- Published on March 19, 2026
- Bishnu K.
Leaving friends and family behind to study abroad can feel overwhelming. Careful planning will help you travel smoothly and settle comfortably into your new Canadian home. Here’s a handy checklist and useful tips to get you ready before you board your flight to Canada.
Student Pre-Departure Checklist
Arrange Banking: Consider carrying some Canadian cash or traveler’s cheques for immediate expenses upon arrival. If possible, open a Canadian bank account before you arrive through trusted partners like ApplyBoard’s banking connections.
Secure Accommodation: Confirm your housing arrangements early — whether on-campus or off-campus. For detailed guidance, see our Living in Canada guide on ApplyBoard Assist.
Register for Courses: Complete course registration online before arrival, if available.
Pack Smart: Check airline luggage restrictions. Pack clothes according to the weather of your destination city. For most of Canada, summers are warm (shorts/t-shirts), while fall, winter, and spring require warm coats, boots, hats, and mittens.
Buy Plane Tickets: Purchase your flights to Canada well in advance.
Arrange Ground Transportation: Plan transportation from the airport to your accommodation.
Prepare Important Documents: Save digital copies of your passport, study permit, visa (if applicable), insurance papers, and housing contracts. Know your study permit expiry date and keep documents secure during your travels.
Medication and Medical Needs: If you’re traveling with medication, ensure you have proper documentation and prescriptions. Review guidelines on traveling with medicines to Canada.
Emergency Contacts List: Prepare a list including contacts in Canada and back home.
What to Bring
Carry-on Essentials: The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) recommends carrying important documents and valuables in your carry-on luggage. Check prohibited items before packing (e.g., certain foods, plants, pets, or meat products are not allowed).
Customs and Prohibited Items: Review the official Government of Canada list of restricted items to avoid delays upon arrival.
Arrival in Canada: What to Expect at the Airport
Complete CBSA Declaration Card: Upon arrival, complete your CBSA Declaration at an airport kiosk or eGate. Alternatively, you can complete the declaration 72 hours in advance prior to arriving in Canada on the ArriveCAN app.
Immigration and Customs: Prepare to show these documents to the Immigration Officer:
Valid passport or travel document
Port of entry letter of introduction (from your visa approval)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), visitor visa, or other valid travel documents
Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your educational institution
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if required
Proof of financial support (e.g., GIC documents)
Letter of Introduction (LOI) from CIC (if applicable)
Additional documents listed by the visa office, such as letters of reference or official
Common Questions Asked by Immigration Officers
Be ready to answer simple questions such as:
What is your full name?
Where are you from, and what is your home address?
What school and program will you attend?
How long is your program?
What are your plans after graduation?
Who packed your bags? What is inside?
How much cash are you carrying?
Do you have family or friends in Canada? Where will you stay?
Is someone picking you up from the airport?
Do you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
If you don’t understand a question, politely request an interpreter—they are usually available in multiple languages.
>Navigating Canadian Airports
Familiarize yourself with your landing airport by visiting its official website. The most frequented airports are:
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)
Kelowna International Airport (Kelowna, BC)
Victoria International Airport (Victoria, BC)
Airport Pick-Up and Transportation Options
You are responsible for arranging transportation from the airport to your accommodation and for daily travel to campus. Options include:
Taxi: Available without pre-booking at most airports; just follow signs to the taxi stands.
Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft): Widely available but check pickup rules at your arrival airport.
Rental Cars: Rent a vehicle if you have a valid driver’s license. Companies like Avis, Enterprise, and Budget operate at major airports. Book ahead to ensure availability.
Payment: You can pay for their transportation at the end of the ride using a debit or credit card that works in Canada, or in cash with Canadian currency. If the transportation was pre-booked, you can often also pay through the transportation provider’s website or through their smartphone app.
Final Tips
Arrive well-rested and carry all your essential travel documents with you.
Stay calm and answer questions clearly and politely at customs.
Keep emergency contact info and university support contacts handy.
Research local weather and customs regulations before packing.
Use resources like ApplyBoard Assist for guidance throughout your arrival journey.
Starting your Canadian education smoothly begins with careful preparation. Follow this guide to help make your arrival stress-free and begin your exciting new chapter on the right foot!