Travelling to Canada: A Complete Guide for ApplyCan Clients

Travelling to Canada: A Complete Guide for ApplyCan Clients
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • Canada

Travelling to Canada: A Complete Guide for ApplyCan Clients

Planning your move to Canada? Whether you’re coming as a permanent resident, international student, or temporary worker, it’s important to understand what documents you need, what to expect at the border, and how to prepare for life in Canada.

At ApplyCan, we help newcomers make their journey smooth and stress-free. Here’s everything you should know before you travel.

Travelling to Canada as a New Permanent Resident

Once your permanent residence is approved, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You must travel to Canada before the COPR expires to officially complete your landing process.

Your COPR is usually valid for up to a year, depending on your medical exam, visa sticker, and passport. Extensions are rarely approved, so plan your travel early. If your COPR expires, you’ll likely need to reapply for permanent residence.

If you’re already in Canada, you’ll receive an electronic COPR (e-COPR) through the IRCC portal. You can use this digital document the same way as a paper version to confirm your PR status.

Documents required for new permanent residents:

  • A valid passport

  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

  • Permanent resident visa (if required)

  • Proof of funds for yourself and dependents

Travelling on a Canadian Work Permit

If you’re coming to Canada for work, make sure you have all required documents ready for inspection at the border.

Essential documents for work permit holders:

  • Valid passport

  • Visitor visa or eTA (if applicable)

  • Proof of qualifications and experience

  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or Quebec’s CAQ (if applicable)

  • Employment offer number (for LMIA-exempt workers)

  • Letter of Introduction (Port of Entry Letter) confirming your work permit approval

You may also be asked to show proof of your intent to leave Canada when your permit expires and valid medical exam results if required. The border officer will make the final decision to issue your permit upon arrival.

Travelling on a Study Permit

Students planning to study in Canada must carry all documents related to their visa and school admission.

Documents required for study permit holders:

  • Valid passport

  • Letter of Introduction from IRCC

  • Letter of acceptance from your school

  • Visitor visa or eTA (if required)

  • Proof of financial support

  • Supporting documents or references requested by IRCC

  • Valid medical exam results (if required)

Students must also show ties to their home country and confirm that they intend to leave Canada after completing their studies.

COVID-19 Travel Rules

As of now, travellers entering Canada are not required to show proof of vaccination or quarantine upon arrival. Masks are optional but recommended during flights and in crowded areas. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, delay your travel until you recover.

Declaring Your Belongings at the Border

When moving to Canada, you can bring personal items and household goods duty-free by declaring them through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

If you can’t bring everything at once, submit a Goods to Follow list for items you’ll ship later. Present this list upon arrival to receive a CBSA receipt, which you’ll need when your goods arrive in Canada. You can also make declarations using the ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before you land.

Failing to declare or giving false information can result in fines, seizure of items, or penalties under Canada’s customs laws.

What You Can Bring to Canada

You can bring any amount of money to Canada, but amounts over CAD $10,000 must be declared to CBSA. You can also bring high-value personal items like jewelry without paying taxes, provided they’re declared on arrival.

Temporary residents transitioning to permanent status may need to pay duty on items valued above $10,000.

Bringing Food Into Canada

Food import rules vary depending on where you’re travelling from. Items coming from the U.S. are subject to different limits compared to those from other countries. Before travelling, check Canada’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to see if your food items are allowed and whether a permit is needed. Unapproved items will be confiscated at the border.

Sending Money Before You Arrive

If you prefer not to carry large amounts of cash, you can:

  • Open a newcomer account online with a Canadian bank

  • Transfer funds to a trusted contact already in Canada

  • Make a short “soft landing” to open a Canadian bank account and transfer money later

These methods are safe, convenient, and accepted for proof of funds during your immigration process.

Packing for Canada’s Weather

Canada’s climate changes dramatically throughout the year, so pack accordingly.

Winter (November–March):
Warm coats, sweaters, thermals, thick socks, waterproof boots, and gloves.

Summer (June–August):
Light clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for hot days.

Spring and Fall:
Mixed layers and a waterproof jacket for unpredictable rain and wind.

Transportation from Canadian Airports

All major airports, including Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), have official taxi and shuttle services. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, which work directly from airport Wi-Fi.

Setting Up Phone and Internet Service

Most Canadian airports have mobile provider kiosks where newcomers can purchase SIM cards or plans on arrival.

Choose between:

  • Prepaid plans: pay upfront, no credit check

  • Postpaid plans: monthly billing (credit check required)

For home internet, contact your preferred provider after securing accommodation. Many apartments have pre-arranged service options for faster setup.

Finding Accommodation in Canada

If you don’t have friends or relatives to stay with, short-term options include:

  • Hotels or motels

  • Airbnb rentals

  • Hostels or shared housing

After you arrive, you can explore long-term rentals or home purchases. Landlords may request proof of income, credit score, or references, so be ready to show alternatives such as job offers or bank statements.

Applying for Jobs Before You Arrive

You can start applying for jobs in Canada even before landing. Update your LinkedIn profile, connect with professionals, and attend virtual interviews. Most employers ask if you’re already authorized to work in Canada. Permanent residents can answer “yes” since they don’t need sponsorship.

Driving in Canada with an International Licence

Newcomers can drive in Canada for a limited time using their international licence.

  • Ontario: valid for up to 3 months before needing a local licence.

  • Quebec: requires an international driving permit from your home country.

Check the specific driving rules for your destination province before you travel.

Settlement Support for Newcomers

Canada provides extensive settlement services for permanent residents and protected persons. These include:

  • Language classes

  • Job search and employment programs

  • Family and youth support

  • Citizenship test preparation

  • Community and cultural programs

You can find nearby services using IRCC’s official settlement directory or provincial websites. Pre-arrival programs are also available to help newcomers prepare before travelling.

At ApplyCan, we guide you through every stage of your Canadian journey — from visa application to post-arrival support. Whether you’re coming to study, work, or settle permanently, our experts make the process clear, simple, and stress-free.

Planning your move to Canada? Whether you’re coming as a permanent resident, international student, or temporary worker, it’s important to understand what documents you need, what to expect at the border, and how to prepare for life in Canada.

Author
ApplyCan Team

10 Nov 2025

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