Canada Study Permit: How Early Can I Enter?

You can enter Canada with a study permit up to 4-6 weeks (or 4-6 months in some cases) before your program starts, depending on your visa conditions.

General Guidelines:

• Officially, there’s no fixed entry date, but the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) generally allows entry 1-3 months before classes begin if you have valid reasons (e.g., housing, acclimatization).

• Some students have entered 4-6 months early if their visa and study permit were approved for that duration.

Factors Affecting Entry Timing:

✅ Your Port of Entry Officer’s Discretion: They may ask why you're arriving early. Be prepared with a valid reason (e.g., settling in, finding accommodation).

✅ Your Visa Stamp Dates: Check if your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA has specific entry conditions.

✅ Institution’s Guidelines: Some universities recommend arriving at least 2-4 weeks before classes start for orientation.

Recommended Entry Time:

???? 4-6 weeks before classes – Ideal for getting settled.

???? More than 3 months before – Risky unless your visa explicitly allows it.