Canada Passport Requirements for Students 2025
Planning to study or attend an educational program in Canada in 2025? This guide provides detailed passport requirements for student travelers, including validity, study permits, visa exemptions, and essential tips to ensure a smooth entry and study experience.
Disclaimer: Passport and entry requirements may change. Always verify with official Canadian government sources, such as the Government of Canada’s immigration website, for the most up-to-date information.
Passport Requirements for Student Travelers
Students traveling to Canada for academic programs, exchange visits, language courses, or other educational purposes must meet specific passport requirements based on their nationality and travel purpose:
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Canada. For students on study permits, it’s recommended to have a passport (...) valid for the entire duration of your study program to avoid issues with permit renewals or extensions.
- Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for entry, exit, and visa or permit stamps.
- U.S. Students: A valid passport is required for air travel to Canada. For land or sea entry (e.g., driving or cruising from the U.S.), a passport book, passport card, or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document (e.g., Enhanced Driver’s License) is acceptable for short visits or programs.
- Visa-Exempt Countries: Students from countries like the UK, EU nations, Australia, or Japan need a valid passport and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel if attending short-term programs (less than 6 months). The eTA costs $7 CAD and is valid for 5 years or until the passport expires. For programs longer than 6 months, a study permit is required alongside the passport.
- Visa-Required Countries: Students from countries like India, China, or Nigeria need a valid passport and either a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV) for short-term programs (less than 6 months) or a study permit for longer programs. The passport must be presented with the visa or permit at the border.
- Minors (Under 19): Students under 19 traveling alone or with one parent must have a valid passport and may need a notarized consent letter from non-traveling parent(s) or guardian(s). The letter should include contact details, travel dates, and information about the accompanying adult or institution (if applicable).
- Short-Term Exchange Programs: For exchange programs lasting less than 6 months, students follow visitor rules (eTA for visa-exempt countries or TRV for visa-required countries). Ensure the passport is valid for the entire program to facilitate re-entry or potential extensions.
- Language or Summer Programs: Students attending short-term language courses, summer schools, or workshops (less than 6 months) need a valid passport and an eTA (for visa-exempt countries) or TRV (for visa-required countries).
- Transit Through Canada: Students transiting through Canada en route to another destination need a valid passport and may require a transit visa (free for eligible applicants) if staying less than 48 hours.
Pro Tip: Check your passport’s expiration date well
in advance and renew it if it expires within 6 months of your travel
or program start to avoid delays with entry or study permits.
Read FAQs →
Passport and Study Permit Essentials
International students planning to study in Canada for more than 6 months typically require a study permit, which has specific passport-related requirements:
- Study Permit Application: Submit a clear copy of your passport’s information page (photo, name, expiry date) with your study permit application. The permit’s validity is tied to your passport’s expiry date, so a passport valid for the entire study duration is recommended.
- Biometrics Requirement: Students from visa-required countries may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of the study permit or visa application. Ensure your passport is in good condition for biometric appointments.
- Institutional Verification: Canadian schools, colleges, or universities often require a passport copy for enrollment, international student registration, or visa verification. Ensure your passport details match all application documents to avoid discrepancies.
- Multiple Entry Needs: Students on study permits may travel in and out of Canada (e.g., for holidays or family visits). Ensure your passport remains valid for re-entry, and verify that your study permit allows multiple entries.
- Passport Renewal During Study: If your passport expires during your study program, renew it promptly and update your study permit with the new passport details to maintain legal status in Canada.
- Campus Services: A valid passport may be required for opening bank accounts, obtaining a student ID, or accessing certain campus services like health insurance or library access.
- Study Permit Extensions: If extending your study permit (e.g., for a longer program or additional semester), ensure your passport is valid beyond the new permit’s duration to avoid complications.
Pro Tip: Keep a digital copy of your study permit and
passport on your phone or in secure cloud storage for quick access
during enrollment or border checks.
Practical Passport Tips for Students
To ensure a hassle-free travel and study experience in Canada, students should follow these practical passport management tips:
- Photocopies: Carry two photocopies of your passport’s information page (photo, name, expiry date) and store them separately from your passport. Provide a copy to your educational institution for registration or visa purposes.
- Digital Backup: Save a scanned copy of your passport in a secure digital format (e.g., encrypted cloud storage or email) for quick access in case of loss or theft.
- Passport Condition: Ensure your passport is free of damage. Passports with torn pages, water damage, or other issues may be rejected by border officials or institutions, delaying entry or enrollment.
- Lost or Stolen Passports: If your passport is lost or stolen in Canada, contact your country’s embassy or consulate immediately. Inform your educational institution to avoid issues with your study permit or enrollment status.
- Border Presentation: At the border, present your passport, visa or eTA (if applicable), study permit (if required), and supporting documents like your acceptance letter, proof of funds, and travel itinerary. Be ready to explain your study plans and duration of stay.
- Parental Consent for Minors: Students under 19 should carry a notarized consent letter from non-traveling parent(s) or guardian(s), including contact details, travel dates, and details of the accompanying adult or institution (if applicable).
- Passport Renewal Planning: Renew your passport before applying for a study permit or traveling if it’s nearing expiry to avoid disruptions during your program.
- Student Discounts: Carry your passport and student ID to access potential discounts on transportation, attractions, or services in Canada, such as museum entries or public transit passes.
- Emergency Preparedness: Register with your country’s travel advisory service before departure to receive updates and assistance in case of emergencies, such as passport loss or travel disruptions.
- Safe Storage: Store your passport and study permit in a secure, accessible place, such as a money belt or dorm safe, to protect them while traveling or exploring Canada.
Pro Tip: Use a waterproof passport holder to protect
your passport during travel, especially in Canada’s rainy regions like
Vancouver or during outdoor activities.