If you are an international student who has been admitted to study in Canada, congratulations.
Canada has become a popular study destination for students worldwide and it’s not hard to see why, they have one of the best educational systems in the world which attracts thousands of international students each year.
Whether you’re heading to Canada for a semester exchange or pursuing a full degree program, you need to have all your requirements with you before leaving for Canada.
You don’t want to get to the country only to discover that you left some very important documents behind, they may not be easy to get again.
Also read: What happens if you overstay your visa?
If you are leaving for your studies in Canada soon, this guide will list all the documents required to travel to Canada for international students.
You need to have these documents with you so you won’t have issues at the border or when you are in Canada.
Also read: Can I go back to the same college after dropping out
With them, you will be fully prepared for your time in Canada.
Why do you need this list?
It’s quite obvious that having a list of documents you need to travel to Canada as a student is super important.
It helps you make sure you’ve got everything you need to follow the rules and avoid any problems when you get to Canada.
Also read: Is Australia good for international students?
When you have all the right paperwork, it makes things go smoother and faster when you’re doing clearance for your program.
Also read: If my Schengen visa is rejected, when can I apply again?
Plus, having everything ready shows you’re serious about studying in Canada, which can make it more likely for you to get everything done on time.
Also read: Chances of getting Canada tourist visa after refusal
Not forgetting that it helps you to avoid any last-minute stress.
List of documents required to travel to Canada for international students
To travel to Canada as an international student, you need the following:
-
Your valid passport
Please, do not forget your passport. It is the primary identification document needed for international travel.
Also read: How to study effectively for exams at home
having it is not enough, you need to make sure that it’s valid for the duration of your stay in Canada and has at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date.
-
Your study permit – if you already applied for it
A study permit is a mandatory document for international students studying in Canada for programs lasting longer than six months.
You may not receive this before leaving for Canada (you will receive it when you get to Canada) but you need to apply for it before entering Canada.
Also read: What to do after arriving in Canada as student
You can apply online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your home country.
Documents required for a study permit application may include:
- Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
- Valid passport and passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application forms and processing fees.
- Biometrics (if applicable).
-
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Depending on your nationality, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
If you are from a country that is visa-free to Canada, you will need to get an eTA, which can be applied for online.
Also read: Can I look for a job in the UK with a tourist visa?
If on the other hand, you are from a country that requires a visa to Canada, you need to apply for a TRV through the Canadian consulate or embassy in your home country.
-
Your proof of funds
This document is very important – Immigration authorities in Canada require you to have proof that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada.
This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
Acceptable proof of funds includes bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters from your parents or guardians.
-
Letter of Introduction and Port of Entry (POE) Letter
Once your study permit application is approved, you’ll receive a Letter of Introduction confirming your study permit approval.
You’ll need to present this letter along with your passport and other travel documents at the Canadian port of entry.
Also read: How to convert a Canada visitor visa to a work permit
If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you may also receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter, which outlines the conditions of your study permit and your entry into Canada.
-
Medical Examination certificate (if required)
In addition to proof of funds, you are also required to undergo a medical examination as part of your study permit application process.
This requirement depends on where you are from; your home country and the length of your intended stay in Canada.
Also read: How to retrieve your DS 160 form after submission
If a medical examination is necessary for your situation (you can find out if it’s necessary for your situation by checking the student visa application requirement portal), it must be conducted by a designated panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
-
Additional documents
Depending on your circumstances (if you have a particular situation that requires more documents), you may need to come along with other documents such as a police clearance certificate, or academic transcripts.
-
Language proficiency test results
Depending on the language requirements of your program or institution, you may need to provide language proficiency test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, as part of your application.
To avoid making any mistakes, you can check with your school to know the correct language requirement for your program.
Also read: How to check if a travel agency is licensed
Not all schools (colleges and universities) in Canada require you to present a language test result especially if your previous education was done in English or French language.
Documents required at the airport for international students in Canada
At the airport, you need the following documents
- Letter of Introduction and Port of Entry (POE) Letter.
- Your passport.
- Your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and your
- Proof of Funds
Conclusion
If you are an international student, before you travel to Canada for your studies, you need to check these documents and ensure that you have them with you.
You need:
- Your valid passport
- Study Permit
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Proof of Funds
- Letter of Introduction and Port of Entry (POE) Letter
- Medical Examination (if required) and Language Proficiency Test Results
If you have a special circumstance, do not forget to include any necessary documents required for your circumstance.
Also read: How to extend student visa in the UK
With all the required documents complete, your registration and clearance will be easier and smoother.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your school authorities if you have any questions or concerns.