Immigration Papers Loss or Errors

IMPORTANT
This website has no legal value; it is simply a summary of the procedures in effect, compiled to the best of our knowledge on the date it was prepared. This information is subject to change without notice. The laws and regulations of Québec and Canada, as well as the information found on the MIFI and IRCC websites take precedence over this website.
_{Updated: 2025-09-23}

If you note an error of any kind — your name, university level, program, sex, date of birth and so on — in your immigration documents, you must have them corrected as soon as possible. Similarly, should you lose your documents, you must hasten to obtain another copy.

passport

In case of loss of your passport, refer without delay to your nearest diplomatic representation to find out the procedures for replacement. Processing times may vary greatly depending on the country.

If you had a temporary resident visa (TRV) in your passport for your entry to Canada, you should request another one to IRCC, once you receive your new passport. Follow the instructions on the IRCC website to present an online application for a TRV from inside Canada.

If you need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to board a plane to come to Canada, you will need to request a new one, as the eTA is linked to a particular passport. Once you receive your new passport, follow the application process on the IRCC website.

study permit

Error on the study permit

It is possible to request the correction of a study permit when the mistake occurred during the processing of your document (ex: at the visa office or the border upon entry). If you are responsible for the error, do not follow the instructions below. You will rather need to fill out an application to extend or change the conditions of your stay as a student.

You must fill out and send a “Request to Amend Valid Temporary Resident Documents or Information Contained in the Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Protected Person Document (IMM 1436)”.

You will need to carefully follow the instructions in the application and include all requested documents. You must also insure to:

Provide a copy of your admission letter to Polytechnique and a confirmation of registration (attestation d’inscription) that you will obtain through the Registrar’s Office (and not through your online student file).
Provide a photocopy of your study permit.
Mention on the form what mistake should be fixed and if needed, provide related supporting documents.
Provide a complete mailing address, including your street and apartment number and the postal code.
Send the application through registered mail to be able to track your application. Go to a Canada Post counter for help.

ATTENTION! Processing of the application can take from one to two months. If requested, If requested, provide proof of the correction request to the Registrar (form IMM1436 and proof of mailing).

Loss of study permit

To replace a lost study permit, you must fill out and send by mail an Application for a Verification of Status (VOS) or Replacement of an Immigration Document.

Do not forget:

Provide a complete mailing address for the return of your study permit, including your street and apartment number and the postal code. The address must have a mailbox where one can safely receive official documents.
Send the application through registered mail to be able to track your application. Go to a Canada Post counter for help.
To pay the 30$-fees for the replacement of the document.

If you had to request a replacement for your renewed study permit because you never received it in the mail, contact Polytechnique's Registrar's Office. Provide them with the approval letter for your study permit application in your IRCC secure account, the copy of the $30 payment receipt, and the tracking receipt for your registered mail shipment. Once you've received the replacement copy of your study permit, send it to them.

ATTENTION! Processing of the application can take from one to two months. You must ensure that you will not have to leave Canada during this period, as you will not have your study permit, which is mandatory to have when coming back to Canada.

CAQ for studies

If there is an error in your name, academic cycle, program, gender, date of birth, etc. on your CAQ, call the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) at (+1) 514-864-9191 to find out what steps to take.

International Students