What is the difference between a study permit and a student visa in Canada?
These two documents are often confused but serve different functions. A study permit authorizes you to study in Canada — it is issued by IRCC and sets the conditions under which you may remain and attend classes. A student visa (technically a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) is a travel document affixed to your passport that allows you to enter Canada.
If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you generally need both: a TRV to cross the border and a study permit to legally study once inside. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (who normally use an Electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA) still need a study permit but do not need a TRV.
When applying for a study permit, IRCC usually issues both documents together if you need a TRV, but you should confirm what you received. Entering Canada with only one of the two documents — when both are required — can cause problems at the border.
Key takeaways
- A study permit authorizes studying; a TRV authorizes entry into Canada
- Many students need both documents — they serve different purposes
- IRCC often processes them together, but confirm what was issued to you
- eTA holders still need a study permit even though they do not need a TRV