Travel to Canada

Loyalist College students should book flights into the Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario.

The approximately driving distance from airport to Loyalist college campus:

• Main (Belleville Campus) - 2 hours
• Port Hope Campus - 1.5 hours
• Toronto Campus - 30 Minutes on Average

It is mandatory that all international students at every campus 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.

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

Please note that travel registration will be held in queue during the holiday closure December 22, 2023 until January 2, 2024. As staff are not working, they will not be processing travel registration or replying to emails. Students are encouraged to plan travel after January 2, 2024, and no travel during the college closure, when staff are not available for supports.

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 does not provide 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.

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

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

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 am - 10 pm. 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.

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:

• Valid 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)
• No criminal or immigration-related convictions
• Valid Immigration Medical Exam results
• myLoyalist portal login credentials – you may be requested to log in at the Departure & Canada's Airport
• Address of where you will be staying in Canada
• Airport pickup details

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

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

The cost of living in Canada can be very different than your home country and budget planning should be completed in advance of arriving in Canada.  As part of the immigration process, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they have sufficient funds to study in Canada and a plan.  There are employment opportunities but there is not a guarantee that you will secure work as soon as arriving.

A budget is a plan that helps students manage their money. It will help students figure out how much money they will get and spend during studies in Belleville. Expenses vary for each student as they depend on personal preference.

For students who are planning to bring dependants with them to Canada, it is student’s responsibility to make all appropriate arrangements for their arrival and settlement in Canada.  It is best that students have a plan for their dependants before arriving in Canada and before beginning their program as there is NO available daycare on campus, nor can children be left unattended on campus. 

Additional planning would include:

• Larger accommodations for families
• Extra family living expenses and cost of living in Ontario
• Dependent health insurance (Loyalist College only arranges insurance for students but can advise on how to purchase dependent insurance in Canada as medical care is very expensive
• Information regarding daycare and local school boards
• Understanding Canadian laws related to: child car seat safety, legal age for leaving children unsupervised etc.

Students bringing dependants should contact our International Centre to arrange a virtual discussion in advance of arriving in Canada. To arrange an appointment, please email: international@loyalistcollege.com

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.

FAQ: International Students

Please check the FAQ: International Students : Loyalist College/ for other common inquiries:

• Admissions
• Registration
• Payment
• MyLoyalist portal
• Class schedule
• Important dates

Join us for our in-person Orientation at Loyalist College in Belleville on January 5, 2024, specially designed for incoming Winter international students! Get the scoop on studying at Loyalist College and life in Canada. Plus, enjoy refreshments, win prizes, and receive essential information that will help you thrive this semester!

Fill out the Winter Orientation Registration form online:

REGISTER NOW

Can't make it on January 5? No worries! We've got you covered with a Late Arrival Orientation on January 17, 2024.

Late Arrival Orientation:

Meeting ID: 837 5710 3241
Passcode: 000000
Join Zoom meeting here

If you have further questions, please email: International@loyalistcollege.com or attend our weekly Pre-Departure sessions.

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 November 8, 2023, to December 20, 2023, at 10 am Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Meeting Details:
Time: 10 am EST
Meeting ID: 810 4535 5023
Passcode: 000000
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

Winter 2024 - Loyalist College On-Campus Residence

Winter 2024 Residence application is open. Students are required to apply directly to the Residence through the myLoyalist portal for an available room assignment on campus. 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

The Residence Move-In Day is scheduled for Sunday, January 7, 2024.  An earlier move in date will NOT be possible.

Please email 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

Please note:  a minimum of 72 hours notice is required for staff to make necessary arrangements for the three day stay.  Staff do not work on weekends and cannot respond to last minute requests for hotel stays. 

Please note: students should plan to arrive as close to the college start (January 9, 2024) as possible to avoid additional expenses to live in Canada. The cost of a lower flight will not compensate for the cost of living in the hotel at your own expense after the three day free hotel stay as you secure long housing. 

The College holiday closure starts from December 22, 2023, to January 2, 2024.

Students who arrive during the holiday closure and do not ask hotel reservation before December 22, 2023, will be required to make their own arrangements at local hotels by contacting hotels directly to ask about availability for their stay and the price per night as rates do vary (students pay for it). Anticipated cost would be per night, depending on the hotel. Each hotel can advise if breakfast is included but any other meals/refreshments would not be included. A credit card would be required for reservations. For payment as the complimentary stay is only if arranged in advance.

Hotel Options:

AIRPORT PICKUP - Belleville Campus:

For Airport Pickup, staff need at least five business days' notice during working hours to make the necessary arrangements prior to your travels to Canada. ** Please note that we will NOT process airport pickup requests that are submitted between December 22, 2023 and January 2, 2024.**

If you require this service, please fill out the online webform with all the required arrival information. 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. 

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 be confirmed in advance and each bag would be an additional $30 CAD.

Please note: A cancellation fee may apply for later arrivals/cancellations.

All service/extra fees for Airport Pickup will be added to your Loyalist College student account for payment after arrival.

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required to work in Canada. For general information about the SIN and how to apply, go to Social Insurance Number.

Service Canada will be on campus at Loyalist College in Belleville to issue Social Insurance Numbers to new students in January:

Date: January 5, 8 and 9, 2024
Location: The Career Centre
Time: 1 - 4 pm 

Service will be offered first-come-first-serve for students with documents below. Photocopy or electronic version will not be accepted.

• Original work permit / study permit that states “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada
• Original passport

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.

Fall Orientation details will be posted soon! Stay tuned and monitor your Loyalist College email. Orientation Week begins September 5.

Port Hope 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 Thursday at 9:30 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) from July 27 till August 31:

Meeting Details:
Time: Every Thursday 9:30 am EST
Meeting ID: 834 9517 1333
Passcode: 111111
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. 

September 19 Deadline: Students are required to be present in class on or before this date – 12 pm EST

Deadline:  Program withdrawals with refund of fees

GNED portal closes

Loyalist College does not have an on-campus Residence for the Port Hope campus but will be operating an off-campus Residence site with available beds. To Apply: Link will be available soon (Dominique to provide this link)

For more information related to housing in Port Hope, please email: residence@loyalistcollege.com

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 Port Hope - $150.00 CAD:

Airport pickup is available direct from Toronto airport to Port Hope 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 Port Hope).

For general information about the SIN and to learn how to apply, go to Social Insurance Number. More information related to our SIN Clinic will be posted soon.

Please continue to monitor for more information.