Prepare for your Arrival to Canada
THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION page is designed to assist you in preparing for your move to Canada.
It gathers essential pre-arrival information for newcomers, covering the obligations you need to fulfill upon landing in Canada, best practices for transferring your assets, and helpful tips to ease your transition. This page also includes details on accessing taxi services, bringing food items, packing weather-appropriate clothing, finding accommodation, and much more.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- What do I need to know before travelling to Canada as a new permanent resident?
- What do I need before travelling to Canada for the first time as a work permit holder?
- What do I need before travelling to Canada for the first time, as a study permit holder?
- Do I need to be fully vaccinated before travelling to Canada?
- How can I bring important belongings with me to Canada, as a newcomer?
- What is a CBSA declaration?
- What happens if I fail to make a CBSA declaration?
- What assets can I bring with me to Canada when I first arrive?
- What food items can I bring with me to Canada?
- How can I send money to Canada before I make my first landing?
- What kind of clothing should I pack when coming to Canada?
- Are there local taxi services at major Canadian airports?
- How can I get a phone/internet plan once in Canada?
- How can I secure a place to stay in Canada before arriving?
- Can I start applying for jobs before arriving to Canada?
- Can I use my international driver’s licence while in Canada?
- Are government supports available to newcomers in Canada?
- Contact The Millennium Immigration for Assistance
Overview
All travelers to Canada must present specific documents at the border to gain entry. This includes a travel document (such as a passport) and either a visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to confirm your status in Canada. Below, you’ll find information about your obligations as a new permanent resident, worker, or student arriving in Canada, as well as guidance on declaring your belongings, sending money before your arrival, and more.
What do I need to know before travelling to Canada as a new permanent resident?
When do I need to travel to Canada?
All successful applicants approved for Canadian permanent residence will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document, which validates their status as a new Canadian Permanent Resident (PR). Those with a COPR must travel to Canada to legally finalize the PR process before their COPR expires.
If an applicant is already in Canada, they will receive an e-COPR through an online portal, which can be printed and used to confirm their permanent residence approval, similar to a physical COPR.
A COPR is typically valid for one year, but its validity is linked to the applicant’s medical exam, visa sticker, and passport submitted in their PR application. In most cases, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cannot extend a COPR. Therefore, if you do not travel to Canada within the validity period (i.e., if your COPR expires before your travel), you will need to reapply for PR.
For applicants from countries that require a visa to enter Canada, a permanent residence visa will be issued along with the COPR. If you come from a country that requires an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you must obtain one before traveling to Canada.
If you are already in Canada, you must confirm your new PR status online via the designated portal. IRCC will reach out to you through the email or phone number provided in your application. Additionally, you must inform the government if you leave Canada before your PR status is granted.
What documents do I need to travel to Canada?
New PRs traveling to Canada will need the following documents:
A valid passport
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document
A permanent residence visa, depending on your country of origin (individuals from visa-exempt countries with a COPR do not require an eTA). A complete list of countries that need either a visa or an eTA can be found here.
Proof of funds that correspond to your family size and number of dependents, demonstrating your ability to support your family after arriving in Canada.
What do I need before travelling to Canada for the first time as a work permit holder?
For those entering Canada on a work permit, several considerations should be taken into account to ensure a smooth travel experience and arrival.
Newcomers on a work permit must carry the following documents:
A valid passport
A visitor visa (if required) or an eTA
Any relevant travel documents
Proof of meeting job requirements (such as work experience or educational credentials)
A copy of your employer’s positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable. If the work permit is for Quebec and an LMIA is needed, a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) will be required instead.
If exempt from LMIA but coming to work for a specific employer, you will need the offer of employment number provided after your employer submits information through the Employer Portal.
Additionally, work permit holders may need to demonstrate that their work permit has been approved. One way to do this is by presenting a Letter of Introduction (LOI), also known as a Port of Entry Letter, to the border services agent upon arrival.
An LOI is an approval letter issued by IRCC to applicants who have received a work permit. While it is not a work permit itself, it serves as proof that your permit has been approved and includes information such as:
The type of work you will be doing
Your employer’s name
Your designated work location
The duration of your work permit
LOIs are typically provided when applicants have applied online or have given IRCC an email address for communication.
Moreover, newcomers must also convince the border services officer of the following:
They meet Canada’s entry requirements
They will leave Canada at the end of their approved stay
They have valid immigration medical exam results (if required); if these results expire before arriving in Canada, a new medical exam will need to be completed prior to travel.
Please note that the border services officer has the final authority to determine whether to issue a work permit and allow entry into Canada.
What do I need before travelling to Canada for the first time, as a study permit holder?
Individuals entering Canada to study must meet the following requirements:
Have a valid travel document (such as a passport)
Present the Letter of Introduction (LOI) issued by the visa office, which includes the permit reference number for processing your permit
Provide a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from your school
Include any letters of reference or other documents requested by the visa office
Have a valid visitor visa (temporary resident visa), eTA, green card (or equivalent proof of U.S. status), or any other valid travel document for entry into Canada
Ensure they have sufficient funds for their stay (the required amount will vary based on travel and accommodation specifics)
Be in good health
Have no criminal record or immigration-related convictions
Demonstrate to an immigration officer that they have significant ties to their home country (such as friends, family, and assets) and that they will leave Canada upon completing their studies
Present valid immigration medical exam results (if required); if these results expire before arriving in Canada, a new medical exam will need to be conducted before travel. This applies even if the Letter of Introduction is still valid.
International students should also be mindful of Canada’s inadmissibility criteria, as these can affect their application and arrival in Canada.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated before travelling to Canada?
While proof of vaccination was required during the pandemic, it is no longer necessary for travelers entering Canada by air, land, or marine routes. This policy change also applies to travel within Canada and eliminates the need for pre-boarding tests and post-arrival quarantines. Additionally, masks are no longer mandated by the Canadian government upon arrival, though individual airlines or travel providers may still have their own regulations. It is strongly recommended that travelers continue to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator.
Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are advised against traveling to Canada.
How can I bring important belongings with me to Canada, as a newcomer?
Newcomers can bring their belongings to Canada, with the option to carry additional items on future trips. However, it’s important to complete a CBSA declaration to legally declare any large assets and to be aware of border regulations regarding food and edible goods. Read on to learn more about CBSA declarations and what you can bring with you to Canada.
What is a CBSA declaration?
The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the government body responsible for monitoring and protecting Canada’s borders, ensuring the legitimate travel of goods and people.
CBSA declarations are the legal forms that newcomers use to properly declare the assets they wish to bring into Canada. These declarations are advantageous for newcomers, allowing them to bring larger assets into the country without incurring taxes.
Often, newcomers may not be able to bring all their valuable belongings during their initial arrival in Canada. In such cases, new permanent residents are required to submit a “Goods to Follow” list to declare any assets they plan to bring later. This list is presented to the CBSA at the airport, and in return, newcomers receive a receipt that must be shown again at the port of entry when they bring those assets into Canada.
CBSA declarations can also be completed through the ArriveCAN app, available at major participating airports, and can be submitted up to 72 hours prior to arrival in Canada.
What happens if I fail to make a CBSA declaration?
If an individual entering Canada fails to declare or provides false information about goods, the CBSA has the authority to seize those items. This could result in permanent confiscation or a fine to have the goods returned, with penalties ranging from 25% to 80% of the value of the seized items.
Furthermore, the Customs Act empowers border service officials to seize vehicles used for the unlawful importation of goods, with penalties applied before the vehicle can be returned.
If tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are not declared, the CBSA can permanently seize these items as well.
Travelers should also be aware that the CBSA maintains a record of infractions. Having a record can lead to more thorough customs searches in the future and may affect eligibility for programs like NEXUS and CANPASS.
What assets can I bring with me to Canada when I first arrive?
There is no limit on the amount of cash that one can bring when landing in Canada. However, any amount exceeding $10,000 CAD must be declared to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).
New permanent residents can also bring high-value items, such as jewelry, without incurring taxes. If these items exceed $10,000 CAD in value, they must be declared on a list submitted to the CBSA upon entering Canada. This requirement also applies to items brought in after the initial landing.
It’s important to note that former residents—including those on temporary study or work permits—must declare assets valued over $10,000 CAD and may be subject to applicable duties and taxes.
If individuals wish to declare additional items they plan to bring into Canada at a later date, they can use a “Goods to Follow” list. This allows them to declare assets for future entry, maintaining tax exemption. The CBSA will provide a receipt that must be presented whenever those previously declared assets cross the border into Canada.
What food items can I bring with me to Canada?
Due to specific agreements, Canada has two different sets of regulations regarding the foods that can be brought into the country: one for items arriving from the U.S. and another for foods coming from all other countries.
For the U.S., the following items are permitted, along with their respective stipulations:
[Details of allowed items should be listed here.]
For foods arriving from countries other than the U.S., the complete list of regulations can be found here.
Newcomers can also utilize the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) if their items are not listed in the table. AIRS is a helpful tool for determining whether any permits are required for specific food items being brought into Canada. If a permit is necessary but not issued, the item will not be allowed to enter the country.
How can I send money to Canada before I make my first landing?
Newcomers need to declare cash amounts of $10,000 CAD or more upon entering Canada. While this isn’t necessarily a drawback for those settling in the country (since there is no tax on cash amounts), carrying such a large sum can be anxiety-inducing for many.
If you prefer not to travel with significant amounts of cash, there are several options to send money to Canada before your arrival:
1. Bank Programs: Some Canadian banks offer specific programs for newcomers, allowing them to open accounts online from abroad. These accounts may be investment (non-transactional) accounts and can help demonstrate proof of funds when applying for immigration.
2. Trusted Contacts: If you have trusted friends or family already in Canada, you can send money in advance through international money transfer services. You can then access these funds upon your arrival.
3. Soft Landing: Permanent residents can make a “soft landing,” where they enter Canada to activate their permanent residence status without fully settling at that time. During this visit, they can open a bank account, making it easier to transfer funds from a foreign bank account to their new Canadian account later on.
What kind of clothing should I pack when coming to Canada?
While Canada is often associated with cold weather and snow, temperatures and climates can vary significantly depending on the season and location within the country.
Winter in Canada typically lasts from late November to late March, depending on seasonal variations. For newcomers arriving during this time, it’s advisable to pack warm clothing, including:
Beanies/Touques
Overcoat/Parka: A large coat that can be layered underneath
Sweaters/Jackets: Wool is a popular choice for its natural temperature regulation and resistance to odor
Pants: Thick trousers or jeans that can be layered if desired
Leggings or Long Johns: For added warmth
Thick Socks: Wool is also a great option here
Winter Boots: Waterproof or snowproof footwear—many opt to buy these once in Canada for better fitting and variety.
On the other hand, Canada experiences warmer months as well. During summer, many provinces see daily temperatures ranging from 16 to 29 °C (about 60 to 82 °F), often accompanied by moderate to strong winds. In peak months like June and July, temperatures can soar to 30-35 °C (86-95 °F). It’s wise to pack:
Lighter Jackets/Sweaters
Hats/Sunglasses: The sun can be quite intense
Sunscreen: Essential for extended outdoor time
Thinner Socks
The intervening seasons of spring and fall (approximately March-May and September-November) can present a mix of both summer and winter weather. For example, fall temperatures may drop to single digits with increasing winds, while spring can bring heavy rainfall and occasional light snow. For travel during these times, newcomers should prepare for a variety of weather conditions and may want to check weather forecasts the week of their arrival to better tailor their clothing choices.
Are there local taxi services at major Canadian airports?
All major airports in Canada offer local taxi services. For instance, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) provides a dedicated taxi service page, which can be accessed here. Similar resources are available for other major airports, such as Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), where newcomers can find taxi information to help plan their journey.
In addition to taxis, there are various other transportation options available from the airport, including buses, shuttle trains to select destinations, and hotel-run shuttle services.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also widely used in Canada. Newcomers can easily download these apps upon arrival, and they can utilize the free Wi-Fi available at the airports to do so.
How can I get a phone/internet plan once in Canada?
Newcomers may want to explore phone and internet plans that are well-suited for making international calls. It’s important to consider options that include features like international calling and texting, large data allowances, unlimited internet, and high-speed download and upload capabilities with larger bandwidth.
Many newcomers arriving at major Canadian airports can set up a new phone plan right away. Canadian telecommunications providers offer a variety of plans that include in-Canada calling and texting, unlimited data, and international calling. Customers have the choice of acquiring a new phone (which can be financed through monthly bill payments) or opting for a new SIM card for their existing device under “bring your own device” (BYOD) plans. BYOD plans are typically more economical since they don’t include the additional cost of financing a new phone.
New customers can choose between pre-paid and post-paid plans. Pre-paid plans are paid in advance and billed according to usage, while post-paid plans involve a monthly payment on a contractual basis. It’s worth noting that some post-paid plans may require a credit check with Canadian credit agencies.
Setting up home internet usually occurs after securing long-term accommodation. This process is straightforward, allowing customers to select their preferred plan with a provider. They can then contact the provider—either by phone or online—to schedule an appointment for a technician to install the internet connection and deliver a Wi-Fi router. Many condominium buildings also have preferred internet providers, which can facilitate a quicker and easier setup process.
How can I secure a place to stay in Canada before arriving?
Accommodation is a primary concern for most newcomers traveling to Canada for the first time. Many choose to stay with friends or family upon arrival.
However, for those without local connections, there are various options available, including:
Hotels, Motels, and Guest Accommodations
Airbnb or Similar Short-Term Rental Platforms
Hostels or Shared Accommodations
Once in Canada, newcomers have the opportunity to rent or purchase a home. It’s important to note that most landlords and real estate sellers will require a range of personal information, which can pose unique challenges for newcomers. Commonly requested documents may include prior landlord references, credit scores, employment verification, pay stubs, and bank statements.
For more information on finding your first long- or short-term rental or buying your first home as a newcomer to Canada.
Can I start applying for jobs before arriving to Canada?
Newcomers to Canada can start applying for jobs even before their official landing or the issuance of their permanent or temporary resident visa.
Much of this job search will take place online, utilizing networking platforms and video interviews. It’s highly recommended that newcomers update their LinkedIn profiles during this time, as many Canadian companies use the platform to assess applicants. LinkedIn is also valuable for online networking and attending seminars, which can be especially beneficial for those arriving soon.
Employers often inquire on application forms whether candidates will require sponsorship to work legally in Canada. New permanent residents should note that they do not need sponsorship, as they are entitled to work in Canada upon officially landing.
For more tips on preparing for the Canadian job market as a newcomer
Can I use my international driver's licence while in Canada?
An international driver’s license can be extremely useful for newcomers arriving in Canada. Depending on provincial regulations, a foreign or international driver’s license may allow individuals to drive legally in Canada and even rent a car.
For example, in Ontario, newcomers can use an international driver’s license for up to three months, after which they must obtain an Ontario International Driving Permit.
In Quebec, an international driving permit is required, and it must be issued in the same country as the individual’s original driver’s license. This permit is valid for as long as the international license is.
Newcomers are encouraged to research the specific rules and regulations related to driving in their province of destination to ensure they are adequately prepared. For more information on driving requirements in Canada and how to obtain your first license
Are government supports available to newcomers in Canada?
The Canadian government offers a comprehensive array of settlement services available at municipal, provincial, and federal levels. These services are designed for permanent residents, protected persons, and certain temporary residents. They include general offerings such as language training and community engagement activities, as well as targeted assistance to help recent immigrants adjust to their new lives. This support may encompass employment help, childcare services, job-specific language training, and citizenship test preparation, among many others.
IRCC has centralized these services into a single tool, accessible here. Additionally, the government operates websites like Compass to Connect, aimed at helping newcomers find relevant services in their local areas. New immigrants can also explore the websites of their provincial and municipal governments to discover more about nearby settlement services.
Furthermore, IRCC provides a variety of pre-arrival services for new immigrants. These include employment assistance, family and youth programs, information about settling in Canada, and mentorship opportunities to connect newcomers with experienced residents.
Contact The Millennium Immigration for Assistance
Do you need assistance with Canadian immigration?
The Millennium Immigration is a prominent Canadian immigration law firm with over 11 years of experience. Our team includes more than 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals dedicated to helping individuals achieve their Canadian immigration goals. We offer support in various areas, including skilled worker and business immigration, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, citizenship, and addressing inadmissibility issues.
Founded in 2013, themillenniumimmigration serves as a trusted online resource for Canadian immigration. Please feel free to reach out for assistance—we’re here to help!