When you arrive in Canada, you will be greeted by an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA is responsible for protecting the borders and points of entry to Canada. Find out more information about the CBSA.
The officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents. Make sure that you have them with you, and that they are not packed in your luggage. This will speed up your entry to Canada.
The officer will confirm that you meet the requirements for admission to Canada. This should only take a few minutes.
You will not be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information, or if you do not satisfy the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada. You will also have to satisfy the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay in Canada.
The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. In some cases, the officer may limit this period to cover only the intended purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
If you violate the conditions of your visa, you will be asked to leave Canada. Most people asked to leave Canada have the right to an impartial hearing to review the decision.
When you are getting close to landing at your destination, you will usually be given a small paper Customs Declaration Card by the airline staff. If there are not enough cards on the plane, then you can obtain one when you are in the arrivals hall at the airport. You need to complete this card with clear handwriting, as well as fully and truthfully.
When you exit the plane, you will proceed to Canada Customs and Immigration. The Immigration Officer will ask for your passport (which you will hand to him/her) then ask you why you have come to Canada. Once you inform them that you are a student, you will be asked to show your student visa as well as your acceptance letter.
Answer all questions truthfully and directly. The Customs Officer will stamp your Customs Declaration Card. Keep this card with you! You show it to an officer on the way to the baggage claim area.
Once you are finished with Customs and Immigration, you will proceed to baggage claim, where you will pick up your luggage. When you exit the baggage claim area, you should hand in your Customs Declaration Card to the appropriate officer. Occasionally, you will be subjected to search of all luggage. Just relax and answer all questions directly.
Once you have done this, you are able to start the final leg of your journey to your college / University. Outside the airport are taxis and shuttle buses that will take you to your appropriate destination.
When you arrive in Canada, try to have at least $400-$800 (Canadian or U.S.) in cash. A currency exchange service is usually available at the Toronto airport from 5:00 am to midnight. We also recommend that you carry enough travellers' cheques or bank drafts to cover at least your first month's expenses. Because of extra costs in the first month (such as rental, damage deposits and books) this can amount to $1000 - $2000 CAD for a single student. Do not depend on bank cards etc as your only source of cash. Sometimes banks will put a hold on funds for a few weeks - so it is very important that you can access money for your rent and living expenses right away.
Canada has a very good medical system and ranks among the top medical countries in the world. International student fees include mandatory 12 month health insurance while students are registered at the college.
The insurance policy will not cover any pre-existing medical condition, so please ensure that you resolve any health issues prior to your arrival in Canada. The policy also covers a small amount for emergency dental work only. It is advised that you have any dental work and cleaning done before you arrive in Canada.