Want to Come to Canada?
Just like in other countries, please be sure to know whether you are eligible when entering Canada and that you have all the necessary documents at hand. Additionally, there are three requirements a Canadian student must have:
- Students must be fully vaccinated while travelling unless they are under 18 years of age. In addition, students must complete their ArriveCAN submission.
- Students must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing eligibility for a study permit (unless a study permit is not needed).
- Students must attend a designated learning institution.
Students are encouraged to travel to Canada as soon as possible once the documentation has been given. Travelling in late August or early September can be busy and congested.
Documentation Obligations
Students who have applied for their student visas (potentially a work permit and have not received their letter of introduction) should not travel to Canada until these documents are ready. Before travelling, review all documentation to ensure all information is correct. If necessary, contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to fix any wrong information in the documents. Please ensure to not place any documents in your checked luggage while travelling.
Requirements to Enter Canada
To enter Canada, students must:
- Have a valid passport (or other equivalent travel documents.)
- Have the port of entry letter of introduction (given by the visa office) at hand when their student visa was approved. Students can also bring their valid student permit if it has already been issued.
- Have a valid letter of acceptance from the academic institution.
- Have a valid electronic travel authorization (known as an eTA), a valid visa, a valid green card (or equivalent official proof of U.S. status), or an equivalent (but valid) travel document.
- Have proof of funds that can support the stay in Canada.
- Have no criminal (or immigration-related) convictions (this does not apply if pardon has been granted or deemed rehabilitated).
- Have good health and valid immigration medical exam results, if needed. Students can find out if they need one here.
Students who do not have the required documents may experience delays during their immigration process or be refused entry.
Expectations after Arrival
After arrival, border processing will take longer than usual. Thus, students should ensure there is enough time between a connecting flight for border formalities. In addition, being transferred to an immigration office is not uncommon. Student visas are processed at the immigration office. As some airports have a specific area for international students, be aware of any signage that shows the designated processing area. After receiving the study permit, ensure that all information is correct.
COVID-19 Regulations
Travellers that are fully vaccinated (or are in certain categories) will not need to quarantine after arrival (unless otherwise stated). If quarantine or isolation is ordered by a Canadian governmental official, students must demonstrate that they have a suitable quarantine or isolation plan.
Regardless of their vaccination status, travellers coming to Canada might need to do COVID-19 molecular testing.
Note
This information is taken directly from the Canadian government and has been taken as accurately as possible. However, it is subject to change, and we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Please check their official website and digital channels or contact them to have the most updated information.
