Preparing to travel to Canada as an international student is an important step in your academic journey. Before travelling, make sure you understand the documents and requirements needed to enter Canada and begin your studies at VCC.
All international students entering Canada must meet the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Please note that having a Study Permit approval and Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) does not guarantee entry into Canada. Final decisions regarding entry are made by CBSA officers at the port of entry.
Before travelling to Canada, ensure you have all necessary documents ready to present to the CBSA officer upon arrival at your port of entry.
Before boarding your flight to Canada, ensure you:
We strongly recommend keeping both printed and digital copies of your important documents.
Always carry your passport, immigration documents, financial documents, and school documents in your carry-on luggage. Do not place important documents in checked baggage.
When travelling to Canada, you should carry the following documents in your carry-on luggage:
A passport is an official document containing a given person's identity and nationality issued by the country of citizenship, which allows a foreign national to travel internationally. Most passports have a validity period. Your passport should be valid for the full duration of your studies whenever possible.
Study Permits, Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), and Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) are generally issued only until the expiry date of your passport. If your passport expires early, your immigration documents may also expire earlier than expected.
To ensure your stay in Canada is uninterrupted, it is advisable to maintain a passport that is valid throughout your period of stay. If you need to renew your passport during your stay in Canada, contact your country's Embassy or Consulate in Canada at least six months before it expires. Please visit the Global Affairs Canada website for a list of foreign representatives in Canada.
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may require:
Students are responsible for ensuring these documents remain valid before travelling.
Most visa-exempt travellers must obtain an eTA before travelling to Canada. However, citizens of the United States for example are exempt from a visa or eTA requirements and should travel with a valid US passport or an equivalent acceptable travel document.
Depending on your situation, you may need one or more of the following:
If you are entering Canada for the first time as an international student, your Study Permit will usually be issued by a CBSA officer at your port of entry.
Review Your Study Permit Carefully: Before leaving the immigration area, review your Study Permit carefully. Make sure the following information is correct: your name, date of birth, institution name (it should indicate Vancouver Community College), study permit expiry date, and any work authorization conditions. If you notice an error, inform the CBSA officer immediately before leaving the airport or border area. Correcting mistakes later can be difficult and time-consuming.
Carry copies of your:
You received your VCC LOA upon acceptance to study at VCC. You may request a VCC COE Letter only after you begin your program at VCC. Please note that a VCC COE Letter is not issued for new students who have not started their program yet.
It is also recommended to have your tuition payment receipts and class schedule, if available. CBSA officers may ask questions about your program of study, progression in your program (if applicable), and educational plans in Canada.
You should carry documents showing you can financially support yourself and any family members (if applicable) while studying in Canada, similar to the proof of financial support required for your Study Permit application.
You must prove that you have enough money, without working in Canada, to pay for all the following:
Students should carry:
CBSA officers may ask where you will stay after arriving in Canada.
In addition to immigration documents, students should consider bringing:
If your spouse, partner, or children will accompany you to Canada, ensure they carry all required immigration documents. Depending on their situation, accompanying family members may require: passports, TRVs or eTAs, work permits, study permits, or visitor records. Students should also carry supporting relationship documents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, custody documents, and certified English translations if applicable. Students travelling with children should also bring school and vaccination records if applicable.
When you arrive in Canada, you will meet a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. The officer will:
Immigration Processing: The CBSA officer may direct you to the international student processing area to create and print your Study Permit.
Please note that entry to Canada is at the discretion of a CBSA officer. The CBSA officer will review your supporting documents and determine whether you may enter Canada and be issued a Study Permit. They must be satisfied that you meet the requirements to enter Canada, and that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
We recommend students familiarize themselves with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) crossing the border guidelines. The Government of Canada offers detailed information on customs procedures and what to expect when entering Canada, whether by air or land.
Most international students arrive in Canada by air. Students should allow extra time at the airport for immigration processing. If arriving at an international airport, follow signs for:
International students must use Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK) or eGates when arriving at Canadian airports.
If entering Canada through a land border crossing, ensure you carry all required immigration and supporting documents. Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK) are generally not available at land border crossings. You should answer the CBSA officer's questions and let them know if you need a Study Permit.
If this is the first time you enter Canada as an international student to study at VCC, you should:
Students are encouraged to keep copies of all immigration documents throughout their studies. If you have questions regarding entering Canada as an international student, please contact VCC International Education.
Students may also find the following resources helpful:
The content on this page reflects the information available at the time of its publication. It is important to acknowledge that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other government departments regularly revise their policies. For the latest information, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Latest Updated: May 25, 2026
