With so much to plan and prepare for (before coming to Canada for your studies), it’s not uncommon to face unexpected delays.
As a student, I entered Canada 2 days after my program start date because my student visa was delayed.
It was a frustrating experience for me.
Many international students have been in this situation in the past.
We’ve had students share their experiences and the future won’t be different.
Arriving late in Canada is very common among international students.
But, even though it happens, there are limits to how late you can enter the country on a student visa.
How late can I enter Canada with a student visa?
You can enter Canada with a student visa as late as after your program’s start date, but you must inform your designated learning institution (DLI) if you anticipate arriving late.
Many institutions allow late arrivals up to 10 days after school resumes, and some permit up to 28 days, depending on their policies.
Entering before your program starts is the best option, as it gives you enough time to settle in and prepare for your studies.
However, if you cannot arrive on time, you’ll still be allowed to enter, but your institution needs to be aware of your late arrival.
In general, you can enter Canada as late as 10 days after the start of your program, but no more than 28 days unless you have communicated your late arrival to your designated learning institution.
While entering Canada late on a student visa will not result in penalties, failing to notify your school could affect your enrollment.
Of course, no one will punish you for entering Canada late on a student visa but you will miss a lot.
Read also: What happens when an international student drops out of college?
Orientation is an important part of your program as a new student, if you enter very late, you’ll miss your orientation programs and other activities slated for new students.
Plus, late arrival can also affect your admission.
What should I do if I’m entering Canada late on a student visa?
Write to your institution’s international student office if you have any reason to enter late.
Inform them that you will be late and provide reasons for the delay.
Entering Canada 28 days after your program starts is unacceptable unless you already communicated with your school.
We often say “communication is the key” and for real, that’s true.
The best time to enter Canada is two weeks (14 days) before academic activities start.
The reason is simple; you’ll have enough time to settle in, get accommodation, and attend orientation sessions by your DLI.
If you fail to enter Canada before the start date of your program and can’t communicate your late arrival with your DLI.
You’ll still be allowed to enter the country, however, you’ll present a valid reason for your late arrival.
Illness, delayed flight (maybe for security reasons), or visa processing delays, are valuable reasons to enter Canada late on a student visa.
What will happen if I enter Canada months after my program starts?
If you arrive in Canada months after your program begins, you risk losing your spot in the program.
Most schools have strict attendance and enrollment rules, so being months late will affect your standing.
Your study permit will also be at risk, as you’re required to stay enrolled and actively attend classes to keep your visa status.
In most cases, you’d need to defer your program to the next intake.
While entering Canada a little late is common, arriving months after will cause you to miss necessary academic activities, making it hard to catch up.
Read also: What happens when an international student gets deported from Canada?
To make your stay in Canada easier, you should enter the country early (before your program starts).
How early can I enter Canada on a student visa?
You can enter Canada on a student visa, as early as 3 months (90 days) before the start of your program.
Canada has no particular date or time frame set for you to enter the country before your program.
You can enter any time before your program starts.
Once your visa is approved and you’re ready to travel, you can enter Canada.
PS: Even though Canada has no set time for you to enter the country before your studies begin, arriving too early may not be the best option.
Coming in say 14 days before your program starts sounds great.
Read also: How early can I travel to Australia after being granted a student visa 500?
According to many students (we spoke to), 14 days is enough time to get accommodation and settle in the country before classes start.
For obvious reasons, many students prefer 14 days before their program, I do too.
You’ll spend less time in the country waiting for your program start date and have enough time to settle in and sort your accommodation.
I have received my student visa for Canada how many months before I can travel?
After receiving your student visa, you can travel immediately even if you received it up to 3 months before the start of your program.
You don’t have to wait till a certain time to travel, as long as you receive your visa, you can travel to Canada.
However, if there is a condition on your visa mandating you to travel on a particular date, then, you must travel on the date specified on your visa.
Read also: 10 disadvantages of studying in Australia for international students.
If your visa has no specified date for you to enter Canada, you can travel anytime after receiving your student visa.
The rule allows you to enter anytime after you get your visa but 14 days before your program start is enough time.
What to do before entering Canada on a student visa
Before leaving for Canada, apply for a study permit and get your letter of introduction.
You’ll need this letter to get your study permit when you arrive in Canada.
Before leaving for Canada, ensure you have all your required documents – you’ll need them for clearance and registration in Canada.
How many documents are required at the airport for international students in Canada?
At the airport in Canada, you need:
- Your letter of introduction (issued to you when your visa was approved)
- Your valid passport.
- Your student visa.
- And, a copy of the letter of acceptance (issued to you when you accepted your admission offer).
What to do when I arrive in Canada as an international student?
Congratulations on arriving in Canada as an international student! Now you are in Canada, it’s time to get started.
Use your letter of introduction to get your study permit.
A study permit allows foreign students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
If you haven’t gotten yours (your study permit), you need to get it once you arrive in Canada.
What to do after landing in Canada as a student?
Upon arrival, clear with the immigration.
- Clear with customs and immigration: When you arrive at the port of entry in Canada, depending on how you entered Canada, you’ll go through customs and immigration.
- Get your health insurance: Get an insurance plan for your healthcare needs.
- Settle into your accommodation: You can stay in a dormitory or rent an apartment.
- Attend orientation: Every college and university in Canada hosts orientation programs for fresh international students, ensure you attend.
- Open a bank account: Open a Canadian bank account as soon as possible to manage your finances effectively.
- Get a cell phone plan: Get a cell phone to stay connected with your family, friends, and classmates.
- Move around your new city: Get settled in your new home.
- Connect with other students: Once school resumes, don’t be shy to connect with other students. Join student groups and clubs and attend social events.
What if I don’t get my Canada student visa in time?
If your Canada student visa does not come in time, check its status on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, using your application number.
If it is still in progress, contact the IRCC through their webform or call their helpline to know what is causing the delay and when you can expect a decision.
Can I land anywhere in Canada with a student visa?
Yes, you can land anywhere in Canada with a student visa, unless your visa or study permit has specific restrictions.
However, you’re expected to attend the educational institution and program for which your visa was issued, which will require travelling to a specific city or province.
There is no specific place to land, you can land at any Canadian port of entry that allows international travellers like an airport or a land border crossing.
Read also: 20 cheapest colleges in Saskatchewan for international students.
Can a student arrive in Canada 2 months before his school start date?
Yes, a student with a valid Canadian student visa can arrive in Canada up to 2 months before their school’s official start date.
As long as your visa is valid, arriving early is not an issue.
How much time before we can travel to Canada on a student visa?
You can travel to Canada on a student visa as soon as your visa is approved and your letter of introduction is issued.
How many days is a student visa valid in Canada?
A student visa is valid for the entire duration of your program, plus an extra 90 days. If your program is 4 years, your student visa will be valid for 4 years plus 90 days.
How long can I stay in Canada after my student visa?
After your student visa expires, you can stay in Canada for an additional 90 days. Within these 90 days, you can extend your visa or plan to leave the country.
How many months before should I apply for a Canada student visa?
You should apply for your Canada student visa at least 3 to 4 months before your program’s start date.
Ideally, submit your application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter, you’ll have enough time to get your visa approved before your classes begin.
Can I go to Canada after my course starts?
Of course, you can go to Canada after your course starts. Many students do this every academic session.
However, it’s always better to arrive before or at the start of your course to settle in and avoid missing important lessons.
Can I go to Canada on a student visa at the age of 37?
You can go to Canada on a student visa at the age of 37. There is no age limit for applying for a student visa in Canada.
If you meet the requirements to study in Canada, you can apply for a student visa no matter your age.
Is there a time limit to enter Canada after getting a student visa?
Yes, there is a time limit to enter Canada after receiving your student visa. You must arrive in Canada before the start date of your study program as indicated in your Letter of Acceptance.
If you arrive before your program start date, you’ll have enough time to get accommodation, handle your registration and settle any other required issues before classes begin.
Can I travel to Canada if my student visa expires in 1 month?
You can travel to Canada if your student visa is set to expire in 1 month. With 1 month remaining, your student visa is still valid.
However, if you are not done with your program, apply for an extension 2 months before the end of your current visa.
Read also: What happens if I don’t get my student visa on time?
Once your visa expires, you can’t enter Canada anymore.
Final words
While you can enter Canada up to 60 days before the start of your program, the best time to enter Canada is 14 days before your program starts.
14 days is enough time to settle in and prepare for the start of your program.
Arriving late isn’t good, you’ll find it hard to catch up with your program activities.
Read also: Can international students take a semester off in Canada?
If you’ve got a valid reason to enter Canada late, inform your institution.
Generally, prioritize arriving in Canada before the start of your program, it’s better than arriving late.