2026 Canada study permit and work permit- what happens when you arriving first time at Canadian border
If you’re coming to Canada for the first time on Canada study permit or work permit, it can be easier if you know what happens at the Canadian border after your arrival. Your immigration adventure really starts at your first port of entry, whether you’re traveling to study at a Canadian institution or beginning a new job as a temporary foreign worker.
In this blog I will provide a full guide to help you be ready for your arrival, avoid mistakes, and guarantee a smooth landing in Canada.
Table of contents
What happens when you reach an airport or land border in Canada?
When you enter Canada, the following steps are taken:
- Customs and immigration will be your next steps.
- Do your primary inspection at the KIOSK (PIK).
- An officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will greet you upon your initial entry into Canada.
- Your documents will be examined by a CBSA officer.
- You can be questioned regarding your itinerary and reason for visiting.
- Your Canada study permit or work permit will be issued immediately upon approval.
Anyone entering on a Canada study permit or work permit must go through this border interview.
What documents are required at the border for study and work permit holders?
When traveling to Canada, both temporary foreign employees and international students must provide the following documents:
- Your valid travel document, such as your passport.
- Evidence of funds.
- A visa or, if relevant, an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
- Your introduction letter (From IRCC).
- Your Canadian address and emergency contact details.
- For urgent expenses, a credit card or Canadian dollars.
Those who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon who are US citizens, holders of green cards, or French nationals are exempt from visas and ETAs; but they must provide documentation of their citizenship or permanent residence status.
A letter of introduction is not necessary for US residents or US green card holders, who can apply for their Canada study permit at the port of entry.
Depending on the type of permit you want to enter, you may require the following extra documents:
For Canada Study Permit – Valid medical exam results (if necessary), a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
For Canada Work Permit: Offer of Employment Number (for LMIA-exempt positions), CAQ if working in Quebec, job offer letter, LMIA approval (if applicable), proof of qualifications and work experience.
Make sure you bring these documents in your hand luggage rather than your checked bags to prevent delays or rejection at the border.
Click to know about Major immigration changes in Canada.
What type of questions will be asked in the CBSA Interview?
An official from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will question you at the port of entry. You will be instructed to wait in line to go through immigration and customs when you arrive at the airport.
The CBSA officer will review your documentation, ask you some questions, and determine if you meet Canada’s arrival rules. Additionally, it is their responsibility to verify that you want to become a temporary resident. This means conforming to the terms of your permission and departing Canada at the end of your permitted stay.
The CBSA officer will ask questions like:
• What is your purpose for visiting Canada?
• Which employer or school are you planning to attend?
• Do you have enough money to maintain yourself?
• Where are you going to stay?
• Do you intend to remain long-term?
The officer could refuse to grant your study or work permit if they are not convinced that you will likely depart Canada at the end of your permitted stay.
If you are accepted after the interview, the CBSA officer will grant you a Canada study or work permit. With this document, you can work or study in Canada as a temporary resident.
Be sure to double-check the permit in order to make any required changes or to ask any questions you may have (such as about the name of the educational institution, the permit’s expiration date, or any other issues).
Many students travel to Canada to pursue permanent residence (PR) and obtain a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) upon graduation. The idea of dual goal, which permits a foreign applicant for admission for both genuine temporary resident purpose and a desire to obtain immigration, is accepted by the IRCC.
If you are entering Canada through a port that is not your final destination, then schedule time during your domestic layover to get your first permit. You must get permission in the location of your initial entry, regardless of where you want to study or work in Canada.
Getting into Canada via a land border-The same interview procedure with a CBSA officer applies to temporary foreign workers and international students who enter Canada through land borders. You will normally be instructed to park and get out of your car if you are arriving in a private vehicle to enter a nearby building for your immigration officer interview.
Top tip – At the time of the interview give answers honesty ,stay calm and maintain confidence and assurance. Ask for assistance when needed. Because even a minor lie might result in rejection or a five-year restriction from entering Canada.
Avoid these typical errors when crossing into Canada.
Many first-time students and foreign workers make mistakes that can be avoided and might cause rejection. Here’s how to stay away from them:
Not declaring funds over $ 10,000.
• Declare if you have more than $10,000 in cash or its equivalent.
• It includes of traveler’s checks, money orders, and bank drafts.
• Even money earned lawfully may be taken if it is not declared.
Carrying a large quantity of prescription drugs
The amount of prescription drugs that can be imported for personal use is controlled by Canada.
- A 90-day supply of prescribed drugs is permitted in Canada.
- Always store medications in their original packaging.
- Bring a prescription or note from a doctor with your name.
- If a CBSA officer asks, be ready to explain the medical need.
Not declaring controlled substances.
Always verify whether Canadian law classifies your drug as a controlled substance.
Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act covers a lot of drugs. Even if the border services official doesn’t ask you directly, you still have to report any prescriptions you need to bring.
Additionally, must carry an official prescription written by a qualified doctor in your name. Bring the drug in its original hospital or drugstore packaging and bring only a personal supply, which might be either a 30-day supply or a single course of therapy, depending on the typical daily dosage.
Stimulants and opiates are some prescribed controlled medications.
Check all your drugs against Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to determine whether they include any of the hundreds of Substances that are prohibited. You also may need to know the name of the ingredient or substances in your medication in order to determine whether it is a prohibited substance.
Failure to Declare Prohibited or Restricted Items
You must declare:
• Animals, plant life, or food.
• Vape, alcohol, and tobacco goods.
• Firearms or weapons.
Items that are prohibited include:
- Cannabis (unless approved for medical purposes)
- Illegal substances
- Animals in pain
- Endangered species or products derived from them
How to obtain a SIN, or social insurance number?
People in Canada are given a nine-digit SIN to assist them in getting government benefits and for income tax purposes. If an international student wishes to work in Canada or receive any benefits, they must also have a SIN. On-site Service Canada centers at some airports enable both permanent and temporary residents to apply for their SIN as soon as they arrive.
The following airports have Service Canada centers:
- Pearson International Airport in Toronto.
- Trudeau International Airport in Montréal.
- Vancouver International Airport.
- Stanfield International Airport in Halifax.
- Calgary International Airport.
- Edmonton International Airport.
You can apply online after landing or at a Service Canada location outside the airport if you are unable to obtain your SIN at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can re-enter Canada on a valid work permit, but you also have some other documents, like A valid passport and a valid TRV or eTA. But your entry is never fully guaranteed because the final decision is made by the border officer.
No, Canada is not officially rejecting exactly “80% of Indian students” across all cases. But the claim is based on some 2025 reports showing very high refusal rates for Indian study permit applications during certain months. It is only because Canada tightened its international student policies, Stricter immigration controls, and fraud prevention measures, but genuine applicants are still being approved.
You can skip IELTS, but it depends on what you want to choose, because some PR Programs, like Family sponsorship and some specialized pathways, have fewer language requirements. For most Canadian PR programs, you still need an approved English- or French-language test, such as CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF, or TCF.
CELPIP is often considered easier than IELTS, but only for those who are familiar with Canadian or North American English. But it depends on your strengths. However, IELTS may suit you better if you have stronger academic English or prefer face-to-face speaking interviews.
Yes, you can immigrate to Canada without a job offer. Many people receive Canadian permanent residence without having an employment offer in advance. In Canada, Programs like Express Entry allow skilled workers to qualify based on education, language ability, and work experience, but having a job offer can improve your chances.
