Traveling to a new country can be exciting. It can also present unexpected challenges. Read through the resources on this page to make sure you're prepared for your travel to Winnipeg. We’re here to help you through the process of getting to Canada and settling in.
Government of Canada Travel Documentation
Before traveling, carefully review all the required Government of Canada documentation and preparation material, including:
Required Government of Canada Visa/Permit
Make sure you have the correct authorizations to enter and study while you stay in Canada. Verify what permits or visas will be required of you on the Canadian Government (IRCC) website.
You can also consult the nearest Canadian high commission, embassy, or consulate to assist you with the visa process.
Carefully review IRCC requirements and gather all the documents needed for your Canadian study permit application. These include:
- Letter of Acceptance provided by Booth UC.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) provided by the Manitoba government.
- Proof of identity, i.e. a valid passport plus two recent passport photos
- Proof of financial support.
- Other documents possibly required: e.g. Letter of explanation, medical exam, custodian declaration (for individuals under the age of 18), any other documents required by Canadian visa office in your country of origin.
Booth UC is a government recognized Designated Learning Institution (DLI #O19147992362).
Application Process and Next Steps
- Follow the application process applicable for your situation.
- Monitor your application and promptly take care of any follow-up actions required.
Prepare for travel
The Government of Canada has many resources and supports for international students to prepare for studies in Canada. Here are some helpful links:
Booth UC Online Orientation
The Booth 100 New Student Orientation course is required for all new students. You are automatically registered for this free course. Complete it before you travel to Canada to help prepare you for arrival and provide resources to help with your journey.
New students can access the course one month prior to the start of regular term classes. As soon as you receive your Booth UC email address and account, log in to the Populi Student Information System. You will receive an email in your Booth UC email account with login instructions, including your Populi username and password. In Populi, find the link for Booth 100 New Student Orientation course under the My Courses tab.
Go to the Orientation page for more information.
Arrival Information
Plan to arrive in Winnipeg two weeks before the start of your classes. This will give you time to settle in and get organized. It will also give you time to adjust to your new environment, time zone, culture, and the local transportation routes. When classes start, you'll have the confidence to focus on your studies.
Port of Entry/ Canada Customs
When you travel to Canada from another country, think about what you'll need at the Port of Entry. Every person entering the country is subject to an inspection at the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) checkpoint. You'll need to show documentation related to the purpose and nature of your stay in Canada, including:
- Your identification (passport)
- Your Customs Declaration Card (either completed in advance or on the plane or at the Port of Entry)
- Study Permit documentation, including your Port of Entry Letter of Introduction (issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) or Study Permit, and copies of your Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter
- You may also need to provide any other items requested by the CBSA representative, such as the address of the place you will be staying immediately upon arrival in Winnipeg, proof of course registration and fee payment, and proof of health insurance. See the Government of Canada website for more information about entering Canada and preparing for arrival.
Note: If you are arriving at a city other than Winnipeg, you will clear the CBSA inspection at the city where you first arrive before traveling to Winnipeg. The CBSA inspection can take some time, so be sure to give a minimum of 3 hours between arrival and your connecting flight departure to ensure you do not miss your connection.
COVID-19 Considerations
Health restrictions related to international travel and COVID-19 have been greatly reduced, but be sure to check the latest information about COVID-19 and arriving in Canada.
Transportation from Winnipeg Airport
Once you arrive in Winnipeg, you will need to get from the airport to your accommodation. This will depend on the type of accommodation you selected and the arrangements available. Go to Housing Resources for more information.
If you're staying with a homestay family, arrangements may be made for a family member to meet you at the airport.
If you're renting an apartment or house, you will need to get your own transportation from the airport to your new address. Check available transportation options on the Winnipeg Airport website.