CA-SP

Valid Passport

Travel document requirements for a Canada study permit application

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

Educational only — not legal advice.

Evidence that supports this criterion

Passport Biodata Page

Official Definition

A valid passport or travel document for the applicant and each accompanying family member, with a legible biodata page.

What IRCC Officers Look For

IRCC lists proof of identity as always required: a valid passport or travel document for the applicant and each accompanying family member, plus two recent passport-size photos. Officers need a legible biodata page showing your full name, nationality, passport number, and issue and expiry dates.

Validity matters more for a study permit than for a short visit. A study permit cannot be issued beyond the passport's expiry date, so a passport that expires before your programme ends means a shorter permit. Earlier Canadian visas or permits in the passport are useful supporting context.

Evidence Strength

Strong Evidence

Clear biodata page scan with full name, nationality, passport number, and issue and expiry dates visible
Passport valid well beyond the programme end date
A passport or travel document for each accompanying family member
Earlier Canadian visas or study permits included when you have them

Weak Evidence

Passport that expires before the programme ends, so the permit would be cut short
Cropped, blurry, or partial biodata scans
Damaged or expired passport
Name on the passport that differs from the letter of acceptance or application form without explanation

Common Refusal / Processing Triggers

Common Problems

A passport that expires before the programme ends, which limits how long the permit can run.
Unreadable or cropped biodata page scans uploaded to the application.
Leaving out the passport of an accompanying family member who is on the application.
Names that differ between the passport, the letter of acceptance, and the application form.

Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence

Pro Tips

Check the expiry date against the end date of your programme before you apply, and renew first if it falls short.
Scan the full biodata page in good light; avoid glare and cropping.
Prepare the two passport-size photos IRCC asks for as part of proof of identity.
Include pages showing earlier Canadian visas or permits if you have any.

Relevant Document Types

Typical uploads: passport biodata page, passport pages with earlier Canadian visas or permits, and a passport or travel document for each accompanying family member.

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