Enter Canada with visitor visa while waiting for study permit approval

[ABTran]

Hi everyone,

I know a lot of us study permit applicants are going through the same frustrating and confusing experience. So, I thought I'd share my situation here in the hopes of getting some advice.

Back on May 28, 2023, I applied for a study permit visa under the SDS program. I did all the required upfront stuff like biometrics and medical exams, but there hasn't been any update since then. Now, according to a friend of mine who works at the consulate, there's a chance my application might get transferred to the regular stream because I didn't include the 1st year tuition receipt (I know, I should have double-checked). But honestly, I think it's just a glitch because I did send them the wire transfer receipt with the exact amount of estimated tuition for the first 12 months, just like it says in the offer.

I've already filled out a webform to explain the whole situation to the IRCC, but who knows when they'll actually look into my case. The problem is, my flight to Canada is scheduled for August 11, and I'm getting really worried about not having the study permit by then.

So, here's what I'm thinking: I have this visitor visa I got last year as a family member of a permanent resident (my husband). I'm considering entering Canada with that and staying put until my study permit comes through. Once it's approved, I could take a trip to either Cuba or Mexico (I heard they don't require visas for Canada visa holders) and then come back to Canada through a port of entry to claim my study permit. Do you guys think this is a viable option?

Thanks, and I'm sending good vibes to all the other applicants going through this nerve-wracking process.

 

[scylla]

Hi everyone,

I know a lot of us study permit applicants are going through the same frustrating and confusing experience. So, I thought I'd share my situation here in the hopes of getting some advice.

Back on May 28, 2023, I applied for a study permit visa under the SDS program. I did all the required upfront stuff like biometrics and medical exams, but there hasn't been any update since then. Now, according to a friend of mine who works at the consulate, there's a chance my application might get transferred to the regular stream because I didn't include the 1st year tuition receipt (I know, I should have double-checked). But honestly, I think it's just a glitch because I did send them the wire transfer receipt with the exact amount of estimated tuition for the first 12 months, just like it says in the offer.

I've already filled out a webform to explain the whole situation to the IRCC, but who knows when they'll actually look into my case. The problem is, my flight to Canada is scheduled for August 11, and I'm getting really worried about not having the study permit by then.

So, here's what I'm thinking: I have this visitor visa I got last year as a family member of a permanent resident (my husband). I'm considering entering Canada with that and staying put until my study permit comes through. Once it's approved, I could take a trip to either Cuba or Mexico (I heard they don't require visas for Canada visa holders) and then come back to Canada through a port of entry to claim my study permit. Do you guys think this is a viable option?

Thanks, and I'm sending good vibes to all the other applicants going through this nerve-wracking process.

You can try doing that. Keep in mind that how long you are allowed into Canada is always up to CBSA. Make sure you have a return ticket (not just a one way ticket) since you will be entering Canada as a visitor only.

For the refusal reason, what IRCC wanted to see was the confirmation from your school that 1st year tuition is paid. Hopefully you included that along with the wire transfer receipt. Just including the wire transfer receipt would not have been enough. IRCC needs the confirmation from the school.

 

[ABTran]

You can try doing that. Keep in mind that how long you are allowed into Canada is always up to CBSA. Make sure you have a return ticket (not just a one way ticket) since you will be entering Canada as a visitor only.

For the refusal reason, what IRCC wanted to see was the confirmation from your school that 1st year tuition is paid. Hopefully you included that along with the wire transfer receipt. Just including the wire transfer receipt would not have been enough. IRCC needs the confirmation from the school.

Hi Scylla,

I appreciate your response and the reminder about buying a return ticket. I still have some doubts about whether I can receive the study permit at the port of entry when returning from countries other than my home country, where I applied for the study permit.

Regarding the SDS application, both the application portal guide and Canada.ca clearly state that I can provide proof of payment by submitting "a receipt from your bank that shows your funds have been transferred to the school you're attending" or "a receipt from a bank showing that tuition fees have been paid to the DLI." Additionally, the firewire transfer is integrated into my university portal, so the receipt includes the university's logo and address in the header. Am I understanding this correctly? Please advise.

On the portal guide:

On the Canada.ca

Thank you!

 

[ABTran]

Just update that I got the PPR from IRCC this morning.

 

[terai]

Hi everyone. Your situation is quite similar to my sister only that she is already in Canada as a visitor and then PPR two days ago. We sent her passport to Ottawa but I heard that you can just go to the airport and see the border officer so they can issue a study permit. What is your situation now? Thanks for sharing.

 

[ABTran]

Hi everyone. Your situation is quite similar to my sister only that she is already in Canada as a visitor and then PPR two days ago. We sent her passport to Ottawa but I heard that you can just go to the airport and see the border officer so they can issue a study permit. What is your situation now? Thanks for sharing.

I asked Embassy rep in my country, they said I need a S-1 visa to get study permit at the port of entry. Currently, I got my S-1 visa stamped and received letter of introduction from IRCC.