📂 The "Student Survival" Document Folder
You are not just a tourist; you are a temporary resident. The Immigration Officer needs to see proof that you are a genuine student.
⚠️ If you don't have the right paper, you don't get the Study Permit. If you pack the wrong item, you get fined. Follow this checklist exactly.
1. Immigration & Identity (The "Entry" Docs)
Original Passport: Valid for the duration of your study period (or at least 6 months).
The "Visa Sticker" (TRV): Stamped inside your passport. Check your Name and DOB.
The "POE Letter" (Port of Entry Introduction):
- Most Important Doc: This is the letter IRCC sent you when your visa was approved. It says "Your application to study in Canada has been approved."
- Why: The officer scans the barcode on this paper to print your actual Study Permit.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): (If applicable to your 2024/2025 intake). Carry a printed copy.
2. College & Financials (The "Proof" Docs)
Letter of Acceptance (LOA): The final offer letter from your College/University.
Tuition Fee Receipt: Proof that you have paid your first year/semester fees.
GIC Certificate: (Guaranteed Investment Certificate).
- Why: This proves you have funds. Print the "Investment Directions" or "Welcome Letter" from your bank (CIBC/Scotia/SBI).
Original Academic Transcripts:
- Hidden Rule: While Immigration might not ask, your College often requires you to present your Original 10th, 12th, and Degree Marksheets during the first week for verification. Don't leave them in India.
Medical Exam Sheet (e-Medical): The "Information Sheet" the doctor gave you.
3. Health & Meds (The "Pharmacy" Bag)
Prescription Drugs:
- Rule: If you carry specific meds (for BP, Thyroid, etc.), you must carry the Original Doctor's Prescription in English.
- Packaging: Keep the medicines in their original foil strips/boxes. Do not store loose pills in a generic bottle.
Spectacles/Contacts: Bring an extra pair. Eye exams in Canada are very expensive ($100+).
Part 2: The "Voltage" Check (Don't Blow It Up)
India uses 220V. Canada uses 110V. This causes expensive electronics to fail.
- The "Check Your Plug" Rule:
- Look at the small text on your charger (Laptop, Phone, Trimmer).
- Safe: If it says
INPUT: 100-240V, it works in Canada (e.g., iPhones, MacBooks). - Unsafe: If it says
INPUT: 220-240V(common for Indian hair dryers, straighteners, and old trimmers), DO NOT BRING IT. It will not work, or it will spark and die. - The Plug Shape: Canada uses "Type A/B" (Flat pins). You need a travel adapter (Universal or US style).
Part 3: Cash Strategy (The "First Week" Fund)
Your GIC money is locked. You cannot access it for at least 3-7 days after landing.
- Cash to Carry: Bring $500 - $1,000 CAD in Cash/Forex Card.
- Why: You need money for the airport taxi ($50-$80), first grocery run ($100), and public transport (Presto/Compass Card).
- The "Small Bill" Rule: Try to get $20 and $50 notes. Many shops reject $100 bills due to fake note fears.
Part 4: Connect Before You Fly (SIM Cards)
As a student, you need a Canadian Number (+1) immediately to put on your Resume and open a Bank Account.
Option 1: The "Student Plan" (Highly Recommended)
- Why: You land with a working number. You can give this number to your parents and update your Resume/LinkedIn before you even board the flight.
- Providers:
- PhoneBox / Fido (Student Deals): Many agencies offer "Student Plans" that include 20GB+ data.
- SimForCanada / Abroad Cube: They ship the SIM to your house in India.
- Action: Activate the plan 1 day before flying so it works the moment you land.
💡 The "Indian SIM" Rule (Do Not Throw It Away!)
You will need OTPs for your Indian Bank Account, Income Tax, and Aadhaar forever.
- Convert to Prepaid: If you have a Postpaid bill in India, switch to Prepaid before flying.
- The "Yearly" Pack: Recharge with a ₹1,800 - ₹3,000 "Annual Validity" pack. This keeps incoming SMS active for 1 year.
- International Roaming: Turn on "International Roaming" in your app (Jio/Airtel) before takeoff.
✈️ Part 5: Layovers & Baggage
1. The "USA Warning" 🇺🇸 (Danger Zone)
- The Rule: You CANNOT transit through the USA (New York/Chicago) without a valid US Visa (Transit C-1 or Visitor B1/B2). You will be denied boarding in India.
2. Baggage Strategy
- The "Re-Check" Rule: Ask the check-in desk in India: "Will my bags go straight to Toronto/Vancouver, or do I need to pick them up at the layover?"
- Prohibited Items: No fresh fruit (Mangoes), no meat-based pickles, no seeds. Spices and Maggi are okay.