Immigration Made Easy

Canada has three groupings for its residents:

Citizens: You have full legal rights and privileges in Canada
Permanent Residents: (individuals with a landed status but are not yet citizens, as in Skilled Workers or Refugees)
Temporary Residents: (international students, visitors, temporary workers) Note: As an international student, you will be under the category Temporary Residents.

Depending on your home country you may have two types of immigration documents:
1. A permit: A valid permit gives you the legal right to study and/or work legally in Canada. A permit does not guarantee entry into Canada.

2. A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): Some international students will require a TRV for entry into Canada. See a list of these countries. TRV’s are used only for entry into Canada. Though not mandatory, it is recommended that you keep a valid TRV while you are in Canada. If your TRV expires while you are studying and you wish to have it renewed, visit your International Student Advisor who will assist you with the application process. You may also go here for details on the renewal process.

Note: TRV’s can only be obtained from visa offices outside of Canada. If your TRV expires while studying in Canada it is recommended that you send your application for renewal to the Canada Consulate in Seattle, Washington or to the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo, New York.

Applying for a Study Visa

You will need a study permit if you are planning to study for more than six months at King’s. Before you apply for a study permit, be certain that you have applied to King’s and received a letter of admission.

Check the following criteria to see if you are eligible for a study permit:

  • You have received an admission letter to King’s
  • You are law-abiding citizen with no criminal record
  • You are in good health and are willing to complete a medical examination
  • You have enough money for at least one year of study at King’s (approximately $15,000 Canadian)

    • Note: Students who have been accepted at King’s to a program that will run for six months or less do not need to apply for a study permit.


    The Application Process
    It is important that you allow for the appropriate processing times when applying for a study permit. Please speak with the visa office in your area or check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website to find out how long it will take to process your application.

    1. Obtain an application kit from the CIC website or from the consulate in your area.
    2. Check to see if you require a temporary resident visa XE "Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)" (TRV) to enter Canada (you can check this information at the CIC website). Your TRV will be processed along with your study permit if you require it. Make certain to ask your visa officer about your TRV.
    3. Check the CIC website to see which visa office is responsible for processing applications in your country.
    4. Check with the visa office responsible for your country to see which supporting documents are required with your application.
    5. You will be required to pay an application fee. Check with the visa office serving your country to determine the amount to be paid.
    6. Check to ensure your application form is properly completed and that you have all supporting documents required for you application.
    7. Send your application along with the application fee to the visa office serving your area.

    Your Study Permit application will often include the following:

  • Application form (IMM 1208B) on the CIC website
  • Proof of payment Proof of admission to King’s
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of identity
  • Any other documents required by the visa office in your area


    • For information about working in Canada please see the International Student Handbook.


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