What to Bring to Canada

• Valid passport
  • OR proof of citizenship for U.S. citizens
  • OR a valid green card and passport for U.S. permanent residents
• Valid Canadian Temporary Resident Visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) (if applicable)
• Letter of Introduction issued by the Canadian Visa Office that approved your Study Permit application. Submit this letter to a Canadian Immigration Officer when you arrive at the border to obtain your actual Study Permit.
  • OR a valid Study Permit if you have one
• Original Letter of Acceptance from Western University if you are entering Canada the first time
  • OR if you studied online before entering Canada or you are re-entering Canada you will need a Verification of Enrolment letter. Request and download a PDF letter from the Office of the Registrar in Student Center.
• Proof of funds available for your stay in Canada (money transfer, letter of credit, scholarship/assistantship letter, or other proof)
• Marriage Certificate and/or proof of common-law status (if applicable)
• Any other documents recommended by the Canadian Visa Office when you applied for your Study Permit

Note: If you are a US Citizen/ Permanent Resident or a resident of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon and are applying for a study permit at the border ensure you have all the required documents and the application form. A permanent resident of the US must also obtain an eTA in order to apply for a study permit at an air port of entry.

Carry all of the above documents with you when you travel to Canada and be prepared to show them to the Canadian Immigration officials at the Canadian Port of Entry (e.g., the airport). Do not pack these documents in your checked luggage. Make photocopies to leave with family or friends at home.

• A list of any items that you are sending separately or which you do not clear through customs when you arrive. Have the list stamped by immigration, if possible.
• Medical and Immunization (vaccination) Records, translated, if possible
• Medical Insurance Policy (if applicable)
• Driver’s license or International Driver’s license, driving insurance records, and Vehicle Registration and Insurance Papers if you plan to drive in Canada
• A list of important phone numbers

Review current Canadian customs regulations before arriving to Canada.

Prepare a list of all the goods you are bringing into Canada (e.g., clothing, electronics, etc.) including vehicles. Be prepared to show your list to the Canada Border Services Agent at the Canadian Port of Entry. Make two copies of the list. If you have a vehicle, include its value, make, model and serial numbers. You can bring in other non-consumable goods (e.g., clothing, electronics, etc.) after your initial arrival, but you must report these goods to the Canada Border Services Agency. They will require a refundable deposit.

In general, restricted and prohibited goods fall into these major categories: firearms/weapons, food/plants/animals, explosives/fireworks/ammunition, cannabis/drugs, consumer products. Many of these are not permitted entry into Canada so it is important that you review what you can and can't bring and what you must declare when you cross the Canadian border. For more detailed information on which goods you can legally bring into Canada, refer to the 'Entering Canada to Study' section of the online brochure  Visitors to Canada and Other Temporary Residents  and the following resources provided by the Canada Border Services Agency:

• Border reminder checklist - Canada Border Services Agency
• Restricted and prohibited goods list - Canadian Border Services Agency