Prepare for your Arrival to Canada
This age is designed to help you get ready for your relocation to Canada. It brings together important pre-arrival guidance for new immigrants, including the responsibilities you must fulfill upon entry, recommended practices for bringing your belongings, and helpful tips to ensure a smoother transition. It also provides information on services such as taxi options, importing food items, packing suitable clothing for the weather, finding accommodation, and other practical settling-in advice.
Table of Contents
Overview
All travellers entering Canada must present specific documents at the border in order to be admitted into the country. These typically include a valid travel document (such as a passport) along with a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) confirming permission to travel.
Below you will find important information about your responsibilities as a new permanent resident, worker, or student arriving in Canada, including how to properly declare goods, transfer funds before arrival, and other key steps to help you prepare for entry.
What you need to know before travelling to Canada as a new permanent resident
When do I need to travel to Canada by?
If your application for Canadian permanent residence is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You must travel to Canada and complete your landing process before this document expires.
- The COPR is usually valid for up to one year, but its validity may depend on factors such as your medical exam, passport expiry, and visa validity.
- In most cases, IRCC does not extend COPR documents. If it expires before you arrive in Canada, you may need to reapply for permanent residence.
- If you are already in Canada, you may receive an e-COPR through an online portal instead of a paper document, and your PR status is confirmed digitally.
What if I need a visa or eTA?
- If you are from a country that requires a visa, you will receive a permanent residence visa along with your COPR.
- If you are from a visa-exempt country, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada (depending on your situation).
What documents do I need to travel to Canada?
As a new permanent resident, you should carry:
- A valid passport
- Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- A permanent resident visa (if required based on your country) or ensure you have an approved eTA if applicable
- Proof of funds, showing you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents after arriving in Canada
These documents are required for entry and for completing your PR “landing” process at the border.
What you need before travelling to Canada for the first time as a work permit holder
If you are entering Canada on a work permit, you must carry several important documents and be prepared to meet entry requirements at the border.
Required documents
You should have the following with you when you travel:
- A valid passport
- A visitor visa (if required) or an approved eTA
- Any other relevant travel documents related to your application
- Proof that you meet the job requirements, such as education certificates or proof of work experience
- A copy of your employer’s positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if required
- If you will be working in Quebec and an LMIA is required, you may instead need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
- If your job is LMIA-exempt but tied to a specific employer, you will need the job offer number generated through the Employer Portal
Work permit approval proof
You should also carry your Letter of Introduction (LOI) (also called a Port of Entry letter), if you applied for your work permit from outside Canada.
- This letter confirms that your work permit has been approved
- It is not the work permit itself, but an approval document for border officers
- It includes details such as your employer, job type, work location, and validity period
At the border, you must also prove that:
- You meet Canada’s entry requirements
- You will leave Canada when your authorized stay ends
- You have valid medical exam results, if required (and they must not be expired at the time of entry)
Important note
A border services officer makes the final decision on whether you are allowed to enter Canada and whether your work permit is issued at the port of entry.
What should you prepare before your first trip to Canada as a study permit holder?
Before travelling to Canada to study, you should make sure you have the following:
- A valid passport or other acceptable travel document
- A Letter of Introduction (LOI) issued by the visa office, which includes the permit reference number used to issue your study permit
- A copy of your official acceptance letter from your Canadian educational institution
- Any additional supporting documents, such as reference letters or other paperwork requested by the visa office
- A valid entry document such as a temporary resident visa (visitor visa), an eTA, a U.S. Green Card (or equivalent proof of U.S. residency), or any other required travel authorization
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Canada (the amount depends on your travel and living arrangements)
- Good physical health
- A clean criminal and immigration record, with no prior convictions or violations
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country (such as family, employment, property, or other commitments), showing that you intend to return after your studies
- A valid immigration medical exam result if one was required (if it expires before you enter Canada, you may need to take another exam before travelling, even if your LOI is still valid)
International students should also be aware of Canada’s inadmissibility rules, as these may affect both entry and study approval.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated before travelling to Canada?
Vaccination proof is no longer required for entry into Canada by air, land, or sea. The earlier COVID-19 travel rules, including pre-departure testing and quarantine on arrival, have also been lifted. These changes apply to both international arrivals and domestic travel within Canada.
Face masks are not mandatory when entering Canada, although some airlines or travel companies may still have their own rules. Even so, travellers are encouraged to wear a well-fitted mask or respirator during their journey as a precaution.
People who are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19 are still advised to postpone their travel to Canada.
How can I bring personal belongings when moving to Canada?
New arrivals are allowed to bring personal belongings into Canada. If you are bringing items over multiple trips, you can still declare them properly. However, all goods of significant value must be declared to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the border, and certain restricted items (especially food and plant-based products) must follow strict import rules.
To understand what you are bringing, travellers should be aware of CBSA declaration requirements and regulations on permitted goods.
What is a CBSA declaration?
The Canada Border Services Agency is the government authority responsible for managing border security and regulating the movement of people and goods into the country.
A CBSA declaration is an official form used to report items being brought into Canada. It helps travellers legally declare belongings and may allow them to bring personal or high-value goods without paying duties on items they already owned before arriving.
If you cannot bring all your belongings at once, you may prepare a “Goods to Follow” list. This document is submitted to CBSA on arrival and records items that will be shipped or brought in later. Once processed, you receive a receipt that should be shown when those goods enter Canada in the future.
Travellers can also complete declarations electronically through the ArriveCAN at participating airports, usually within 72 hours before arrival
What belongings can I bring when I first arrive in Canada?
There is no restriction on the total amount of cash you can bring when entering Canada. However, if you are carrying more than 10,000 CAD in cash or monetary instruments, you must report it to the Canada Border Services Agency upon arrival.
New permanent residents are also allowed to bring personal and valuable belongings, such as jewellery or electronics, without paying duties, as long as these items are properly declared. If the total value of certain items exceeds 10,000 CAD, they should be listed in your declaration form when entering the country. This also applies to goods that are not brought in immediately but are shipped later.
Individuals who are transitioning from temporary status (such as students, workers, or visitors) to permanent residency may still need to declare high-value goods and could be required to pay applicable duties or taxes depending on the situation.
To bring items later, newcomers can prepare a “Goods to Follow” list. This allows them to declare possessions in advance so they can be imported later without additional tax, provided they were properly recorded at the time of entry. CBSA will issue a receipt for these items, which must be shown when they are eventually brought into Canada.
What food items are allowed into Canada?
Canada has different rules depending on where food is coming from. The regulations vary between products brought from the United States and those coming from other countries.
For food imported from the U.S., certain items are generally allowed with specific quantity or condition limits.
For food coming from other countries, restrictions are stricter, and many items require permits or may be prohibited.
Travellers can check detailed rules using the Automated Import Reference System, which helps determine whether a specific food item is allowed and whether a permit is needed. If a required permit is not obtained, the item will not be allowed entry.
How can I transfer money to Canada before arriving?
You only need to declare cash or monetary instruments if the total is 10,000 CAD or more. While bringing large amounts of money is allowed without taxation, many newcomers prefer alternative ways to transfer funds for convenience and safety.
Common options include:
- Some Canadian banks offer newcomer banking programs that allow individuals to open accounts from abroad. These accounts can sometimes help with proof of funds and early financial setup.
- Money can be sent ahead to trusted friends or family members in Canada through international transfer services, to be accessed after arrival.
- Permanent residents may also choose to complete a short initial entry (often called a soft landing) to activate their status, open a bank account in person, and later transfer funds more easily from overseas accounts.
What clothes should I pack when moving to Canada?
Canada experiences a wide range of weather depending on region and season, so clothing needs vary throughout the year.
During winter (generally late November to March), temperatures can drop significantly. It is recommended to pack:
- Warm hats or beanies
- Heavy winter coats or insulated jackets suitable for layering
- Sweaters, hoodies, and layered clothing
- Warm trousers or jeans with thermal layers if needed
- Thermal wear such as leggings or long underwear
- Thick socks, preferably wool for warmth
- Waterproof or insulated boots (many people also buy winter footwear after arriving)
Summer months can be much warmer, especially in some provinces, with temperatures often ranging from mild to hot. Useful items include:
- Light jackets or sweaters for cooler evenings
- Sunglasses and hats for sun protection
- Sunscreen for outdoor exposure
- Lightweight socks and breathable clothing
Spring and autumn are transitional seasons, often bringing mixed conditions such as rain, wind, or sudden temperature changes. Because of this, layered clothing is usually the most practical approach, and checking local weather forecasts before travel can help with packing decisions.
Are taxis available at major airports in Canada?
Yes, most major airports in Canada have official taxi services available outside the terminal areas. For example, airports such as Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) all provide licensed taxi stands and dedicated airport transportation information for arriving passengers.
Along with taxis, travellers can also choose other transport options such as public buses, airport trains or shuttles to nearby destinations, and hotel-operated shuttle services.
Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are also widely used in Canada. New arrivals can access these services easily after landing, often by using free airport Wi-Fi to book a ride.
How do I get a mobile phone or internet plan in Canada?
Newcomers to Canada can choose from a wide range of mobile and internet service providers offering different packages. Many plans include features such as unlimited calling and texting within Canada, international calling options, and various data allowances depending on usage needs.
At some major airports, travellers may even be able to purchase a SIM card or set up a phone plan immediately after arrival.
There are typically two main options:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plans, where you use your existing phone with a new SIM card
- Device financing plans, where you receive a new phone and pay for it in monthly installments through your bill
Plans can also be either:
- Prepaid, where you pay in advance and use services based on the balance
- Postpaid, where you are billed monthly under a contract (this may require a Canadian credit history)
Home internet setup is usually arranged after securing long-term housing. Customers choose a provider and schedule an installation visit, where a technician sets up the connection and provides the router. In many apartment or condo buildings, internet providers are already designated, which can make setup quicker and easier.
How can I find accommodation in Canada before arriving?
Finding a place to stay is one of the most important steps for newcomers. Many people initially stay with friends or relatives when they first arrive.
For those without contacts in Canada, common short-term housing options include:
- Hotels or motels
- Short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb
- Hostels or shared accommodations
After arriving, newcomers can move into longer-term housing such as rentals or purchased properties. However, landlords often request documents like credit history, job proof, references, and financial records, which can sometimes be challenging for new arrivals.
Can I apply for jobs before moving to Canada?
Yes, it is possible to start applying for jobs before physically arriving in Canada or receiving final residency approval.
Most applications are completed online, and employers often conduct virtual interviews. Platforms like LinkedIn are commonly used in Canada for recruitment, networking, and professional visibility, so updating a profile can be helpful during the job search process.
Some job applications may ask whether the applicant requires sponsorship to work in Canada. New permanent residents should note that they do not require employer sponsorship, as they are legally allowed to work after completing their official landing.
Can I drive in Canada with an international licence?
In many provinces, newcomers can drive using a valid international driver’s licence for a limited period after arrival, and it may also be accepted for car rentals.
Rules differ by province. For example:
- In Ontario, international driving permission is generally valid for a short period (commonly up to a few months) before a local licence is required
- In Quebec, drivers may need an international driving permit issued from their home country, valid alongside their original licence
Because regulations vary, newcomers are encouraged to check the specific requirements of the province where they plan to live.
Are there government support services for newcomers in Canada?
Yes, Canada provides a wide network of settlement and integration services for newcomers at federal, provincial, and local levels.
These services are mainly available to permanent residents, protected persons, and certain temporary residents. They may include language training, employment assistance, community programs, childcare support, and guidance for adapting to life in Canada.
There are also pre-arrival services that help newcomers prepare before they move, including job search support, settlement guidance, and mentorship programs.
Many of these resources are organized through government immigration and settlement programs, and additional support can often be found through provincial or municipal service centres.
