Traveling to Canada

Most international students require a valid post-secondary study permit (“student visa”) to study at College of the Rockies. Find out if you need one. It can take several months, so it is important to apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your official Letter of Acceptance.

Students from certain countries need an entry visa (Temporary Residence Visa) in order to enter Canada. This means that in addition to applying for a study permit some students must also apply for an entry visa (Temporary Residence Visa). Ask your nearest Canadian embassy if you will need this and how to receive it. An entry visa is a stamp/seal in your passport and not a separate document.

Get Your Documents in Order:

• Study Permit or Letter of Introduction: This shows your application was approved and you can enter Canada to study.
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL): Most students need this from their province or territory to apply for a study permit.
• Valid Passport or Travel Document: Ensure it’s valid for the duration of your intended stay.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Visitor Visa (TRV): You’ll need one depending on your country of citizenship.
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA): You must have a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from College of the Rockies
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or other documents showing you can cover tuition and living expenses.
• Medical Exam Results: If required, ensure they are valid upon arrival.

It’s a good idea to keep all physical documents organized in a folder and have digital backups on a USB drive or external storage.

International students are responsible for following all Federal and Provincial Government requirements, and the directions of College of the Rockies.

*Send a copy of your study permit to international.admissions@cotr.bc.ca, if you have not yet done so.

For assistance or questions, email arrival@cotr.bc.ca.

When packing for your college experience, keep the following in mind: the less you bring, the more you can take back. Airlines have very strict baggage limits and will charge penalty fees if you exceed them. The Canadian Border Services Agency has information on which goods you can bring across the border and a list of alcohol and tobacco limits.

Documents

Keep these important documents on you at all times. Do not put them in your checked luggage. Make a digital copy as a backup.

• Passport
• Entry visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), if applicable
• Study permit approval letter
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from College of the Rockies
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself in Canada
• Health insurance card
• Flight itinerary
• List of items that will arrive after you, if sending anything separately
• Immunization and medical records (optional)
• International driver’s license and/or valid driver’s license, if applicable (optional)

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Clothing

People dress casually in Cranbrook. Keep in mind the season when packing. Summer wear can include shorts, long pants, t-shirts and a warm sweater or sweatshirt, bathing suit, running shoes and dress shoes, and a light, weatherproof jacket.  Winter wear should include a warm winter jacket and water-resistant winter boots with good tread, warm hat and gloves, long pants, jeans, sweaters and sweatshirts. In fall and spring, you may experience a wide range of weather, with the average temperature around 15 degrees. There is a possibility of snow in Cranbrook anytime from October through April. If you choose to bring traditional or ceremonial clothes from your home country, you will likely have the opportunity to wear them at International Education events.

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Personal Items

Only small bottles of soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other toiletries need to be packed as they can be easily purchased once you arrive. If you are particular about toiletries and other personal care items (such as feminine hygiene products), bring enough to last your entire stay.

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Prescription Medication

If you require prescription medication, try to bring enough to last the duration of your stay. It is also a good idea to consult your doctor about the active ingredient in the medication and get a prescription for the Canadian equivalent that can be filled at a pharmacy in Canada. Be sure to bring spare prescription glasses and/or contact lenses as well as a copy of your prescription.

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Electronics

For your protection, we recommend that you write down all of the serial numbers for your electronic devices (cameras, laptop, cell phones, etc.). Keep this list with you while traveling.  Electricity in Canada is 120 Volts (V), alternating currency (AC). We use the North American-style “two flat prong” plug, with the option of a third prong for grounding. You may need to buy adaptors or transformers for your electronic devices.

1. Proceed Through Immigration

An officer will ask for your documents and may ask questions about your stay. 

2. Present Your Documents

You’ll need to show your passport/travel document, Letter of Introduction, Letter of Acceptance, proof of funds, and your eTA or visitor visa. 

3. Answer Questions

Be prepared to answer questions from the immigration officer, who will want to confirm you are a genuine student with the intent to leave Canada after your studies. 

There is no set time frame for you to arrive in Canada before you begin your studies. You should give yourself a reasonable amount of time to settle before studying.

You are not allowed to work on or off Campus until you begin your studies in Canada.

Important dates:

• August 2, 2024: Send travel information to the International Department
• August 26 – September 1, 2024: New International student orientation at Cranbrook main campus

When you have booked your flight, please fill out our International Student Arrival Form. You will be asked to upload a copy of your itinerary. The Arrival Form must be completed at least 5 business days prior to your arrival in Canada.

When we receive your Arrival Form, we will order your mandatory health insurance and arrange free transportation from the Cranbrook airport, if requested.

For the most up to date information regarding travel restrictions and exemptions for international students, please refer to the Government of Canada’s website.

The Cranbrook Campus is served by the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC). International students arriving to YXC may request free airport transportation to their local accommodations in Cranbrook. College of the Rockies will cover the cost of the transfer, which is provided by Star Taxi, a local taxi company. You can request an airport pick-up by completing the International Student Arrival Form, at least seven days prior to arrival. Costs for using other transportation services will not be covered by the College.