Travelling to Canada as an international student requires specific documents at the airport. This guide covers exactly what to bring, how to prepare before you leave, and what to expect when you arrive.
Documents required at the airport for international students in Canada
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers will check your documents when you land. Have these ready in your carry-on bag — not packed in checked luggage.
Tip! Save digital copies of every document to your phone and email before you leave home. If anything is lost or damaged during travel, you will still have a backup to show officers.
Do I need to bring extra certificates and academic documents?
It is completely normal and expected to carry a folder of supporting documents as an international student. Officers are not suspicious of students who come prepared. Bring your transcripts, previous diplomas, and any additional documents that were part of your study permit application. Having them organized shows you are serious about your studies.
Note: You must declare cash and monetary instruments worth CAD $10,000 or more when you arrive. This includes traveler's cheques. See the CBSA currency declaration rules for details.
Pre-departure checklist for students travelling to Canada
Use this checklist in the weeks before your flight to make sure everything is in order.
Sort your documents
Gather your passport, Port of Entry letter, LOA, PAL, and financial proof. Make photocopies and save digital backups. Know your study permit expiry date before you travel.
Confirm your housing
Lock in your accommodation before you fly. Whether you are staying on campus or off campus, have your address and the landlord or residence contact saved.
Arrange your banking
Bring some Canadian cash for your first few days. If possible, open a Canadian bank account before you arrive.
Register for courses
Complete online course registration before departure if your school allows it. This saves time once you arrive on campus.
Plan your transportation
Decide how you will get from the airport to your accommodation. Options include taxis, Uber or Lyft, and pre-booked shuttles. Check where rideshare pickups are located at your arrival airport.
Pack for Canadian weather
Check the weather for your destination city and arrival season. Most of Canada has warm summers but cold winters with temperatures well below freezing. A warm coat, boots, hat, and gloves are essential from October to April in most provinces. See our packing guide for more details.
Medication and medical needs
If you are travelling with prescription medication, carry it in its original labelled packaging. Bring a copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor if possible. Review the Government of Canada guidelines on travelling with medication before you pack.
What to expect when you arrive at a Canadian airport
When your flight lands in Canada, you will go through customs and immigration before you can exit the airport. Here is what happens step by step.
Step 1: CBSA declaration
You will complete a CBSA Declaration at a kiosk or eGate in the arrivals hall. You can also complete it up to 72 hours in advance using the ArriveCAN app. Completing it ahead of time can speed up your arrival.
Step 2: Immigration officer interview
A CBSA officer will review your documents and may ask you a few questions. Stay calm and answer clearly. Common questions include:
- What is your full name and home address?
- Which school and program will you attend?
- How long is your program?
- What do you plan to do after graduation?
- Who packed your bags and what is inside?
- How much cash are you carrying?
- Where will you be staying in Canada?
Tip! If you do not understand a question, politely ask the officer to repeat it or request an interpreter. Interpreters are available in many languages at major Canadian airports.
Step 3: Receive your study permit
If everything is in order, the CBSA officer will issue your study permit (officially called a Study Permit) at the port of entry. This is the document that authorizes you to study in Canada. Check that your name, program, and permit end date are correct before you leave the immigration area.
Warning! The Port of Entry Letter of Introduction is not your study permit. You must receive the physical study permit from the CBSA officer at the airport. Do not leave without it.
Major Canadian airports for international students
Most international student flights arrive at one of these airports. Visit the airport website for arrivals maps, baggage claim guides, and ground transportation information.
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (Toronto, ON)
- Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver, BC)
- Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (Montreal, QC)
- Calgary International Airport (Calgary, AB)
- Edmonton International Airport (Edmonton, AB)
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (Ottawa, ON)
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (Winnipeg, MB)
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport (Halifax, NS)
Getting from the airport to your accommodation
You are responsible for arranging your own transport from the airport. Plan this before you leave home so you are not figuring it out after a long flight.
Taxis are available at all major Canadian airports without pre-booking. Follow the signs to the taxi stand in the arrivals area. Fares vary by city and distance. Ask the driver for an estimate before you get in.
Uber and Lyft operate at most major Canadian airports. Download the app before you arrive. Pickup areas are usually separate from taxi stands — check the airport map or app instructions for the correct location.
Major rental companies including Avis, Enterprise, and Budget operate at Canadian airports. You need a valid driver's license from your home country. Book in advance to guarantee availability.
Most taxis and rideshare services accept debit and credit cards. Some taxis also accept Canadian cash. For pre-booked transportation, payment is often handled through the provider's website or app before you arrive.
Prohibited and restricted items at Canadian customs
Canada restricts certain items at the border. Bringing prohibited items can cause delays or fines. Review the official Government of Canada list of restricted and prohibited items before you pack.
Common items that cause problems at customs include certain fresh foods, meat products, plants, and soil. When in doubt, leave it out or declare it. You can always buy it in Canada.
Note: Always declare items when asked on your CBSA Declaration form. Failing to declare items can result in fines or confiscation, even for first-time travellers.
With the right documents and a little preparation, your arrival in Canada will go smoothly. Keep your key documents within easy reach throughout your journey, and reach out to ApplyBoard or your counsellor if you have questions before you travel.
Ready to start your Canadian study journey?
ApplyBoard can help you find the right school, manage your application, and prepare for your move to Canada.