📂 Must-Have Documents ( Pre-Departure )
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING:
- These documents must be in your Handbag/Backpack.
- NEVER put them in your checked luggage. You will need to present these physical papers to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer immediately upon landing, before you can collect your bags.
A : Mandatory Immigration Documents
✅ The Immigration Checklist
These are mandatory for your entry into Canada.
Original Passport
- Check that it contains the stamped Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) sticker.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
Letter of Introduction (Port of Entry Letter)
- This is the letter sent to your IRCC account when your visa was approved. It usually says "Correspondence Letter" or has a barcode. You exchange this letter for your actual Study Permit at the airport.
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
- The final, unconditional offer letter from your College or University.
- If you deferred your intake (e.g., changed from September to January), you must carry the updated LOA.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- The official letter issued by the province (e.g., Ontario, BC) that was submitted with your visa application. The officer may ask to see this verification.
Proof of Funds
- GIC Investment Certificate: Print the Welcome Letter or Investment Confirmation from your bank (CIBC/Scotia/SBI Canada/ICICI).
- Tuition Fee Receipt: Proof that you have paid your first year or semester fees.
- Bank Statements: (Recommended) Last 4 months of statements if you are relying on funds outside of the GIC.
Proof of Medical Exam
- The e-Medical Information Sheet given by the panel physician. Ensure it has not expired (medicals are valid for 1 year).
🎓 Academic & Identification Documents
Required by your University or College for final registration or potential credit transfers.
Original Academic Transcripts
- Class 10th Mark Sheet
- Class 12th Mark Sheet
- Bachelors Mark Sheets and Degree Certificate
IELTS / PTE / TOEFL Score Card
- Original hard copy.
Driver's License Extract (DL Extract)
- If you plan to drive in Canada, get a DL Extract from your local RTO in India. This document allows you to fast-track getting a Canadian license in provinces like Ontario.
Passport-sized Photos
- Carry 10-15 copies (White background, 35mm x 45mm) just in case they are needed for ID cards or other forms.
🏛️ Province-Specific Documents
CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec)
- Only for students going to Quebec (Montreal, etc.). You must present the paper CAQ approval letter to the officer.
Section B: Health & Settlement (Crucial)
Universities and Landlords often ask for these during your first week.
Immunization / Vaccination Record
- Why: Many universities (especially for health/science programs) will block your course registration if you cannot prove you took vaccines for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) as a child.
- Action: Get a signed certificate from your family doctor in India listing your vaccination history.
Travel Insurance Policy
- Why: Provincial health cards (like OHIP/MSP) often take 3 months to activate. A single hospital visit in that time can cost $5,000+.
- Action: Carry a policy document for private insurance (for the first 90 days).
Prescriptions & Eye Power
- Carry a valid doctor's prescription for any medicines you are bringing.
- Carry your latest Eye Exam report (Glasses are very expensive in Canada).
Section C: The "Smart Student" Extras
These documents save you money and time later.
Driver's License Extract (DL Extract)
- What: A paper from your local RTO in India verifying your driving history.
- Why: It allows you to skip the 1-year waiting period for a full driver's license in provinces like Ontario.
No Claim Bonus (NCB) Certificate
- Why: If you plan to buy a car, a letter from your Indian car insurer stating you had "No Claims" can significantly lower your Canadian car insurance premium.
Form 16 / ITR (Parents)
- Why: Canadian landlords are strict. If you have no credit history, they may ask for your parent's financial proof to ensure you can pay rent.
Reference Letters (For Jobs)
- If you have worked in India, bring a "Service Letter" or simple recommendation on company letterhead. It helps in getting part-time jobs.
Section D: Digital Backups
Scan Everything: Upload clear scans of all the above to a Google Drive folder named "Official Docs - Canada" and share the link with your parents.
Phone: Save the PDF of your Travel Insurance and Passport offline on your phone.