International Students

9. Welcome to Montreal

Last update: June 25, 2025

 

📢 To help you prepare for your arrival, register for our Entry to Canada webinar on July 24 at 10:30 a.m.

 

Considerations for an arrival in the Fall 2025 term
Immigration documents required to enter Canada

​​​​​​Here is what you need:

  • Students in a degree-granting program (Bachelor's, DESS, Master's, 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,  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 2025 and either be registered to that term or intend to register.

If you do not have all the necessary documents, do not come to Canada, as you will most likely be refused entry.  Please note that it is no longer possible to obtain a study permit by presenting a letter of introduction at a land border crossing between Canada and the United States (commonly referred to as “flagpoling”).  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, which is September 9.

To know more on the immigration process

Start of the term and deadline to arrive in Canada
  • Classes begin on August 25. We recommend that you arrive between two and four weeks before classes begin so that you have time to settle in Montreal. This will allow you to participate in welcome activities and start your program under the best conditions.
  • You must have completed your registration and all related academic procedures before the deadlines.
  • In the event of a delay in the issuance of immigration documents, Polytechnique will allow new international students to arrive no later than September 9.  Please note that we strongly advise against late arrivals, given the negative impact this could have on your personal and academic integration.  Please note that the School does not make any special accommodations for missed assessments due to delays.

    Students in degree programs (excluding double degrees):
    -If you are unable to arrive before the deadline or would prefer to postpone the start of your program so that you can begin under the right conditions, you will need to defer your admission:
    Instructions for deferring a bachelor's degree
    Instructions for deferring a graduate degree

    Students whose admission offer is no longer valid must submit a new application for admission before the deadline.

    Exchange and double degree students:
    -If you are unable to arrive by this date, you must contact the exchange program coordinator immediately.

Important If you need to postpone the start of your program or submit a new application for admission, you must also postpone your arrival in Canada. Immigration regulations require international students to begin studying full-time as soon as they arrive. Failure to comply with this rule 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 prohibited 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:

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 (ASHEE) must also send proof of their exemption to the Registrar's Office.