Tips for Students Entering Canada for the First Time

The Great White North, Canada is known worldwide for its high quality of education, the Niagara Falls, maple syrup, and their excellent ice hockey teams.

Study in Canada is an affordable option for a majority of international students. The country is not only one of the safest destinations but also has a wealth of cultural diversity that is attracting foreign aspirants from all across the globe.

Every year hundreds of students apply for a Canadian student visa, owing to the top universities in Canada. It is natural to be both nervous and exciting while entering any country for the first time. Students are usually concerned about how everything will go at the airport or during the passport control and customs. But fret not, as in this article, we are going to talk about some important tips to ensure a smooth experience during your first flight in Canada.

Things to keep in mind while entering Canada for the first time

Documents - Check! Check! Check!

International students are required to carry original copies of passport, air-ticket, boarding pass, admission letter (i-20), SEVIS Receipt, all the educational documents including certificates, grade cards, transcripts etc while traveling to Canada. Students are also advised to keep two sets of xerox copies for these documents and to save the original documents on google drive for backup. International students should carry the original passport and boarding pass till they reach the destination.

Ensure to carry sufficient funds

Students must carry a sufficient amount in USD to cover the tuition fees and living expenses for the first semester as the immigration officer might ask them to show proof of the same. International students are advised to bring the bills for various foreign exchange and especially for Bank Cards. Students can show the funds in the form of currency, cheque, bank cards, and banker’s draft. They are advised to keep the receipt of the tuition fees handy as they might be required to show the receipt at the airport. 

Know your information well

International students are expected to know the name, address, contact information, and other related information of the institution at which they have got the admission. They should have already arranged for the accommodation after reaching Canada.  

Be ready for an on-the-spot interview:

International students have to go through a strict scrutiny at all the airports during their first travel. Hence, it is required for them to be ready with all sorts of possible questions and answers. The trick is to be confident and honest.

Double-check the flight timings

All travelers to Canada are required to go through an immigration check before entering the country. The immigration check can be done at either of locations, at the first airport, or in some cases at the destination. This process will take about an hour or more depending on the rush of the travelers. The international students, traveling through the connecting flights are required to pick up their luggage and re-check at the second airport. Hence, it is extremely important that students should calculate all the time in advance so that they can experience a smooth journey.

These were some of the important points that international students should keep in mind while traveling to Canada for the first time. Still, if there are any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us as we are one of the best overseas education consultants in India. We will help you through anything that is confusing you relating to overseas education.

On an ending note, we will advise students to be honest, confident, and well-prepared. Just don’t forget to keep all the necessary documents handy.