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:

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. You can monitor updates on the Information for International Students web page.

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

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 13, 2024, to May 1, 2024, at 9:30 am Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Please click here to join the Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 929 5527 6935
Passcode: 671317

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

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.

A SIN information session will be held online on March 27, 2024 from 11 am to 12 pm.

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here to join the Zoom Session

Meeting ID: 981 3079 7234

Passcode: 919482

Service Canada will be on campus at Loyalist College in Toronto to issue Social Insurance Numbers to new arriving students on Monday April 29, 2024 10 am to 3 pm .

Service will be offered first-come-first serve for students with the documents below. Photocopies or electronic versions will not be accepted.

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

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
  
  Loyalist College in Toronto provides a range of resources to assist our students with finding suitable housing and living accommodations. Please contact housingsupport@tbcollege.com to learn about housing options to fit your preference and budget.
  
  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 people using the site.

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.

Whether you are in the planning phase or have recently relocated, our guide is designed to provide invaluable insights into key areas. From ensuring your children are appropriately immunized to navigating insurance applications, optimizing long-distance travel with children, exploring post-arrival childcare solutions, and delving into pertinent school information, this module serves to provide useful information in facilitating a seamless and well-informed journey for you and your family.

Bringing Your Dependent Children to Canada Module

Phone Plans: We are pleased to partner PhoneBox, a telecommunication company whose products are tailored to the needs of international students. Phonebox offers Canadian cell phone plans, starting at just $35/month, with no contractual commitments. Plans are available to both international students and Canadian host families. 

You can get a SIM card delivered for FREE anywhere in the world. 

How can I register for a PhoneBox phone number? 

To sign up, visit: prepaid.gophonebox.com This unique link is just for Loyalist College students, eliminating the $10 SIM card charge.

If you have any questions, please contact services@gophonebox.com.

To learn more about PhoneBox, please visit www.gophonebox.com. 

Campus Tour – Join us to experience firsthand the vibrant atmosphere of our campus and get a glimpse of student life at Loyalist College in Toronto. Don't miss this opportunity to explore our exceptional facilities and envision yourself as part of a thriving student community. 

Please book a time slot if you would like to have a campus tour Campus Tour Booking Calendar