"Not valid for re-entry"

[Skittish]

Good morning.

Im American studying at U of T. My study permit is valid for the length of my program but I notice at the bottom is says "not valid for re-entry." What does this mean? I need to go back to the States from time to time...

thanks  

[TakeruK]

I am assuming by U of T, you mean the University of Toronto and you are writing about a study permit for non-Canadians to study in Canada. (I'm making this assumption since you say you are American and "study permit" is used in Canada while "student visa" is usually used in the US).

If your study permit says "not valid for re-entry", it generally means that you have to apply for another study permit if you leave Canada and wish to re-enter Canada. I believe you can apply for single-entry and multiple-entry permits.

However, please make certain that it's your study permit that says "not valid for re-entry" and not your work permit. In Canada, you will have both permits, a study permit to be in Canada in order to attend school in Canada and a work permit that allows you to work as a TA, RA, etc.

The work permit often says "not valid for re-entry" because it's indicating that you cannot use your work permit to re-enter Canada, you have to use your study permit instead. This doesn't mean you have to apply for a work permit again, it just means that once you enter Canada, the border agent will assess your work eligibility and issue you one if you are eligible. Assuming everything is in order, then you are likely okay. See more info: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-arriving.asp
 

[TakeruK]

Also, forgot to add: Are you a US citizen or US permanent resident?

If you are a US permanent resident, then you also need an electronic travel authorization visa (eTA visa) in order to enter Canada. So, perhaps the reason your study/work permits say "not valid for re-entry" is because you need to have a eTA in order to enter, so the study permit is not sufficient. This is a recent change to Canadian law.

You should also discuss this with experts at your new school though! I'm just a random internet person, so be sure to double check info

[Skittish]

TakeruK, is there a way to send private messages? If so, may I send you one?

thanks for your help

[TakeruK]

Yes, if you mouse over a username on the left of their post, the pop-up will have a "message" option. Or, if you click on the username, it will go to their profile page, from which you will also see a message option.

[Skittish]

Sent! Thank you.