Travelling outside Canada

Whether you plan to travel for a few days or a few months, if you’re an international student, there are things to consider before you make plans to leave and re-enter Canada.

International student advisors at UBC are licensed to provide advice on issues related to Canadian immigration. They are not able to provide immigration advice related to any other country or territory.

Have your documents in order

You need the right documents to re-enter Canada if you leave, so be sure to check your document expiration dates and renew them if necessary before you travel.

Learn what immigration documents you need to return to Canada and what documents to bring by visiting the Travelling to Canada guide.

In general, it’s best to renew all of your immigration documents before you leave Canada, if possible. If your immigration document(s) will expire while you are outside Canada, or you’ve applied for an extension of your document(s) before they expired and you must leave Canada, contact International Student Advising before travelling for support.

If you’ve applied for a study permit extension before it expired and your application is still being processed, you will lose maintained status when you leave Canada and will not be able to resume studies until your study permit has been issued. Check maintained status to learn more.

Check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s estimated processing times to plan ahead.

Visiting the United States

Entering the United States

Citizens of some countries require a US visa. Citizens of other countries may be required to get an ESTA and/or complete a Form I-94/I-94W. Always check with the US Consulate for the most up-to-date information before beginning your visa application. See the US Department of State website and United States Consulate-General Vancouver for more information. All US immigration questions should be directed to the United States Consulate-General Vancouver. UBC does not provide advice on US immigration issues.

Re-entering Canada after travelling to the United States

If you have a valid study permit or work permit, or hold valid visitor status in Canada, and you leave Canada and visit only the United States, you may be able to re-enter Canada without a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), provided you return to Canada by the end of the authorized period of your stay in Canada. See the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Part 9, Division 5, Section 190(3)(f). Please keep in mind that there are some risks with this approach, as not all border officers or airline crew are aware of this regulation.

If you are waiting for your study permit extension application (maintained status) and need to travel to the United States, connect with International Student Advising before traveling.

What to expect at the Canadian border

The closest border to Kelowna is the Osoyoos-Oroville border. It is also possible to enter the U.S. via other larger crossings near Vancouver. Prepare for your border crossing by reading Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s helpful tips. Below is some additional information to help you prepare for your initial entrance to Canada:

Get your immigration documents in order

Before leaving for Canada, make sure that you have your passport, Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (if you require one), and an up-to-date UBC admission or enrollment letter. To obtain your study permit from the border officer, you will also need the letter of introduction issued by the IRCC. Consider also bringing proof that you have enough money to support yourself in Canada.

Check the terms outlined in your immigration documents

Make sure your name, dates, and other information are correct.

Visit the Canadian Border Agency website for travel tips and customs regulations

You may want to make a list of items in your luggage and fill in the form BSF186 (PDF) for the valuables you are bringing to Canada.

At the border, answer every question truthfully, consistently, and calmly

You may be asked what you will do and how long you are going to study in Canada. Service at the border is available in English and French. If you do not understand what is being said, ask if an interpreter is available. Expect to spend one to three hours at the border during busy periods, during which time you may be unable to use the telephone or leave the immigration area.

Plan your journey from the border to your destination

If you are arriving in Kelowna by plane, visit the Kelowna Airport website as well as the BCTransit to map out your route from the airport. You may also consider taking a taxi.

Resources

The information on this page may change

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.