Planning your travel

Confirm entry requirements for Canada

Before you travel, you should ensure that you meet the requirements for entry to Canada.

International students must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit, unless you are exempt (for example, if your program of study is six months or less).
   • Visit the Government of Canada website for a full list of study permit exemptions.
2. Depending on your citizenship, you may require a valid temporary resident visa (also known as a visitor visa, student visa, or TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
   • Confirm if you need a visa or eTA
   • Check your eTA status online if you are not sure if you already have one.
   • If you applied for a study permit outside Canada, your TRV or eTA will have been issued automatically upon approval of your application.

Submit travel information via ArriveCAN

ArriveCAN is a federal government app you can use to submit travel information if you are flying into select airports in Canada. Use of ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory.

• If your initial flight into Canada will arrive at one of the following airports, you can use ArriveCAN to complete an advance customs and immigration declaration, which may help you save time upon arrival:
  • Vancouver international airport (YVR)
  • Toronto Pearson international airport (YYZ) (Terminals 1 and 3)
  • Montreal-Trudeau international airport (YUL)
  • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
  • Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
  • Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) 
• Using ArriveCAN is free! Do not engage with any websites or apps that demand payment for using ArriveCAN. 

Review documents for entry

You must carry supporting documents to demonstrate you meet the requirements for entry to Canada.

Please ensure you have the following documents with you for travel:

• Valid passport, or other accepted travel document
• Valid temporary resident visa or eTA (if required)
• Valid study permit or letter of introduction that shows you have been approved for a study permit.
• Valid letter of acceptance or study permit information letter from UVic
  • If you require a copy of your letter of acceptance or study permit information letter, please contact your program area.
  • Please note that these letters may take multiple business days to process, so if you would like one for travel you should request it well in advance.
• Verification of enrolment (VOE) at the University of Victoria for the current or upcoming term
  • As soon as you have course registration with Continuing Studies, you will have access to your term-by-term VOE through Continuing Studies My Account > Online Request Forms.
• Proof of a valid immigration medical examination (if required)
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• Advanced Declaration confirmation email, if you submitted an Advanced Declaration through ArriveCAN

If you have questions about your travel documents, you can connect with an International Student Advisor by email at uvcsimmigration@uvic.ca or you can contact the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) for more information.

Other documents

You should also bring any of the following documents that apply to your situation:

• birth certificate or baptismal certificate
• driver's licence
• vehicle registration, licence and insurance papers
• immunization, vaccination, dental and health records
• health insurance documents
• marriage certificate or proof of common-law status
• separation or divorce papers
• adoption papers
• language proficiency scores
• official school records or academic transcripts (for anyone studying in Canada)
• medical or psychological documents if you plan to access accessible learning services for students with a disability or short- or long-term health issues
• letters of reference from former employers
• letters of reference for future landlords, if you will be looking for housing after arrival
• documents required for entry into other countries you plan to visit

Make copies of all important documents and keep the copies in a safe place, separate from the originals.

Students whose study permit application is still being processed will need to wait to travel to Canada until they receive confirmation that their study permit application has been approved, and they receive the letter of introduction. Students should wait to make any travel arrangements until they have received their letter of introduction showing study permit approval and can meet any travel requirements or exemptions.

Immigration documents

When you arrive at the port of entry to Canada, a border agent will assess your eligibility to enter Canada and make a final decision on whether to allow entry. If you were approved for a new study permit from outside Canada, your study permit will also be issued (printed) at this time.

Make sure to check your study permit when it is issued to you, to ensure all the details are correct and the appropriate conditions have been imposed.

• Check that all details in the client information section are correct.
• If you are a full-time student at UVic, make sure your study permit includes a statement that you “may work” or “may accept employment”. If it does not, this can significantly delay your ability to begin working in Canada.
  • We recommend carrying a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) from UVic as proof of your full-time student status. You can request a VOE through Continuing Studies My Account > Transcripts and request forms > Online Request Forms.

If you notice any errors on your documents, request changes before you leave Immigration. Be prepared to demonstrate your eligibility to work (for example, by showing the officer a Verification of Enrollment from UVic confirming your full-time student status), if needed.

Getting vaccinated in BC

International students are eligible to be vaccinated in BC for flu and COVID-19!

If you are unvaccinated, see how to get vaccinated for COVID-19. If you don’t have a Personal Health Number (PHN) yet, you will need to register by phone. A PHN will be created for you when you register. (*Important: This temporary PHN is not medical insurance. You still need to apply for the BC Medical Services Plan [MSP] as soon as possible).

If you are partially vaccinated or were vaccinated outside of BC or Canada, see Can I get additional doses in B.C.?

• If it is recommended that you get another dose, follow the instructions to submit your current vaccination record and register for your vaccination.
• If you do not need another dose, follow the instructions to submit your current vaccination record, register in BC’s immunization registry, and download your BC Vaccine Card or Canadian Proof of Vaccination document.

Requirements for travel within Canada and leaving Canada

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to board an airplane or train in Canada. Wearing a mask during travel is strongly recommended but is no longer required. For more information, see COVID-19: Travel, testing, and borders.

You do not need a COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination to board a plane or train in Canada unless you are flying to a country that requires it. Make sure to research the entry requirements of your destination before you travel.

Please check with your travel provider to confirm any documents (such as identification documents) required for boarding.

Proof of vaccination documents

Canadian Proof of Vaccination document

• The Canadian (federal) proof of vaccination can be used when travelling within and outside of Canada.
• To get your document, go to and use your Personal Health Number (PHN) to download your document. Save a digital copy to your phone and/or print a paper copy.
• If you plan to use this document for travel to other countries, be sure to research whether or not it will be accepted in your destination.
• See About the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination for current information.

BC Vaccine Card (proof of vaccination) 

• As of April 8, 2022, there is no requirement for events, services or businesses to check proof of vaccination. Individual businesses and event organizers may opt to continue to require proof of vaccination for entry to their premises. For information about this program, see Proof of vaccination.