Do Hong Kong and Taiwan passport holders need a visitor visa or an eTA to study in Canada at the K–12 level?

Eligible holders of Hong Kong SAR passports, and eligible Taiwan passport holders whose passport includes a personal identification number, may generally travel to Canada by air with an eTA rather than a visitor visa. An eTA is only a travel document; long-term study still requires a study permit. Visa-exempt travel should never be mistaken for an exemption from the study-permit requirement.

What to verify

• Check the student's age and the age of majority in the destination province or territory.
• Confirm whether the student applies from outside Canada or already has valid status in Canada.
• Make sure program length, school documents, accompanying-parent arrangements and custodianship are consistent.
• A study permit, TRV/eTA, PAL/TAL and CAQ (where applicable) address separate requirements and do not replace one another.

Planning advice

Build a document list from the student's actual status and start date. Keep the letter of acceptance, funding, accommodation and custodianship records on one consistent timeline.