Can I enter Canada on Visitor status while waiting for my Study Permit?

[salmanmunir]

Hi,
My flight is on 22 August and there is no sign of my study permit. My application has passed the normal processing time. I have raised webform but got no response. Although I do have a valid Visitor Visa. Is it a problem If I enter Canada on Visitor status and later change my status to student when I get my Study permit? I have a few weeks before my class starts but my flight is on 22 August.

 

[scylla]

Hi,
My flight is on 22 August and there is no sign of my study permit. My application has passed the normal processing time. I have raised webform but got no response. Although I do have a valid Visitor Visa. Is it a problem If I enter Canada on Visitor status and later change my status to student when I get my Study permit? I have a few weeks before my class starts but my flight is on 22 August.

You can certainly try doing this. I would make sure you have a return ticket since you will only be entering Canada as a visitor. I think you also have to consider what you would do in the event the study permit is refused or in the event it's approved too late for you to start school in September.

 

[salmanmunir]

You can certainly try doing this. I would make sure you have a return ticket since you will only be entering Canada as a visitor. I think you also have to consider what you would do in the event the study permit is refused or in the event it's approved too late for you to start school in September.

Thankyou. I will keep those situations in mind.
But If I get the study permit before my school starts, me entering in the country as a visitor would not be an issue right?

 

[scylla]

Thankyou. I will keep those situations in mind.
But If I get the study permit before my school starts, me entering in the country as a visitor would not be an issue right?

It shouldn't cause issues. But it may cause further delays since you'll have to get the study permit stamped in your passport and then activated - and you'll be wanting to do this from Canada vs. the visa office you are dealing with now.

 

[foreigner1]

Thankyou. I will keep those situations in mind.
But If I get the study permit before my school starts, me entering in the country as a visitor would not be an issue right?

If the study permit is approved while you are in Canada as a visitor you will need to leave Canada and seek re-entry as a student in order to receive your study permit at the port of entry. I don't think you can simply change status to student whilst in Canada as a visitor....but I could be wrong. All the best.

 

[salmanmunir]

If the study permit is approved while you are in Canada as a visitor you will need to leave Canada and seek re-entry as a student in order to receive your study permit at the port of entry. I don't think you can simply change status to student whilst in Canada as a visitor....but I could be wrong. All the best.

Thank you for the information.
Would really appreciate if someone could confirm this please!

 

[scylla]

Thank you for the information.
Would really appreciate if someone could confirm this please!

You would need to exit and re-enter. This is what I was referring to by activating your visa.

 

[salmanmunir]

You would need to exit and re-enter. This is what I was referring to by activating your visa.

Alright, Thanks