What to Expect at the Border When Arriving in Canada: Guide for Newcomers

Let’s make sure you know exactly what to expect, so your arrival goes as smoothly as possible. 

Before You Land: Gather Every Essential Paperwork 

You’d be surprised how many people accidentally pack their most important documents in checked luggage (a rookie mistake you don’t want to make). Keep everything you’ll need on you, that means in your carry-on or a travel folder you can grab instantly. 

Here’s what you’ll absolutely need: 

• Your passport or valid travel document. Obvious, but worth saying.

• Visa or eTA, depending on your citizenship.

• Letter of introduction (sometimes called a Port of Entry letter).

• Proof of funds, bank statements, scholarship letters, or job contracts that show you can support yourself.

• Address of where you’ll stay and maybe a printed map or phone number (just in case Wi-Fi isn’t cooperating). 

If you’re an international student, you’ll also need your Letter of Acceptance from your school and, if applicable, proof of a medical exam. 

For temporary foreign workers, bring your job offer letter, any LMIA or offer of employment number, and documents proving you’re qualified for the position. 

And here’s a small but useful tip: carry a bit of Canadian cash or a credit card or travel card that works internationally. 

Meeting the Border Officer: The CBSA Interview 

Now comes the part everyone talks about – the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) interview. Don’t stress; it’s not an interrogation. Think of it more like a quick chat to confirm you’re entering Canada for the right reasons and with the right paperwork. 

You’ll line up with other travelers, passport in hand, and when it’s your turn, the officer will: 

• Check your documents

• Ask questions about why you’re coming to Canada

• Confirm you understand the rules of your permit 

They’ll want to see that you genuinely plan to follow the conditions of your stay – study if you’re a student, work if you’re a worker and leave or extend legally when your permit expires. 

Be completely honest. Any lie, even a small one, can lead to big trouble – like being refused entry or banned for several years. 

If everything checks out, the officer will print and hand you your study or work permit right there. Before you walk away, glance over it carefully. Make sure your name’s spelled right, the expiry date looks correct, and the details match your situation. 

Airports, Layovers, and Land Borders 

If you’re flying into Canada, your first point of entry, not necessarily your final destination, is where your interview happens. So, if you’re landing in Toronto but studying in Calgary, you’ll get your permit in Toronto. Give yourself enough layover time for that. 

For those arriving by land, say from the U.S., the process is much the same. You’ll likely park your car, head inside an immigration office, and have your documents reviewed. It’s slower-paced but just as thorough. 

Avoid These Border Blunders 

Even the most prepared traveler can get tripped up by small details. Let’s go through a few common slip-ups you can easily avoid: 

1. Not declaring cash over $10,000.

Bringing a lot of money is fine, but hiding it isn’t. If you’re carrying over $10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency or instruments like bank drafts or traveler’s cheques), declare it. 

2. Bringing too much prescription medication.

Canada generally allows a 90-day personal supply. Keep it in the original packaging and bring a copy of your prescription. If your medication is a controlled substance (like Adderall or certain painkillers), declare it, even if it’s prescribed. 

3. Packing prohibited items.

This is a big one. Don’t bring prohibited items, even if it’s legal back home. Other red flags include weapons, certain foods, live plants, or animal products. If you’re unsure, declare it. The worst that can happen is they take it away. The best? You avoid a fine or worse. 

Getting Your Social Insurance Number (SIN): Your Golden Ticket to Work 

A SIN isn’t just a bureaucratic number, it’s essential for working and paying taxes in Canada. Without it, your employer literally can’t pay you. 

Here’s some good news, at major airports like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, and Montreal, Service Canada has kiosks where you can apply for your SIN as soon as you land. If you arrive when it’s closed, don’t panic, you can apply online or visit a Service Canada office later. 

Keep your SIN private. Don’t share it casually (not even with new friends). It’s your key to earning, and to a lot of personal data. 

Final Tips for a Smooth Arrival 

By now, you’ve probably realized that entering Canada isn’t hard, it’s just about being prepared. Still, a few last reminders can make all the difference: 

• Check your permits before you leave the airport.

• Keep digital and paper copies of everything, immigration letters, SIN, even your flight details.

• Be patient. Lines can be long, and officers can be strict, but they’re not out to get you.

• And if you’re arriving during winter? Keep a warm jacket handy in your carry-on. You’ll thank yourself the moment those automatic doors open.

Crossing that border is the moment your Canadian adventure officially begins. Whether you’re heading to class in Montreal, starting your first job in Vancouver, or settling with family in Calgary, this first step – border and all – is something you’ll remember for years. So take a breath. And once you’ve got that permit in hand? Congratulations, you made it.