Your to-do list before going to Canada

Gather all the documents you may have to show upon arriving in Canada

Your valid passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. If your passport is due to expire soon, it’s best to apply for a new one before you leave. In this case, keep a copy of the passport you used when you applied for the IEC permit, as well as a copy of the renewal passport application.

Remember, if you renewed your passport after receiving the IEC Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) linked to your former passport will no longer be valid. You must apply for a new eTA, otherwise you may be denied boarding on your flight.

You must have at least one blank (unused) page in your passport that Canadian authorities will use to affix your work permit (Working Holiday, Young Professional or International Co-op).

It’s always a good idea to scan important pages of your passport (ID page, visa pages, etc.) and email these copies to make replacement easier in case of loss or theft. And while you’re at it, scan all your important documents and forms of ID. A digital backup is probably the safest and easiest way to save your information but since identity theft is an issue, make sure to use a secure online service.

Your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction

You must show this letter to officials at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada to get your IEC work permit. You must enter Canada before the date written on the letter. If you have lost it, here is how to get a new copy of your POE Letter.

Proof of health insurance

You must show proof of health insurance (covering medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation). Your insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. If your insurance policy is valid for less time than your expected stay in Canada, your work permit will be issued for the same length of time as your insurance. We’ve heard of travellers who were issued a three-month or six-month work permit because they didn’t buy enough insurance—the permit can’t be extended or renewed once this mistake has been made.

Proof of funds

You must present a bank statement issued no more than one week before you travel to Canada. You can usually get a bank statement from your local ATM, via your online banking, or ask a representative to issue one for you in one of your bank’s branches.

Upon arrival, you must have at least CA$2,500 (or the equivalent in a foreign currency) to support yourself for the first three months of your stay in Canada. If you don’t have a return ticket, you could be asked to show additional funds to prove you will be able to buy your own ticket back home.

Additional documents for International Co-op (Internship) participants. You must be able to show:

• A signed letter of offer or a signed contract of employment.
• Proof of additional financial resources to cover your expenses for the entire stay if you’re an unpaid International Co-op (Internship) participant.

Documents provided in the work permit application

Canadian authorities recommend bringing original copies of the documents you provided in your work permit application. If you had a medical exam or were asked to provide a police certificate, take these documents with you.

The Government of Canada’s Prepare for arrival page is the best up-to-date resource to check for the latest requirements.

Should I enlist the help of a settlement agency?

Keep in mind that this whole arrivals business—applying for a SIN, opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, etc.—is pretty straightforward. You shouldn’t need to pay for “arrival orientation services.” Just take it one step at the time and you’ll be fine!

Read our comprehensive step-by-step guide to get all the info you need.

If you go through an agency, you may be able to have your resume reviewed to be ready for job hunting upon arrival.