Canada Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Canada for your studies.
Upcoming Deadlines
Quick Access
Example plan only. Your own dates depend on when your course starts and which visa office you use.
Getting Ready to Study in Canada
The main steps for students from India and Pakistan who will study in Canada in 2026-27. A study permit is the paper that lets you study in Canada. The border officer gives it to you at the airport.
Start Early
Key Areas
- Study permit: Letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL or CAQ if you need one, medical exam, biometrics.
- Housing: Find a place to live before you fly.
- Health insurance: Health care is run by each province (like a state). Rules depend on where you live.
- Money: Proof of money for your first year.
Your Timeline
After your offer
Accept the school's offer and pay the tuition it asks for, in part or in full, so you can get your PAL/TAL if you need one.
Before you apply
Take your medical exam and collect your money papers.
At least 3 months before travel
India: apply for your study permit and give biometrics.
Your School's Own Steps
Your school may have its own deadlines for first payments, housing and health plans.
Read its pages for new international students.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Tick off each item before you fly.
Documentation
Letter of acceptance
The letter from a designated learning institution (DLI), a school the government approves for international students, that says you got a place.
PAL/TAL or CAQ
Since 1 January 2026, you do not need this letter for a master's or PhD at a public DLI.
Passport
Pakistan: valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
Accommodation
Book your housing
Have your address ready for your SIN (Social Insurance Number, your number for work and taxes) and bank.
Finances
Proof of money
Since 1 September 2026: CAD 23,448 a year for one person outside Quebec, plus tuition and travel.
Travel & Logistics
Travel papers
Passport with visitor visa, the approval letter you show at the airport, letter of acceptance.
Medical exam
Your medical exam result must still be valid on the day you enter Canada.
Pre-Arrival Learning
Know your work rules
Up to 24 hours a week off campus while classes run, once your program starts.
Check Your Visa Office List
Pre-Departure Guides
Detailed guides for each part of your preparation.
Staying in Touch
Keep key numbers ready for your first days.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Canada
Call 911 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Canada.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
Your school's international office
Help with enrolment, letters and health plans.
IRCC web form
For questions about your study permit file.
Before You Fly
Save the emergency number (911) in your phone.
Save your school's international office number.
Key Tips Before You Fly
Get your letter of acceptance, and your provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) if you need one, before you apply. In Quebec, get a CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) instead.
Take your immigration medical exam before you apply.
Show money for tuition, living costs and travel for your first year.
Give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) within 30 days of the biometrics letter.
Fly with the same passport you used to apply.
Do not start work before your program starts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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