Upon arrival
Immigration documents
When you arrive at a port of entry to Canada, a border agent will assess your eligibility 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 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 Online Tools > 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 VOE from UVic confirming your full-time student status), if needed.
Travel updates
IRCC announces changes to international student program
January 25, 2024
On January 22, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced several measures intended to protect the integrity of Canada's international student...
Government of Canada removes COVID-19 testing requirements for air travellers from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and Macao
March 21, 2023
As of 12:01 a.m. EDT on March 17, 2023, air travellers to Canada on flights originating from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao are no longer required to provide evidence...
Government of Canada reinstates some COVID-19 border and travel measures for air travellers from China
January 9, 2023
As of January 5 at 12:01am (EST) all air travellers, 2 years of age and older, arriving from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao must show a negative COVID-19 test result,...
Updates for international students
January 1, 2023
Travel restrictions lifted: All federal border testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements ended on October 1, 2022. Off-campus work measures: On October 7, 2022,...