Temporary Resident Visa

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a document that allows you to enter Canada and stay for a specified time. Citizens of some countries need a TRV in addition to a Study Permit. See the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for a list of countries that require a TRV.

Your Study Permit is the important document that permits you to remain and study in Canada. With a valid Study Permit there is no need to apply for a new TRV unless you leave Canada and want to re-enter.

The application kit is available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada  website or refer to the Instructions to Renew your TRV prepared by Laurentian International.

Note: You will need to include with your application a Letter of Enrolment, which Laurentian International will prepare for you. 

Study Permit Renewal Within Canada

As an international student, it is your responsibility to ensure that your Study Permit is always valid. You should begin the process of applying to renew your Study Permit in Canada well in advance of its expiry date (two to three months). The application kit is available on the CIC website or refer to the Instructions to Renew your Study Permit Online prepared by Laurentian International.

If you do not receive your new Study Permit before your current Study

Permit expires, you are considered "in status" until a decision is made on your application to renew your Study Permit. You can check the status of your application by telephoning the Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100. 

Note: You will need to include with your application a Letter of Enrolment, which Laurentian International will prepare for you. 

On-Campus Employment

A Work Permit is not required for on-campus employment. Citizenship and Immigration Canada regulations permit international students who hold a valid Study Permit to work on campus up to 20 hours per week while they are registered students, and full-time on-campus for terms they are not registered. The latter usually applies to undergraduate students who normally study for 8 months and take 4 months off during the summer. Once you have found employment on the campus you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). 

Off-Campus Employment

You can apply for an off-campus work permit if you are a full-time degree student, have completed six months of full-time studies out of the past 12 months and are in good academic standing. You can apply online at the CIC website. Please refer to the application guide on the site or refer to the Instructions to Apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit prepared by Laurentian International.

The Work Permit authorizes you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks (e.g., winter or summer holidays and reading week). Even if you work off campus, your studies must remain your primary purpose for being in Canada.

You do not need to have a job offer before applying for the Work Permit. Remember, a work permit authorizes you to work off campus, it does not guarantee that you will find a job. It is your responsibility to find a job.

Applying for a U.S. Visitor Visa

It is recommended that you live in Canada for at least 6 months before applying for a U.S. Visitor Visa. Further information and links to necessary forms are on the Visa Categories and Requirements webpage of the U.S. Consulate General.

This online Nonimmigrant Visa Application can be completed in order to assist you in expediting the visa application process. 

Feature Links

Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program  

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)