Information for New International Students

To enter Canada, you must have:

• A valid study permit or port of entry letter of introduction that shows you have been approved for a study permit*
• A valid Letter of Acceptance from College of the Rockies
• Proof of funds to support yourself (and any accompanying family members)
• An ArriveCAN receipt with letter A, I, or V beside the vaccinated traveller’s name
• Proof of vaccination that was uploaded into ArriveCAN (original or paper copy)
• Prepare for arrival testing if selected.
• Travel document entered in ArriveCAN (e.g. passport).

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

Students who meet these requirements, should consider the information provided below when planning their travel. For assistance or questions, please email arrival@cotr.bc.ca.

Plan to arrive within four weeks before the start of the semester. Canada Border Services Agency may refuse entry if you arrive too early.

Important dates:

• August 29 – September 2, 2022: New international student orientation (mandatory for all new students)
• September 5: Labour Day – College closed
• September 6: JumpStart Orientation
• September 7: Start of classes

ArriveCAN is an app used to collect required information including travel and contact details, the purpose of your travel, details of your 14-day quarantine plan and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment. All air travellers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit their travel information and proof of vaccination (if applicable) through ArriveCAN and must present their ArriveCAN receipt upon entry into Canada.

Travellers arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) can electronically submit their customs and immigration declaration in advance of their arrival in Canada using the Advance CBSA Declaration feature in the ArriveCAN website.

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 and quarantine plan. 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 (see below).

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 Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC). For students attending our regional campuses, we recommend flying to Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, then travelling to your regional campus after completing your quarantine (if required). BC Transit offers cheap bus service two days per week from Cranbrook to our regional campuses.

International students arriving at Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) may request free airport transportation to their local accommodations in Cranbrook.  College of the Rockies will cover the cost of the transfer, which will be provided by Star Taxi, a local taxi company.  This service must be requested through 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.

The Government of Canada describes three situations when you must isolate for 10 days. Instructions and 10-day timeframe for each situation can be found here.

Check the Government of Canada website to determine if you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler. All travellers, regardless of citizenship, are eligible to enter Canada if they qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.

If you are planning to quarantine in an apartment with friends or family, please carefully review the Government requirements for isolation

To ensure International students isolate and meet all public health requirements within the East Kootenay Region, the College has arranged with local hotel providers to accommodate students in isolation.

The Sandman Hotel – Cranbrook

405 Cranbrook Street North
Cranbrook, BC, V1C 3R5

Some grocery stores provide delivery services for a service fee. Take out food delivery service for restaurants is also available. Contact the International Office if you need help.

College of the Rockies is committed to ensuring all students’ physical and mental health are considered. The College has a long-term partnership with Guard.me insurance to provide medical insurance coverage through the 90-day waiting period prior to MSP for new students, access to keepme.SAFE for mental health support for all international students, sharing information on how to access Here to Talk, and have a counsellor on staff that is accessible by virtual appointment online or by telephone.

College of the Rockies supports equity and inclusion for all; racism or stigma associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will not be tolerated on our campuses or within our online spaces, in keeping with our existing policies. Should students ever experience stigma or acts of racism, they should immediately contact International Education at 250-489-2751. Our team will connect students to available resources via the College’s Student Services department.

Don’t forget to complete the College’s Arrival Form and download the ArriveCAN app.

International students who choose to travel are responsible for following all federal and provincial government requirements and the directions of College of the Rockies and the health regions which they are travelling through.  Please regularly consult the Government of Canada’s Entering Canada Requirements Checklist.

Please confirm your arrival in Canada through the ArriveCAN app and by emailing arrival@cotr.bc.ca. College of the Rockies staff will be confirming whether or not you are exempt from quarantine requirements and, if required, will check in with you throughout your 14-day quarantine period.

After settling in Canada, international students must continue to comply with the restrictions in place across Canada to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Those who don’t follow BC Provincial Health Orders may be fined. For more information on the above and on quarantine procedures, please contact Wayne Lee-Ying, Manager, International Education in the International Department.

You no longer need proof of vaccination to access business, events, or services in B.C. You may need proof of vaccination for international travel.