If you’re arriving in Canada for the first time as an international student or temporary foreign worker, knowing what to expect can make the journey smoother.
From having the right documents to avoiding some common mistakes, CIC News has put together a list of things you need to know to effortlessly navigate that first landing.
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This article will cover
- The documents you need to have when you travel;
- What to expect from your CBSA interview at the border;
- Common mistakes newcomers make when arriving in Canada; and
- How to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the airport.
Have all your essential documents on you
There are some documents both international students and temporary foreign workers need to have on them when arriving in Canada:
- Your passport (or any other valid travel document).
- Proof of funds.
- A Visa or eTA*.
- Your letter of introduction (Port of Entry letter).
*US citizens, green card holders and French citizens who are residents of St Pierre and Miquelon are visa and eta exempt; they must show proof of their citizenship or PR status.
US citizens and US green card holders do not require a letter of introduction, and they can apply for their study permit at the port of entry.
Meanwhile, there are some additional documents that are needed, depending on the type of permit you seek entry with:
| Permit type | Additional documents required |
| Study permit | Copy of Letter of Acceptance |
| Valid immigration medical results (if needed) | |
| Work permit | Proof you meet the requirements of the job (proof of work experience, proof of education) |
| Copy of employer’s positive LMIA (and CAQ if you will be working in Quebec) | |
| Offer of employment number (if you are LMIA-exempt and coming to work for a specific employer) |
Be sure that you have all these documents ready on your person; do not put any essential documents in your checked luggage.
It’s also good practice to keep a record of the address where you will be staying in Canada, important phone numbers (if any), and a major credit card or Canadian dollars for immediate use.
Getting your study or work permit at the airport
After you arrive in Canada, you will be interviewed by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.
This interview takes place at the port of entry. When arriving on an international flight, you’ll be directed to line up to proceed through immigration and customs.
When you get to the front of the line, the CBSA officer will check your documents, ask some questions, and assess whether you meet Canada’s entry requirements.
It is also their job to check that you have genuine temporary resident intent. This means respecting the conditions of your permit and leaving Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
If the officer is not satisfied that you are likely to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay, they may refuse to issue your study or work permit.
When questioned by the officer, you should be entirely truthful. Lying constitutes misrepresentation and can lead to a five-year ban on Canadian immigration.
After you’ve completed the interview, if you are approved, the CBSA officer will issue you your study or work permit. This document gives you temporary resident status to study or work in Canada.
Be sure to double check the permit to correct any errors or ask any questions (for example, regarding the permit’s expiry date, the name of the educational institution, or any other clerical errors).
*Many students come to Canada with the intention to obtain a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after graduation and to pursue permanent residence (PR).
IRCC recognizes the concept of dual intent: that a foreign national seeking admission may hold a genuine temporary resident intent simultaneously with an intent to pursue immigration.
Additional tip: if you are entering Canada through a port that is not your final destination, remember to keep time aside in your domestic layover to get your first permit. You are required to get your permit at the location of your first entry, regardless of where you plan to study or work in Canada.
Arriving in Canada through a land border
International students and temporary foreign workers arriving in Canada through land borders also have the same interview process with a CBSA officer.
If arriving in a personal vehicle, you’ll typically be directed to park and exit your vehicle to proceed into a nearby building for your interview with an immigration officer.
Avoid common mistakes at the Canadian border
Not declaring cash or cash-like instruments above $10,000
If you are carrying 10,000 CAD or more, you must declare it to the CBSA.
This also applies if the equivalent in foreign currency or financial instruments such as
- Bank drafts;
- Cheques;
- Traveller’s cheques;
- Money orders; or
- Bearer’s bonds.
You can legally bring any amount of money into Canada, but if the amount is equivalent to 10,000 CAD or more and you do not declare it to the officer, your funds may be seized.
Bringing too much prescription medication
Canada places limits on how much prescription medication can be imported for personal use.
Generally, travellers may bring a personal quantity of prescription drugs (approximately a 90-day supply) for their own use.
If you are bringing prescription medication
- Keep all medication in its original, labelled packaging;
- Carry a copy of your prescription or a note from your doctor; and
- Be prepared to explain the medical need if asked by a CBSA officer.
Failing to declare controlled substances
Many medications fall under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
If you need to bring such medications, you must declare them to the border services officer, even if you’re not specifically asked about them.
You must also
- Carry a valid prescription in your name prescribed by a valid practitioner;
- Bring the medication packaged in its original pharmacy or hospital packaging; and
- Bring only a personal supply (whatever is lesser – a single course of treatment, or a 30-day supply, based on the usual daily dose).
Commonly prescribed controlled substances include opiates and stimulants.
There are hundreds of controlled substances; check all medications against Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to see whether any of your medications are controlled substances.
Your medication may have a brand name; to check whether it is a controlled substance, you’ll need the name of the substance(s).
For example, Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
Not knowing which items are prohibited or need to be declared
There are some products that must be declared when entering Canada.
These are
- Food, plants, and animals;
- Alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products; and
- Firearms and weapons.
Meanwhile, there are some products that are prohibited. You should not attempt to enter Canada with any of the following:
- cannabis or cannabis-containing products;
- illegal drugs;
- prohibited firearms or other prohibited weapons;
- sick animals;
- endangered species, or parts from endangered species; or
- any package whose contents are uncertain to you.
Getting a social insurance number (SIN)
A SIN is a nine-digit number that is assigned to people in Canada for income tax purposes and to help them receive federal benefits.
International students also need a SIN if they plan to work in Canada or access any benefits.
Select airports have Service Canada centers onsite that allow temporary residents and permanent residents to apply for their SIN directly upon arrival.
Service Canada centers are available at the following airports:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport.
- Montréal Trudeau International Airport.
- Vancouver International Airport.
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
- Calgary International Airport.
- Edmonton International Airport.
Depending on when you arrive at the airport, the Service Canada center may not be open. If you are unable to get your SIN at the airport, you can always apply online after you land, or from a Service Canada center outside the airport.
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