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Preparing for Travel to Canada
Updated over a month ago

Book Your Flight

Once your Canadian visa is approved, one of the first things you should do is book your flight to Canada. Book your flight in advance and plan to arrive 2-3 weeks before your program start date, allowing time to settle in and handle administrative tasks like housing and banking. Do not arrive later than your program’s start date, and check your visa for any restrictions on how early you can enter. Aim for a daytime arrival to navigate transportation and accommodations more easily.

For more details, check out our detailed article here.


Prepare for Arrival Costs

When arriving in Canada as a student, it’s essential to budget for initial expenses. If you received a Passage loan which also covers your living expenses, your first loan disbursement will typically be disbursed on your program’s start date or within 2–3 business days after successful loan activation if you arrive later. To cover costs until then, and ideally for your first month, plan to bring at least $1,000–$2,000 CAD. Common expenses include transportation (airport transfers, public transit passes), food (groceries and occasional dining out), accommodation (first month’s rent or temporary housing), household essentials, and communication setup (SIM cards and internet). These costs vary based on individual circumstances but having sufficient funds ensures a smoother transition into your studies.

For more details, check out our detailed article here.


Arrange Living Accommodations

You can find affordable accommodation in Toronto on a $400-$500 budget by sharing a room or living slightly farther from downtown. Use Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji to search for rooms, and don’t hesitate to contact landlords directly. With good public transit, commuting is simple, and you can save a lot by living outside downtown.

You should aim to find long-term accommodation, but if you can't find a suitable option, make sure that to have a short-term option for at least the first month until you find your long term home in Canada.

For more details, check out our detailed article here.


Arrive at the Port of Entry

After waiting in the immigration line at the port of entry, a border services officer will review your prepared documents to ensure you meet the entry requirements. Once your documents are verified, your study permit will be issued. You will receive a physical study permit, and it must be uploaded to your Passage application to activate your loan. To ensure your preparedness, we have prepared a complete guide packed with everything you need to know, including getting your study permit, getting your SIN number, and booking a taxi!

Check out our detailed guide here.


Get ready for the job market

Passage loan repayment begins within one month of arriving in Canada, and it's important to ensure you have a plan to make these monthly payments on time. Getting a part-time job is a great way to build employment history in Canada, gain Canadian experience, experience our culture, and make some extra money to support your journey - but it can be a little tricky to navigate!

We've put together a comprehensive guide to help you understand what Canadian employers want, how to stand out as an applicant, and where to begin in your job hunt. To get a good head start, we highly encourage you to prepare your Canadian resume before you arrive in Canada, and take some time to explore job listings in advance.

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