What Are the Essential Documents for Visitors & International Students at Canadian Airports?

The monitoring of temporary residents, especially foreign visitors and students, has increased recently when they arrive at Canadian airports. Even with legal visas, some people have been refused entry by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents, who have the final say over who gets to enter and who doesn’t. Affected people could occasionally be offered the choice to seek refugee status or go back to their native country. It is important to know that a visa allows you to travel to Canada, but the border services officer has the final say over entry.

So this means that when travelling to Canada as a visitor or an international student, careful planning is always required, especially concerning the required paperwork. Smooth admission refers to having the appropriate paperwork available at the airport. This is an extensive to-do list to make sure you have everything you need for a smooth arrival in Canada:

1. Valid Passport

• Duration: Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada, ideally for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
• Condition: Your passport should be in good condition, with no damage or missing pages.

2. Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

• Visitor Visa: If your country requires a visa to enter Canada, make sure you have a valid visitor visa.
• eTA: If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which must be approved before you travel.
• Green card: valid green card (or equivalent official proof of U.S. status).

3. Study Permit (for International Students)

• Approval Letter: Have your study permit approval letter (Letter of Introduction) ready to present to the immigration officer.
• DLI Acceptance: Carry your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Proof of Funds: Bring documentation proving you have sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.

4. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel Booking: If staying at a hotel, carry a copy of your booking confirmation.
• Residential Address: If staying with family or friends, have their address and contact information available.

5. Traveling with a minor child

If a visitor is traveling with a young child under the age of 18, they might need to provide additional documentation.

• Letter of authorization: If the child is traveling with just one parent, visitors must present a letter of authorization that includes the address and phone number of the parent who is not traveling, as well as a photocopy of the parent’s signed passport or national identity card.
• Legal custody documents: Legal custody paperwork is required for parents who are separated or divorced. A letter of authorization from the parent who has legal custody of the child is required if a non-custodial parent is taking the child.

6. Travel and Medical Insurance

• Health Insurance: Ensure you have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay. Some provinces require international students to have proof of insurance.
• Medical exam: you possess a valid immigration medical exam (IME) result (if you are from the IME-required country).

7. Financial Proof

• Bank Statements: Carry recent bank statements demonstrating your financial capability to support yourself.
• Sponsor Letter: If you have a financial sponsor, bring a letter from them along with their financial documents.

8. Return or Onward Ticket

• Flight Details: Have a copy of your return or onward travel ticket to show proof of your intention to leave Canada after your visit or study period.

9. Supporting Documents

• Invitation Letter: If visiting friends or family, carry an invitation letter from your host.
• Travel Itinerary: Keep a copy of your travel itinerary, including flight details and any internal travel plans.
• Contact Information: Have a list of important contacts in Canada, including your host, DLI representatives, or emergency contacts.
• No criminal record: You should possess no convictions related to immigration or criminal activity.

10. Tips for a Smooth Entry

• Organize Documents: Keep all your documents organized in a folder or document holder for easy access.
• Double-Check Requirements: Verify all entry requirements on the official Government of Canada website or through your airline before traveling.
• Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time at the airport to go through all required checks.

By ensuring you have all these documents ready and organized, you can help ensure a smooth entry into Canada, whether you are visiting or starting your journey as an international student. Safe travels!