Pre-Arrival Checklist: Once your Canadian student visa is approved, the next crucial step is preparing for your departure. For many international students, the period between visa approval and boarding the plane can be filled with questions and uncertainty. At SVAbroad Connect, we’ve worked with hundreds of students preparing for school abroad, and we understand how important it is to be thoroughly prepared before leaving home.
This article provides a comprehensive pre-arrival checklist tailored to international students relocating to Canada. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a returning student, this guide ensures you arrive confident, organized, and ready to begin your academic journey.
Why Pre-Arrival Preparation Matters
For international students, studying abroad is not just about academics. It’s about adapting to a new culture, managing logistics, and fulfilling immigration requirements. Arriving in Canada unprepared can lead to unnecessary delays at immigration, added expenses, or even difficulty settling into your new environment.
With a strategic checklist in hand, you can focus on starting strong and making the most of your time as a student in Canada.
Essential Documents: What You Must Carry in Your Hand Luggage
All international students entering Canada must present key documents at immigration. These documents should be kept in your carry-on luggage to ensure easy access during your journey and upon arrival.
1. Passport
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your intended stay. Ideally, it should have a minimum of six months of validity from your planned date of entry.
2. Canadian Study Permit and Port of Entry Letter (PAL/TAL)
Carry a printed copy of your study permit approval letter—commonly known as the Port of Entry (POE) Letter or Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable). You will be required to present this to immigration officers upon arrival.
3. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Issued by your Canadian institution, your Letter of Acceptance confirms your enrollment. Ensure the document includes your institution’s full address and contact information.
4. Personal Identification
Additional identification such as a national ID card, birth certificate, or driver’s license may be useful, especially when setting up services like a bank account or health insurance in Canada.
5. Proof of Financial Support
Bring evidence that you can financially support yourself while studying. This may include bank statements, a sponsor letter, scholarship documentation, or proof of a student loan.
6. Accommodation Confirmation
Have written proof of where you will be staying, whether it’s campus housing, a rented apartment, or a host family. Include the full address and contact number.
What to Pack: Items Every International Student Should Consider
FIND THE BEST SCHOOL IN CANADA HERE
Your journey to study abroad isn’t complete without a carefully packed suitcase. Here are the essentials that go beyond the typical travel checklist.
Local Currency
While most purchases in Canada can be made via debit or credit card, it’s advisable to carry CAD $200–$300 in cash for initial expenses such as transportation, food, or unforeseen situations upon arrival.
Prescription Medications
If you rely on prescribed medication, ensure you carry enough supply for at least the first few months. Keep the medications in their original packaging and bring a doctor’s prescription or note for customs clearance.
Electronic Devices and Chargers
Your laptop, mobile phone, and charging accessories are crucial not just for academic work but also for communication, navigation, and accessing school resources.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Canada’s weather varies significantly by province and season. If you’re arriving in the fall or winter, pack a heavy-duty coat, thermal wear, and waterproof boots. Summer arrivals can opt for lighter clothing, but it’s advisable to prepare for sudden weather shifts.
Adapters and Voltage Converters
Canada uses 120V power and Type A/B electrical outlets. If you’re coming from a country with different standards, bring suitable plug adapters and voltage converters for your electronics.
Additional Pre-Arrival Considerations
While the essentials above cover what to pack and carry, a few additional preparations can significantly ease your transition.
Mobile Connectivity
Research Canadian mobile carriers in advance. Many students purchase SIM cards at the airport, but pre-ordering online may offer better deals and convenience.
Travel and Health Insurance
Not all provinces in Canada automatically cover international students under their public health insurance plans. Check with your institution or consult with SVAbroad Connect to ensure you have valid coverage from day one.
Digital Copies of Documents
Scan and store all your important documents in secure cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) as a backup. Losing physical documents can be problematic, especially in your early days abroad.
A Partner in Your Journey
Studying abroad is a transformative experience, but it requires strategic planning and proper support. At SVAbroad Connect, we specialize in helping students around the world transition into life in Canada. From application guidance and visa support to pre-departure training, we are committed to ensuring that every student we work with is prepared and confident in their new academic journey.
Final Thoughts
Your journey to becoming an international student in Canada begins well before your first class. Preparation is a form of empowerment—it gives you control, clarity, and confidence. At SVAbroad Connect, the right preparation opens doors, minimizes risk, and enhances your overall study abroad experience.
If you’re still in the process of applying to study abroad or haven’t selected your institution yet, now is the perfect time to get started. Let SVAbroad Connect guide you through the application, admission, and visa process—so that when the time comes, you’re ready to thrive, not just survive, in your new academic environment.
Start your journey today with SVAbroad Connect—your trusted partner for all things study abroad.
