9. Welcome to Montreal

Considerations for an arrival in the Fall 2026 term

Immigration documents required to enter Canada

Here is what you need:

Students in a degree-granting program (Bachelor's, DESS, Master's, double degree and PhD) and two-terms exchanges:
-Passport;
-Letter attesting to the issuance of the CAQ for studies for the appropriate level at Polytechnique Montréal;
-Study permit approval: your application must have been processed and approved based on your offer of admission to Polytechnique Montréal;
-Temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Students on exchange for one term:
-Passport, TRV or eTA
OR
-Passport, letter attesting to the issuance of the CAQ for studies for the appropriate level at Polytechnique Montréal, study permit processed and approved based on your offer of admission to Polytechnique Montréal , TRV or eTA
Everyone: You have to hold a valid Offer of Admission for Fall 2026 and either be registered to that term or intend to register.

If you do not have all the necessary documents, we strongly advise against coming to Canada, as you may be refused entry. In addition, please note that Polytechnique will not be able to maintain your registration for the current term if you are unable to provide valid immigration documents by the course selection change deadline, on September 8.

To know more on the immigration process

Start of the term and deadline to arrive in Canada

Courses start on August 24. We recommend that you arrive between two and four weeks before classes start, to give yourself time to get settled in Montreal and take part in our welcome activities. This will enable you to start your program in the best possible conditions.
You must have submitted your study plan and registered your courses in your student file before the deadline.
You must arrive in Canada no later than September 8, without exception, in order to maintain your registration for the summer term. If you are unable to arrive by this date, you will have to defer your admission to the following term, should this option be available to you. Students whose offer of admission is no longer valid must submit a new application before the deadline
Important! If you have to postpone the start of your program or reapply for admission, you should also postpone your arrival in Canada. Immigration regulations require that international students begin full-time studies as soon as they arrive. Failure to do so may result in:
Refusal of entry upon arrival in Canada
Refusal of a future application to extend your stay.
Please also note that it is strictly forbidden to work in Canada before the start of your program.

Considerations for an arrival in the Winter 2027 term

Immigration documents required to enter Canada

Here is what you need:

Students in a degree-granting program (Bachelor's, DESS, Master's, double degree and PhD) and two-terms exchanges:
-Passport;
-Letter attesting to the issuance of the CAQ for studies for the appropriate level at Polytechnique Montréal;
-Study permit approval: your application must have been processed and approved based on your offer of admission to Polytechnique Montréal;
-Temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Students on exchange for one term:
-Passport, TRV or eTA
OR
-Passport, letter attesting to the issuance of the CAQ for studies for the appropriate level at Polytechnique Montréal, study permit processed and approved based on your offer of admission to Polytechnique Montréal , TRV or eTA
Everyone: You have to hold a valid Offer of Admission for Winter 2027 and either be registered to that term or intend to register.

If you do not have all the necessary documents, we strongly advise against coming to Canada, as you may be refused entry. In addition, please note that Polytechnique will not be able to maintain your registration for the current term if you are unable to provide valid immigration documents by the course selection change deadline, on September 8.

To know more on the immigration process

Start of the term and deadline to arrive in Canada

Courses start on January 6. We recommend that you arrive between two and four weeks before classes start, to give yourself time to get settled in Montreal and take part in our welcome activities. This will enable you to start your program in the best possible conditions.
You must have submitted your study plan and registered your courses in your student file before the deadline.
You must arrive in Canada no later than January 20, without exception, in order to maintain your registration for the summer term. If you are unable to arrive by this date, you will have to defer your admission to the following term, should this option be available to you. Students whose offer of admission is no longer valid must submit a new application before the deadline
Important! If you have to postpone the start of your program or reapply for admission, you should also postpone your arrival in Canada. Immigration regulations require that international students begin full-time studies as soon as they arrive. Failure to do so may result in:
Refusal of entry upon arrival in Canada
Refusal of a future application to extend your stay.
Please also note that it is strictly forbidden to work in Canada before the start of your program.

PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATIONS AND ENTRY TO CANADA

The final decision on whether or not you will be admitted to Canada as a student rests with the border services officer you will meet, even if your application has previously been approved by a visa office. The officer must understand that you are a bona fide student. You can demonstrate this by presenting the following documents:

Your immigration documents;
Your Polytechnique Montréal Letter of Admission and if you have already been able to make your course choice, a confirmation of enrolment generated through your online student file;
Recent proofs of financial capacity to demonstrate that you will be able to provide for yourself during your stay, and other relevant documents mentionned in the "Packing your bags" section of our website;
The address of your temporary accommodation in Montreal (or permanent, if already found). You will find more information on housing search by visiting this section of our sit e.

We recommend that you have the printed version of your documents on hand to facilitate the processing of your application.

Also have an electronic tool (phone, laptop) in working order. When you arrive, connect to the airport's free wireless network, as the border services officer may ask you to access your Polytechnique online student file or any other relevant account (i.e. IRCC secure account, MIFI online account). Make sure you have your access codes for these accounts at hand.

Documents to be provided to the Registrar's Office upon arrival

Do not forget to send a copy of your immigration documents to the Registrar's Office upon your arrival in Canada. Consult the New Student Journey according to your program for more information.

Students who are eligible to an exemption from the mandatory insurances for international students (AMHPEI) must also send proof of their exemption to the Registrar's Office.

International Students