Hey
@Naturgrl @Laguna55 @Konan1982 and
@RamSatt
I think these are all great inputs. However, I am looking for references/examples to know what's presently permissible.
Technically, anytime from the date of stamp should be alright, going by the book. But some posts on internet are saying 21 days because of COVID. And the part about reasoning with the officer is tricky too. Hence there is no hardcoded protocol in place right now about this. If we can get any
references, that would clear this up much better. e.g. I know someone who just landed in Canada for May intake, so safe to say a month in advance is okay.
@RamSatt: I appreciate your detailed inputs on this, however your tone sounds a little bossy and speedy there.
If you travel any earlier than that, the Visa Officer will suspect you're going there to work illegally. You cannot work, even part-time, before your program starts. It violates your study permit. Do you want to spend money and travel in Canada, sightseeing a few months ahead of your program?
=> I mentioned in the post that my brother lives there, by himself, and while I am not worried about the expenses, both of us could use some company during these isolated times.
There are COVID related lockdowns and restrictions all around. Where would you go? Additionally if you wanted to travel, you should've applied for a visitor visa instead. You are a student going there to study. So stick to that.
=> I know what I am doing, for the most part. The visa you get for study/work/travel is the same temporary resident visa, it's only the permit that differs. So friendly suggestion, please be friendlier when schooling a stranger on the internet, esp. when you don't know the full situation. Also, FYI lockdown has been moving to grey and red zone in GTA. Getting better in other parts too, and life cannot really stop, can it? Regardless, separating travel and study from your life in a country sounds so primitive to me, I can't even explain.
Don't violate the study permit rules. I'm sure the visa officer issued your study permit starting at a date close to your program start date, so how do you even plan on landing in Canada months ahead?
=> I don't intend to violate. The study permit would be issued at the airport when I land, from what I know, starting at a date closer to the program start regardless. Great reminder though, and I'll definitely quarantine when I reach.
Again, please correct me if I'm wrong, and I appreciate all the inputs here. Cheers folks!
Actually, my question should have been more specific. I am aiming at June 15 - July 15. Not before that.
