Immigration Made Easy

Canada has three groupings for its residents:

Citizens: You have full legal rights and privileges in Canada
Permanent Residents: individuals with a landed status but are not yet citizens
Temporary Residents: international students, visitors, temporary workers

Note: As an international student, you will be under the category Temporary Residents.

Depending on your home country you may have two types of immigration documents:
1. A permit: A valid permit gives you the legal right to study and/or work legally in Canada. A permit does not guarantee entry into Canada.

2. A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): Some international students will require a TRV for entry into Canada. (See here for a list of these countries.) TRV’s are used only for entry into Canada. Though not mandatory, it is recommended that you keep a valid TRV while you are in Canada. If your TRV expires while you are studying and you wish to have it renewed, visit the Coordinator of International Student Programs who will assist you with the application process. You may also visit www.cic.gc.ca for details on the renewal process.

Note: TRV’s can only be obtained from visa offices outside of Canada. If your TRV expires while studying in Canada it is recommended that you send your application for renewal to the Canada Consulate in Seattle, Washington or to the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo, New York.

Applying for a Study Permit

You will need a study permit if you are planning to study for more than six months at King’s. Before you apply for a study permit, be certain that you have applied to King’s and received a letter of admission.

Check the following criteria to see if you are eligible for a study permit:

  • You have received an admission letter to King’s
  • You are law-abiding citizen with no criminal record
  • You are in good health and are willing to complete a medical examination
  • You have enough money for at least one year of study at King’s (approximately $15,000 Canadian)

    • Note: Students who have been accepted to a King's program that will run for six months or less do not need to apply for a study permit.

    The Application Process
    It is important that you allow for the appropriate processing times when applying for a study permit. Please speak with the visa office in your area or see here to find out how long it will take to process your application.

    1. Obtain an application kit here from the consulate in your area.
    2. Check to see if you require a temporary resident visa XE "Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)" to enter Canada here. Your TRV will be processed along with your study permit if you require it. Make certain to ask your visa officer about your TRV.
    3. Check here to see which visa office is responsible for processing applications in your country.
    4. Check with the visa office responsible for your country to see which supporting documents are required with your application.
    5. You will be required to pay an application fee. Check with the visa office serving your country to determine the amount to be paid.
    6. Check to ensure your application form is properly completed and that you have all supporting documents required for you application.
    7. Send your application along with the application fee to the visa office serving your area.

    Your Study Permit application will often include the following:

  • Application form (IMM 1208B) on the CIC website
  • Proof of payment Proof of admission to King’s
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of identity
  • Any other documents required by the visa office in your area

    • Or see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how-documents.asp to confirm that you have the documents needed.

    Applying for Extensions on Study Permit 

    The student is responsible for checking immigration documents (study permits, work permits, temporary resident visa) to ensure that their immigration status is maintained. If you need to apply for renewal or extension of status you should allow for adequate processing time—usually 3 months/90 days. It is recommended that you apply to change your permit at least 30 days before your current permit expires. 


    Processing times may vary depending on the nature of application. 

    To check current processing times visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp

    The Application Process

    To extend you study permit you can either apply electronically or through the mail. To receive renewal and/or extension application forms go here and send the following documents to Vergreville case processing centre at 


    Citizenship and Immigration - Study Permit
         Case Processing Centre
         6212 - 55th Avenue, Unit 101
         Vegreville, AB
         T9C 1X5


    • Application form and document checklist
    • Transcript of your last two semesters 
    • Photocopy of passport (all pages with marked stamps)
    • Receipt showing that you have paid your application fees. If you paid online be sure to print off the receipt and send it along with your application. You can also pay the fee at the bank of your choice. To make a payment at the bank you will need to take along a blank copy of the immigration receipt with you. You can pick up an immigration receipt from the International students office or request it from CIC.  
    • Official letter confirming your student status. You can request this at the registry. 


     You can also apply online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/study.asp. Check the CIC website for additional information or talk to the CISP if you have any questions. 


    Expired Study Permits
         If your study permit expires while you are awaiting a response from CIC, you will be considered as having implied status in Canada until you receive a response. This will allow you to continue classes until you receive your official document form CIC.  


    Note that it is important that you remain in Canada while you are waiting to receive a response. You may be unable to return to Canada if you leave without valid study permit.
         If your study permit expires before you have submitted an application for a renewal, you will be considered as being “out of status”. You will then have to apply for a restoration of status. You will have 90 days from the date your study permit expires to submit an application for restoration of status. 


         In addition to regular renewal fees, you will have to pay a restoration of status fees.
         If your study permit has expired for more than 90 days you will be unable to renew it. You may also be asked to leave Canada, as you would have violated immigration laws. If you desire to continue to studying in Canada you will need to wait six months before you can apply for a new study permit. A new permit can only be granted from outside of Canada. 

    Transferring between Institutions

    International students with valid study permits at post secondary institutions may transfer between programs and/or institutions. Transfers can be done without renewing existing study permit or applying to change conditions of existing student authorization.     

    Traveling outside Canada 

    When planning to travel outside of Canada, it is recommended that you check your documents to make sure that they will not expire while you are outside of Canada. You should also make sure that you have a valid TRV as this is the only document that allows for re-entry into. 


    If your study permit will expire while you are outside of Canada, it is recommended that you complete the application process prior to leaving. Application can be made outside of Canada but may take longer depending on where you have applied. 


    Note: Please remember that if your current document expires while you are abroad it is NOT advisable for you to travel while an immigration document is being processed. 


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