Can a valid student visa and study permit for Canada be used as a tourist visa?
I have a valid Study Permit and a student visa (S-1 TRV) for Canada, but I no longer attend the university in Canada and have transferred to a college in America. Can I use my student visa to enter Canada as a tourist or do I need to separately apply for a tourist visa?
Best Answer
Canada does not have a separate Student Visa. When you apply to study in Canada you are issued a Temporary Residence Visa (a normal visitor visa) and a letter. The letter is exchanged at the border for a Study Permit, which, together with the Temporary Residence Visa allows you to study in Canada.
If you decline to study, or finish your course, you can still use the visitor visa for tourism purposes while it is valid.
Pictures about "Can a valid student visa and study permit for Canada be used as a tourist visa?"
Can I change my student visa to visitor visa in Canada?
Can I change my status to visitor if I need more time to extend my study or work permit? You can apply to change your status to visitor, but once your current study or work permit expires, you won't be able to apply for a new study or work permit from within Canada.Can I have both tourist and student visa?
Yes, as long as the visas are for different purposes. For example it is OK to have a B1/B2 (tourist/business) and F1 (student) together, but not OK to have two valid F1 visas.Do I need a visitor visa if I have a study permit?
A work permit or study permit is not a visa. We won't automatically issue you a visitor visa if you extend your work or study permit. If you need a new visitor visa, you may need to submit a separate application.Can a student apply for a tourist visa in Canada?
Students who plan to visit Canada might need a visitor visa. Check the Canadian Consulate's website to determine if you need a visitor visa and if so, how to apply. Plan ahead, as processing can take approximately one month or longer. Applications are accepted online or by mail.How You Can Get A Study Permit If You Have A Visitor Visa in Canada I Study Permit Series-EP 1
More answers regarding can a valid student visa and study permit for Canada be used as a tourist visa?
Answer 2
To answer my own question after entering Canada a couple of times on the student visa as a visitor: yes. One border officer said that as long as the Student Visa is valid it can be used a Tourist Visa since they're both a TRV. I did end up getting a tourist visa eventually since I wanted a longer validity period.
Answer 3
As you are no longer enrolled, your student visa is invalid and cannot be used for travel to Canada; as it only allows travel for the purposes of studies.
If otherwise ineligible, you will have to apply for a normal visit/tourist visa to Canada.
Remember, a visa is not a right to enter the country. It is a permit to request entry based on the premises under which the visa (permission) is granted.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Porapak Apichodilok, Andrea Piacquadio, Vlada Karpovich, Vlada Karpovich