What to Expect When Arriving in Canada on a Work Permit or Study Permit

If you’re arriving in Canada for the first time as an international student or temporary foreign worker, being prepared can make your landing experience smooth and stress-free.

From the documents you must carry to common mistakes to avoid, here’s a detailed guide on what to expect when entering Canada.

Key Topics Covered

• Essential documents to carry when travelling
• What happens during your Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) interview
• Common mistakes to avoid at the border
• How to get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the airport

1. Essential Documents to Carry

Both international students and foreign workers must have the following when arriving in Canada:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Proof of funds to support yourself in Canada
• A visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (if required)
• Your Letter of Introduction (also called a Port of Entry Letter)

Exceptions:

• U.S. citizens, U.S. Green Card holders, and French citizens living in St. Pierre and Miquelon are exempt from visa and eTA requirements.
• U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can apply for a study permit directly at the port of entry.

Depending on your permit type, you may also need additional documents:

Keep all essential documents in your hand luggage, not your checked baggage. It’s also advisable to have your Canadian address, important contact numbers, and a credit card or Canadian cash ready for immediate use.

2. Getting Your Study or Work Permit at the Airport

Once you arrive in Canada, you’ll go through an interview with a CBSA officer at the port of entry.

The officer will:

• Verify your travel documents
• Ask questions about your plans in Canada
• Assess whether you meet the entry requirements

They will also determine whether you have genuine temporary intent, meaning you plan to leave Canada once your authorized stay ends.

If the officer doubts your intent or finds inconsistencies, your entry or permit could be refused.

Be honest and consistent in your answers. Misrepresentation or lying can result in a five-year immigration ban.

If approved, the CBSA officer will print and issue your study or work permit on the spot. Before leaving the counter, double-check all the details (expiry date, employer name, school name, and spelling) to correct any errors immediately.

Tip: If your port of entry isn’t your final destination in Canada, ensure you allow enough time during your layover to complete the permit issuance process.

3. Entering Canada Through a Land Border

The process at a land border is similar. If you arrive by car, you’ll likely be asked to park and enter a CBSA office for your interview.

The officer will review your documents and issue your study or work permit if all requirements are met.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid at the Border

a) Not Declaring Cash Over $10,000

If you carry CAD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in another currency), you must declare it to the CBSA.

This includes:

• Bank drafts
• Cheques
• Traveller’s cheques
• Money orders
• Bearer’s bonds

Failing to declare can result in seizure of your funds, even if they are legally earned.

b) Bringing Excess Prescription Medication

Canada limits how much prescription medication can be brought for personal use — usually a 90-day supply.

To avoid issues:

• Keep medications in original labelled packaging
• Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note
• Be ready to explain your medical need to the CBSA officer

c) Failing to Declare Controlled Substances

Certain medicines are regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (such as opiates or stimulants like Adderall).

You must:

• Declare them to the CBSA
• Carry them in original pharmacy packaging
• Have a valid prescription in your name
• Bring only a 30-day supply or a single course of treatment

Check whether your medication is controlled by referring to the active ingredients, not just the brand name.

d) Not Declaring Prohibited or Restricted Items

When entering Canada, you must declare items such as:

• Food, plants, and animals
• Alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products
• Firearms or weapons

You cannot bring the following:

• Cannabis or cannabis-infused products
• Illegal drugs
• Prohibited firearms or weapons
• Sick animals or endangered species
• Any package with contents you cannot identify

5. Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A SIN is a nine-digit number required for:

• Employment in Canada
• Filing taxes
• Accessing government benefits

International students and workers need a SIN to start working legally.

You can apply for your SIN directly at certain airports through Service Canada centers located at:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
• Vancouver International Airport
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport
• Calgary International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport

If the Service Canada desk is closed when you arrive, you can apply online or visit a Service Canada office after settling in.

Final Thoughts

Arriving in Canada is an exciting milestone, but preparation is key to a smooth entry process.
Keep all your documents handy, be honest with border officers, and understand the conditions of your permit.