New Students
If you are a newly admitted student and your study program is longer than six months you will need to present the Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the Port of Entry where you first enter. Your study permit will be issued to you then.
Exchange students who intend to study in Canada for less than six months may enter using a valid visa or an eTA.
If you are a degree-seeking program, you should verify that your study permit has been issued with the work authorization remarks: “may work” or “may accept employment.” If it doesn’t, you should let the officer know that you will need these remarks printed on the study permit to be eligible to apply for an SIN and work part-time during your full-time studies. This is especially important if you are a graduate student and will be getting paid by your department. Without a SIN, your stipend may be delayed.
PRE-ARRIVAL
What to Expect Once Your Study Permit Application is Approved?
Book Your Travel to Canada
Before you travel, please read IRCC’s Prepare for your arrival information for international students. Once you have received your necessary documents (visa, Letter of Introduction), consider traveling a few days earlier to avoid the busy travel period in late August, early September, and early January.
How early can I arrive in Canada before my program starts?
There is no set time frame for when you can arrive in Canada. Ideally, you want to plan to enter at least 2-3 weeks before the start of classes to allow you to get settled. When to enter Canada will depend on flight and accommodation availability. If you are a new student starting your first semester, you cannot work on or off campus until your classes begin.
ARRIVAL
When you arrive in Canada, the border services officer (BSO) will ask to see your travel documents to complete your study permit application. Some airports have a special processing area for international students arriving in Canada. Please watch for signage that may be directing you to this designated area.
You should be ready to show the following documents:
- Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction if you are attending a study program that is longer than six months. The POE Letter of Introduction is not your study or work permit. Exchange students intending to study in Canada for less than six months may enter using a valid visa or an eTA.
- Valid passport or travel document
- Valid Visa/eTA as applicable.
- Admission letter (Note: If your Admission Letter is expired at the time you plan to enter, please request the Verification of enrolment Letter from Beartracks)
- Financial documents used in your application and/or have enough money as proof that you will be able to support yourself (and your family in the event you will be entering together)
- Students from designated countries need to have a valid IRCC medical exam. If your original exam will expire at the time of entry, you are advised to complete a new medical exam at least 4 weeks before your travel date.
If you are entering Canada after starting your program, request your Verification of enrolment document from Beartracks. You need this in addition to the admission letter listed above to verify your enrolment at UAlberta upon entry.
Carry all documents including valuable papers, cash, and traveller's cheques with you at all times. Do not put them in your checked luggage.
It may take up to 3 hours to clear Canada Customs and get your study permit.
Please review the information on your issued study permit. Make sure there are no errors in your personal information. Let the CBSA officer know if you find any errors.
POST ARRIVAL
Once you arrive, you will be welcomed with various orientations and arrival programs to help you transition to the University. The ISVS team works diligently to help you achieve your academic and personal goals while in Canada. We provide professional advising services including immigration support and information about health insurance. We also provide plenty of extracurricular programs to ensure that your time at the University is not just academically rewarding but also socially engaging.
Welcome Services
Additional Resources
Check out the following videos on what to expect when arriving in Canada.