Canada study permit approved but not received? Check latest IRCC updated instructions

IRCC has updated instructions to include the procedure for foreign nationals whose application for a study permit has been approved abroad, but who did not obtain their study permit at a port of entry (POE) on their initial arrival (for example, they failed to present a letter of introduction), need to reach out to the IRCC Client Support Centre to learn how to obtain their study permit.

The foreign national may not engage in studies until a study permit is issued.

An application for a study permit renewal does not constitute an application for a TRV. Therefore, visa-required foreign nationals must apply separately for a TRV and pay the corresponding fee. An application for a renewal of a study permit for a visa-exempt foreign national is considered to constitute an application for an eTA. Therefore, an eTA should be issued upon approval of the study permit (that is, SP-EXT in the GCMS).

If an eTA is issued with a renewed study permit for an eTA expansion client, and if the client holds a valid TRV, the officer should not cancel the existing TRV. The client can continue to use the TRV to travel to Canada by air, land or sea until it expires.

Foreign nationals require a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. For overseas applications, if the application for a study permit is approved, a TRV or an eTA is issued automatically. There is no separate fee or application for a TRV or an eTA with a study permit application.

All applications for a study permit for foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of application must be submitted using electronic means—meaning they must apply online.

Visiting students are students who have been admitted to a post-secondary institution for a period of study but who are not admitted into a degree or diploma program. They are students at a foreign institution (often referred to as the student’s home institution) who attend a Canadian institution (referred to as the student’s host institution) for some time, with the intent of transferring the credits earned at the host institution back to their home institution. Visiting students pay fees to the host institution.