receiving country's embassy or official website shortly before you plan your travel.

Applying for Additional Visas

If you want to visit the countries where visa requirements exist for your nationality, you might need to apply for an additional visa to travel there. In some cases, having a Canadian student visa can give you a certain degree of preference or ease in the visa processing, as it proves your return plans. However, you must remember that the visa process can be time-consuming and complex, requiring prior planning and several documents. You must also ensure you have sufficient validity left on your Canadian student visa to re-enter Canada upon your return.

Returning to Canada After Your Travel

Re-entry Requirements

Planning for your return to Canada after your overseas visit is just as important as planning for your visit. If you are a full-time student with a valid study permit and you plan to leave Canada temporarily and re-enter, you might require either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa-TRV), in addition to a valid study permit. The nature of this requirement is primarily based on your mode of transport when returning to Canada. Therefore, always ensure you meet all re-entry requirements before you depart Canada.

Visa Validity and Extensions

Another essential factor to keep in mind is the validity of your student visa. The majority of student visas in Canada are issued for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. The extra 90 days gives you, the student, a buffer period to prepare to leave Canada or extend your stay. Always double-check the expiry of your study permit before making travel plans to ensure you possess the right to re-enter and stay in Canada upon your return.

Planning Ahead for Unforeseen Circumstances

While we anticipate everything to go according to plan, occasionally, the unexpected does occur. COVID-19 is a prime example of an unprecedented situation that greatly disturbed international student travel plans. There may be cases where you will need to plan for an extended stay in the visited country or return to your home country instead of Canada. In such cases, having a contingency plan can be a wise decision.