To be able to enter Canada as a student, you must meet 3 requirements:
- You must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller unless you’re a minor student (under the age of 18 years).
- You must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit unless you don’t need one.
- You must be attending a designated learning institution (DLI).
The border services officer will make the final decision about whether or not you qualify.
Applying for a study permit
If you’re applying for a study permit, you should apply online.
What you need to travel to Canada as a student 18 years of age or older
You must bring:
- a valid study permit, or a port of entry letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit
- a valid letter of acceptance from the DLI you’re enrolled in
- proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
- proof of vaccination
The border services officer will make a final decision on your eligibility to enter Canada when you arrive.
What you need to travel to Canada as a minor student (under 18 years of age)
- If you’re a minor student (under 18 years of age), you don’t have to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.
- Minor children need a valid passport or travel document to come to Canada, but they may not need a study permit.
A border services officer will make the final decision at the border about whether the minor student can enter Canada and be issued a study permit.
Learn more about what you need to study in Canada as a minor (18 years or under).
Cross-border students (daily or regular crossing)
To be able to enter Canada as a student, you must
- qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, unless you’re under 18 years of age
- have a study permit and
- be enrolled at a DLI in British Columbia, Canada
As a cross-border student, you’ll likely be exempt from quarantine upon arrival in Canada if you’re enrolled at a DLI in British Columbia.
While in Canada you must:
- wear a mask in any public setting where you can’t maintain physical distancing
- follow all public health guidelines for the municipality and province or territory in which you study
If someone will be driving you to and from your DLI, they also don’t need to quarantine for 14 days, as long as
- they only leave their vehicle to escort you to and from your school and
- they wear a mask at all times while outside their vehicle
If your child is accompanying you to Canada
If your child (under the age of 18 years) will be coming with you to Canada, they don’t need to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller. However, they do need to come to Canada at the same time as you.
