With increasing scrutiny at Canadian airports, temporary residents, especially international students and visitors, are often subjected to extensive questioning upon arrival. Even with a valid visa, entry into Canada is ultimately at the discretion of a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. To help you prepare, here is a detailed guide on the necessary documents and requirements for both visitor visa holders and international students.
Requirements for Visitor Visa Holders
If you are visiting Canada to see family or friends, you need to meet several essential criteria:
Valid Travel Document: Ensure your passport is current and valid.
Health: Be in good health and free of any conditions that might pose a public health risk.
Criminal and Immigration Convictions: You must have no prior convictions related to immigration violations or criminal activity.
Ties to Home Country: Demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as employment, residence, financial assets, or family connections.
Intention to Leave: Convince the border officer that you plan to return to your home country at the end of your visit.
Sufficient Funds: Have enough money to support yourself during your stay. The amount varies based on your length of stay and accommodation arrangements.
Invitation Letter: Carry a letter from the person or company inviting you to Canada. A border officer may request to see it.
Traveling with a Minor Child
If you are traveling with a child under 18, additional documents may be required:
Authorization Letter: If the child is traveling with only one parent, you need a letter of authorization from the non-traveling parent, including their contact details and a photocopy of their signed passport or national ID card.
Traveling Alone: If the child is traveling alone, they need a letter of authorization from both parents or legal guardians, including contact details of the adult in Canada who will take care of them.
Custody Documents: If parents are divorced or separated, carry legal custody documents. If a non-custodial parent is traveling with the child, they need an authorization letter from the custodial parent.
Requirements for International Students
International students face varied questioning from CBSA officers. To enter Canada, you must fulfill and be able to prove the following requirements:
Valid Travel Document: Your passport must be valid.
Port of Entry Letter: Have the port of entry letter of introduction from the visa office when your study permit was approved.
Acceptance Letter: Possess a copy of the valid acceptance letter from your educational institution.
Required Documents: Carry any additional documents the visa office instructed you to bring.
Valid Study Visa: Ensure you have a valid study visa, eTA, or a visitor visa.
Sufficient Funds: Have enough money to cover your stay, which varies depending on your length of stay and accommodation plans.
Health: Be in good health.
Criminal and Immigration Convictions: You must have no prior convictions related to immigration violations or criminal activity.
Intention to Leave: Convince the officer that you will leave Canada after your studies by showing ties to your home country, such as a job, home, or family.
Immigration Medical Exam (IME): If required, have a valid IME result, which is valid for 12 months from the date of receipt. If it expires before you travel, you must undergo another medical examination.
Changing Your Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
If you change your DLI after your study visa is approved, you must submit a new application for a study permit with the new letter of acceptance.
Arrival Timing for International Students
While there is no official deadline, international students are advised to arrive in Canada with enough time to find accommodation and settle in before their studies begin. Be prepared to explain to the CBSA officer the time you need for these preparations.
By following these guidelines and ensuring you have all necessary documents, you can facilitate a smoother entry process into Canada. Always remember, the final decision for entry rests with the CBSA officer, so being well-prepared is crucial.
Stay informed and keep exploring your options to continue your journey in Canada with Red Migration.