Travel to Canada

Loyalist College students should book flights into the Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario. For Belleville campus students, this airport is located approximately two hours from Belleville.

It is mandatory that all international students register their travel in advance of arriving in Canada by completing the online webform regardless of vaccination status.

STEP 1:  Pre-Plan Arriving In Canada:

• It is recommended that your purchase a refundable ticket in the event you need to adjust your travel plans.
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has advised that students are only permitted to enter Canada at a maximum of four weeks before their semester. It is not advisable that students not travel on their scheduled four-month break.

STEP 2:  Submit the Mandatory Online Travel Registration Form with your Arrival Plans:

Submit your travel plans to Loyalist College using our online webform.  Be sure to complete all required information and attach required documentation to not delay this process.

Travel to Canada Web Form

• There is a daily limit to the number of entries that can be received. If you are unable to submit, please try the next day.
• There is no requirement to send an email once your web form is submitted.
• Once registered, early arrival health insurance will automatically be arranged on behalf of the student.
• There is no follow-up email after registration as Loyalist College will no longer be providing travel documents for entry to Canada – review section ‘Entering Canada – Be Prepared’

Loyalist College will no longer be providing travel documents for entry to Canada. 

The mandatory annual health insurance arranged with tuition is not in effect until first day of the month for your semester intake (eg:  September 1, January 1 or May 1). Regardless of vaccination status, new students planning to arrive before their semester intake date will be required to purchase Canadian health insurance at the daily rate of $1.65 for each day from the day the individual arrives in Canada until the policy is in effect.

This insurance will automatically be arranged and registered on your behalf and charges will be added to your Loyalist College student account.  There are no additional steps required from students.

Medical care in Canada is very expensive in the event of an emergency, an accident, or if you become ill. Having this daily insurance policy until your annual policy is in effect will be a fraction of the cost compared to a medical bill from a Canadian hospital for medical attention during a global pandemic.

Students who do not register their travel with Loyalist College and choose to arrive before the mandatory annual health insurance policy is in effect, will not have coverage.  Students will be completely responsible for the total cost of any medical care required in Canada. 

It is important to check with the airline to ensure you understand baggage allowances and item restrictions.  Electrical currents in Canada are different from most other countries, so it may be better to purchase electronic appliances within Canada.  Please do not place anything of value in your luggage (money, jewelry, etc.) and be sure to carry it with you at all times.

For a complete list of what you can and cannot bring into Canada, please refer to cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

The following is a suggested list only.  Some items you may prefer to purchase upon arrival in Canada due to size and weight.

• Pillows, bedding, towels, etc.
• Personal hygiene items
• Clothing for Canadian weather, which can vary from below zero to 100 degrees depending on the season
• Informal clothing for class – both men and women wear slacks, blue jeans, sweatpants, etc.
• More formal clothing just in case – dress or skirt for women, shirt and tie or suit for men
• National dress, instruments, or other traditional material for international activities
• Outdoor clothing such as light/heavy coats, rainwear, umbrella, hat, scarf and gloves
• Pictures of family or other things you love from home, for comfort and encouragement
• Medicine until you become familiar with what is available in Canada or for pre-existing conditions
• Prescription, doctor’s instructions or medicine with English translation, if necessary
• Record of immunization and medical records * see below
• Favourite spices or any non-perishable foods
• Laptop for your program (Loyalist College does not provide laptops)
• Canadian currency to cover immediate costs such as rent, textbooks or groceries (we recommend at least $800 CAD) * see below
• Credit Card – for emergencies and unexpected costs

Immunizations: 

Some programs as part of the admissions requirements and to meet legislation for placement in various community facilities, require the submission of the Loyalist College Immunization Record.  This must be completed and returned directly to the Health Centre.  It is advisable for all international students to bring proof of immunization and medical records to Canada regardless of whether it is a requirement of your program.

Currency: 

When you arrive in Canada, try to have at least $400 – $800 (CAD or USD) in cash. A currency exchange service is usually available at the Toronto airport from 5 – 12 am. We also recommend that you carry enough travellers’ cheques or bank drafts to cover at least your first month’s expenses, as there will be extra costs in the first month (such as rental, damage deposits and books) and this can amount to $1,000 – $2,000 CAD for a single student. Do not depend on bank cards etc. as your only source of cash. Sometimes banks will put a hold on funds for a few weeks; it is very important that you can access money for your rent and living expenses right away.

It is recommended to bring emergency personal items in your carry-on in the event that your luggage temporarily does not meet you at your destination in Canada.

Students are not required to use ArriveCAN or submit vaccination details as of October 1, 2022 however, if a student is flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport it is recommended to still use the ArriveCAN customs and immigration feature to save time upon arrival.

Document Checklist:

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
• Proof of Tuition Payment
• Valid Passport and Letter of Introduction (study permit authorization)
• Semester Schedule (if available)
• Letters of Reference or any other documents the visa office told you to bring (not required if you were not instructed)
• GIC Proof – confirming living expenses (only applicable to SDS applicants)
• Valid Immigration Medical Exam results
• myLoyalist portal login credentials – you may be requested to log in at the port of entry
• Address of where you will be staying in Canada
• Airport pickup details

We recommended that you print each item above and have available in your carry-on bag.

Loyalist College will no longer be providing travel documents for entry to Canada. 

The weather in Canada, especially in Ontario, can change quickly. It is highly recommended to check the weather forecast prior to departure from your home country, so you are dressed appropriately. There are a number of apps that you can get for your smart phone or you can visit The Weather Network for more information.

Belleville Campus Students:

If you have questions about traveling to Canada, we encourage you to attend a live Pre-Departure Arrival Information Session.

Sessions are held every Wednesday from March 1, 2023, to May 3, 2023, at 9:30 am Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Meeting Details:
Time: 9:30 am EST
Meeting ID: 816 5316 6110
Passcode: Q5M4S7
Join Zoom Meeting

We recommend students complete this interactive module to support planning and arrival in Canada.

Click the link below for a quick and interactive module to assist you in planning your travel to Canada and attending Loyalist College. 

Pre-Arrival Module

Spring 2023 - Loyalist College On-Campus Residence

The Loyalist College On-Campus Residence is $1,700/Spring semester.  There is limited availability for Spring 2023 for the Residence.  Applications for consideration must be submitted no later than March 15, 2023.  Applying will have your name added to the waitlist but does not guarantee that a space will become available. Room confirmation emails will be sent on March 20, 2023.  The Residence Move-In Day is scheduled for May 7, 2023.  An earlier move in date will not be possible.

To apply to Residence, a non-refundable $50 application fee is required to be paid and the application is to be completed online. Information on how to apply can be found here: Apply to Residence : Loyalist College

Please email to residence@loyalistcollege.com or visit the Frequently Asked Questions section on myRez on your student portal for more information.

Learn more about our housing options here:

Housing Options

We understand that having a comfortable place to live while attending Loyalist College is important however finding a place of your own for the first time can be a challenge. Students are able to explore and arrange their own Housing Options independent of Loyalist College.

Temporary Housing: Upon arrival in Canada, accommodations can be arranged in advance for students to stay at a local hotel for three days at no charge as they navigate the community looking for longer-term accommodations.

Rooms within the hotel are shared with other Loyalist College students of the same gender for three nights only. Additional nights at a hotel can be arranged if required but the cost of each night will be the responsibility of the student. The College will not pay for hotel rooms beyond the free three nights.

To request your three-day stay in a local hotel, please email: international@loyalistcollege.com

Students who have an assigned room in our On-Campus Residence, should plan to arrive as close to move-in day as possible to avoid additional expenses to live in Canada until the Residence Move In Day on May 7, 2023.

Please note: The cost of a lower flight will not compensate for the cost of living in the hotel at your own expense.

AIRPORT PICKUP - Belleville Campus:

Please keep in mind that staff will need at least five business days' notice to make the necessary pick-up arrangements prior to your arrival in Canada.

If you require airport pick-up, please fill out the online webform with all the required arrival information at least five business days before your arrival date. Staff will make the necessary arrangements and once confirmed, you will receive an email with all of the details regarding airport pickup to print and bring with you during your travels. The driver will be provided with your phone number to contact you directly at the airport to ensure connection. Service fees will be added to your Loyalist College student account for payment after arrival.

Airport Pickup to Belleville - $150.00 CAD:

Airport pickup is available direct from Toronto airport to Belleville for this special rate. This service allows for two pieces of luggage only – any additional luggage would need to confirm in advance and each bag would be an additional $30 CAD.

Please note: a cancellation fee will apply for late cancellations, the service fee will be automatically added to your student account at Loyalist College (based on address in Belleville).

All Spring 2023 programs will be delivered in-person, students must have a study permit and be present in Canada by the registration deadline. In-person learning is the ideal learning environment for students and specifically for international students new to Canada.

For general information about the SIN and to learn how to apply, go to Social Insurance Number. To find the address of the Service Canada Centre in Belleville, go to Service Canada Office.

To Be Confirmed – SIN Clinic dates on campus at Loyalist college – Belleville.

Sessions are held every Wednesday from March 22 , 2023, to May 17, 2023, at 9:30 am Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 946 5318 6743
Passcode: LCIT4000

Click the link below for a quick and interactive module to assist you in planning your travel to Canada and attending Loyalist College. 

Pre-Arrival Module

Student Housing Support Form

We understand that having a comfortable place to live while attending College is important. However, finding your own place for the first time can be challenging. The college is in North York, and it is recommended to find a residence near the college to help you succeed in college life. Many students may have family and friends in the Brampton area, but this is a long commute to the campus.

Housing options within Toronto or surrounding communities can vary by the type of accommodation (private or shared) but also in the price range. Students should budget to spend between $700 – $1000 CAD per month, plus personal expenses. Students can find their own off-campus accommodation using the following websites:

Places4Students - Kijiji - Facebook - Marketplace. Disclaimer - Loyalist College is in no way responsible or liable for any contact, or contents thereof, made as a result of disclosing or responding to an email address or any other personal information. The College cannot and does not accept responsibility for housing arrangements made by persons using the site.

Please contact studentsuccess@tbcollege.com to learn about housing options to fit your preference and budget.

When you exit the Toronto airport there will be a number of local services that will be able to take you to your destination in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) eg: taxis, buses, private drivers etc. Airport staff will be available to assist you upon arrival.

To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits, you need a 9-digit Social Insurance Number (SIN) issued by Service Canada. 

Service Canada will host a free informational webinar on  April 11 at 10:30 am EST for any student to join. Please kindly log in 15 minutes prior to the start time and join the Zoom webinar:  

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 913 4272 4925
Passcode: 377830