Canada guide 路 verified 2026-07-04
Before You Fly to Canada: Pre-Departure Checklist
Before you fly
Once the study-permit approval and POE letter arrive, focus shifts to travel logistics, accommodation, and having the right documents in hand for the border, since the actual study permit is only issued at the Canadian port of entry.
Confirm the POE letter, passport, and eTA/TRV are all in order
MandatoryCheck that the passport is valid well beyond the intended stay, the POE Letter of Introduction matches the passport details exactly, and any linked eTA/TRV is active. Carry printed and digital copies.
Arrange accommodation before arrival
RecommendedSecure at least short-term housing (university residence, homestay, or a booked short-let) before flying, most Canadian cities are experiencing tight rental markets, especially near major campuses, and arriving without a booked address adds stress at an already document-heavy landing.
Do not rely on finding a room after arrival in high-demand cities (Toronto, Vancouver) during peak intake, book ahead.Buy interim travel/health insurance for the coverage gap
MandatoryBecause provincial health coverage (where it exists at all for students) often has a waiting period (e.g., BC's MSP gap of up to 3 months) or must be separately purchased (e.g., Ontario's UHIP-style plans), buy short-term travel medical insurance to cover the student from arrival until the permanent plan activates.
Pack the document folder for the port of entry
RecommendedCarry in hand luggage: passport, POE Letter of Introduction, LOA, proof of funds, PAL/TAL (if applicable), medical exam confirmation, academic originals, and passport photos. The CBSA officer at the port of entry decides the final study permit issuance based on these documents, so nothing critical should be in checked baggage.
You get: A complete, accessible document set for the CBSA interview.Time arrival sensibly
RecommendedArrive a week or more before orientation/classes to allow for jet lag, opening a bank account, SIM setup, and settling into housing, but not so early that a study permit issued 'to attend school' looks premature to the CBSA officer at entry.
Where this fits
This is one step of the full Canada journey: admission, tests, application, visa, money, arrival and stay-back, every figure cited to an official source.
More on Canada
Bramica is independent and takes no commission from any university, recruiter or agency. This page is information, not immigration advice. Rules, fees and thresholds change; confirm the current requirement on the official source before acting on it.