You should always keep your passport, visa, study and or work permit, and family information on hand whenever you travel in and out of Canada. You should also keep photocopies of each document and an electronic document in a secure place that you can access online and offline.
As you will be re-examined each time you enter Canada after you travel, it is important to remember that you must have all of your documentation on your person when entering Canada. Note that you may need to provide financial documentation to show that you continue to be able to meet the costs of your studies in Canada. Failure to do so may result in being refused entry.
If your health or legal status changes while in Canada, it is good to contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Canadian Immigration Lawyer before you leave the country.
Keeping your Immigration Documents Valid
Type of document | Timeframe to extend your document |
Passport | A minimum of 6 months before the expiration date. You will need to confirm this process with the embassy/consulate inside Canada for your home country. Regulations change by country. |
Study Permit, co-op work permit | Recommended: four to five months before the expiration date |
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | Recommended: Before the expiration date. Important note: In some cases you may apply after the expiration date if you have applied for a study or work permit and are not yet intending to leave and re-enter Canada. |
Social Insurance Number (SIN) | You are only able to extend your SIN once you have receive your study permit extension or new status (i.e. post-graduation work permit). |