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Travel Readiness

Below you will find information on how to prepare yourself to travel to Canada.

If you are an international student planning on travelling to Canada, please register for one of our Pre-Orientation Support Sessions.

Pre-Orientation Support Sessions

Winter 2025 recommended Arrival Window
is December 11th, 2024 to January 08th, 2025

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about these deadlines.

Seats for the January 2025 intake are limited. If you do not believe you will receive your Visa Stamp, LOI, or Study Permit by the above dates, prompt deferral is required to secure your spot for the next available intake for your program. You can read more about the deferral process here.

Students should only travel within the recommended arrival window that has been indicated. If you have booked outside of the recommended dates, it is recommended that you reschedule your flight.

No accommodation will be made by Algoma University to remedy any negative academic and/or financial outcomes that arise from choosing to travel outside of the supported dates.

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
  • COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
  • Quarantine, after you enter Canada, is not required
  • Using ArriveCAN is not required
    • if you’re flying into Toronto Pearson, Vancouver or Montréal-Trudeau international airports, you can still use ArriveCAN to complete your Advance CBSA Declaration to save time upon arrival
  • Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
  • As always, travel documents are required
  • Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
  • Wearing masks on planes and trains is not required
    • It’s still strongly recommended that you wear a high-quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you shouldn’t travel to Canada. If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should:

  • Inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
  • Avoid taking public transportation
  • Check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19

 

For more information, click here.

First Year Domestic Students

Are you a first-year domestic student? Follow these simple steps to help you get started.

International Students

Are you an international student? Follow these simple steps to help you get started.

Anishinaabe Students

Are you an Anishinaabe student? Follow these simple steps to help you get started.

Certificate Students

Are you an international or domestic certificate student? Follow these simple steps to help you get started.

College Transfer Students

Are you a college transfer student? Follow these simple steps to help you get started.

  • Valid Passport
  • Valid Temporary Resident Visa(TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
  • ValidStudy Permit Permit Approval Letter/Letter of Introduction(LOI) or valid Study Permit
    • Please note, once you have received your Passport Request, LOI, or Study Permit: 
  • Letter of Acceptance 
      • In order for you to receive your Final Letter of Acceptance
        1. Make sure you have submitted all visa-related documents via the Study Visa Document Submission Form.
          • Please ensure to follow up with our International Admission team once you have submitted your documents. ([email protected])  
        2. Make sure you have paid your deposit and ensure that you have received confirmation from our Accounts department.
Accommodation

Residence

On campus residence is available on the Sault Ste. Marie Campus only. For more information visit our Housing Webpage.

Housing

If you want to live off campus, please visit this webpage for more information.

Student at bank
Banking

Before moving to Canada, you can do some initial research on the Canadian banking industry. Click here to learn more about the banking options available to you here in Canada.

student on computer
Technical Issues

If you are a new student of Algoma U and are having issues accessing your Student Portal and/or your Algoma University email account, please visit our Information Technology (IT) Student FAQs page.

student on cell phone
Sim Card & Phone Plans

As an international student, having a phone plan is essential when in Canada. Telecom companies in Canada offer many plans and packages. Click below to learn more about Canadian sim cards and phone plans.

Student unpacking
Long-Term Accommodation

Depending on which campus you are moving to, it can take a while to find long-term accommodation. Click below to learn more about looking for long-term accommodation.

Student in winter coat
Preparing for Winters in Canada

As an international student, it is important that you are prepared for your first winter in Canada. Click below to learn more about preparing for your first Canadian winter.

Student with snowy toque
Dress in Layers for Winter

Dressing in layers is important when living in Canada. Click below to learn more about what you should buy and wear during the winter months here in Canada!