Arrival in Canada
When arriving in Canada
When you arrive in Canada, you will meet with an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Every traveler, including international students, must complete this arrival interview.
During the interview, the officer will:
- Review your passport and travel documents
- Confirm that you have the correct paperwork to enter Canada
- Ask questions about the items you are bringing with you
For more information about required documents, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Receiving your study permit
Students coming to Canada for more than 5 months must apply for a Study Permit before traveling. The actual study permit is issued when you first land in Canada at the airport (your first port of entry). Your Letter of Invitation is not your study permit; you must present it to the officer to receive the actual permit.
When picking up your Study Permit:
- Keep all your documents organized and easy to access
- Follow airport signs to Border Services / Customs / Immigration
- Present your passport, Letter of Invitation, and any supporting documents
- Review your study permit to make sure all information is correct
- Store your permit safely before continuing to your next flight or exiting the airport
Important:
If you applied for a study permit, do not leave the airport at your first point of entry until you have received it.
Short-term students
If you are studying in Canada for less than 6 months, you will need the appropriate visitor documents (such as an eTA or visitor record) instead of a study permit.
Arriving in Thunder Bay
When you reach your final destination, you will be greeted either by your host family or a member of the Homestay Program staff. Look for someone holding a sign with your name on it so you can connect easily.
