New Student Resources
Preparing to begin your new journey in Canada? These resources will guide you through the steps before your departure and support you after arrival as you settle into your new life as a VCC student.
Before Departure
Arriving at the Airport
After Arrival
New International Student Orientation
Helpful Resources
Before Departure
Carry the following items with you on the plane. Do not keep them in your checked luggage.
Required at the Border
- Valid Passport
- Valid travel visa (TRV or eTA, depending on your citizenship)
- Study permit approval (Letter of Introduction)
- VCC Letter of Acceptance
- VCC Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Proof of Financial Support
Other Essential Items
- Warm & waterproof clothes (Vancouver weather may differ from your home country)
- Medication in original packaging with prescription
- Universal charger/adaptor
- Small amount of Canadian dollars
Prepare for Departure
- Only purchase a flight ticket after your seat is confirmed - submit your proof of study permit approval to VCC before the deadline, and receive the seat confirmation by email before you book your flight.
- Check what you can and cannot bring to Canada
- Arrange (temporary) housing before travelling to Canada
Arriving at the Airport in Canada
If you are not flying directly to Vancouver (YVR):
- Allow extra transit time for immigration processing if your first port of entry is another Canadian city.
- Obtain your study permit at your first Canadian airport. For example, if you arrive in Toronto first, get your study permit at the Toronto airport.
If you are flying directly to Vancouver (YVR):
- Complete inspection at the Primary Inspection Kiosk (self-serve machine).
- Meet with a CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) Officer and present your kiosk receipt.
- Inform the officer that you need a study permit and proceed to the Immigration Office.
- Present your Letter of Introduction. The officer will print your study permit (and Co-op Work Permit if applicable).
- Verify all details on your permit before leaving the desk.
- Pick up your luggage.
- Travel to your destination (with taxi, Uber or public transit).
After Arrival
Here are the important things you should do immediately after arriving in Vancouver.
Ready to start at VCC? Here is what you should do next.
New International Student Orientation
VCC's new international students are invited to participate in the mandatory virtual New International Student Orientation event. Topics such as student services, studying in Canada and at VCC, getting settled and living in Vancouver, and staying healthy and safe will be included. Depending on the programs, the date of orientation may vary. More details will be emailed to admitted students after course registration and before classes begin.
Helpful Resources to Get You Started
Need more support? Email us or book an international student advising appointment with VCC!
Vancouver Community College (VCC) does not endorse any external service providers listed above. The information on this page was last updated in July 2025, and the information is intended for reference purposes only.
