Whether you will be staying in Canada, travelling abroad or arriving in Canada for the first time over the Winter break, please read the information below carefully.
If you have questions about the information on this page or otherwise, please join a drop-in virtual immigration advising session until December 23, 2024. You can find the times and dates on the York International Events Calendar.
Important Contacts During the Winter Break
Contact an International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialist
Please note that during the winter closure, our team of international student advisors and immigration specialists will monitor emails addressed to iadvisor@yorku.ca and provide responses to emergency requests only, such as if you are out of legal status, soon to be out of legal status, facing removal or an issue at the port of entry/upon arrival.
Non-urgent calls or emails will be responded to once the University re-opens on January 2, 2025.
Contact IRCC from within Canada
Contact IRCC online or from abroad
Questions about entering Canada from abroad or crossing the Canada/US border
Health and Safety
Travelling: New or Current Students
I am travelling to Canada
When you travel to Canada, you must bring:
- A valid study permit (current students) OR a port of entry or letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit (newly admitted students). Exchange students who intend to study in Canada for less than six months may enter using a valid visa or eTA.
- Your letter of acceptance available in MyFile (new students only).
- A copy of your letter of enrolment (all students).
- Proof of financial support (as many documents as possible) to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
- New students are encouraged to view the pre-arrival webinar on travelling to Canada.
A Canada Border Services Agent (CBSA) will make the final decision on whether you are eligible to enter Canada. In the rare instance that you face an issue at the port of entry, please email iadvisor@yorku.ca and title your subject line, “URGENT: Issue at POE”. The International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialist team will be monitoring the inbox during the holiday closure and responding to urgent matters only.
I am leaving Canada during the winter break
- Have you checked the travel advisory? See the Government of Canada's travel advice and advisories.
- Do you have a valid passport?
- How much time do you have left on your study permit? If your study permit will expire while you are abroad or you are on implied status, speak to an international student advisor before making travel plans.
- Do you have the proper travel documents? To return to Canada, you need a valid visa or eTA. You may also need documents to enter the country you will be visiting. York University does not issue any documentation to students seeking to depart the country. It is your responsibility to check with your airline(s) and the country you are traveling to regarding any required documentation or other actions necessary for travel and entry to your destination.
- Have you consumed cannabis recently? Although marijuana is legal in Canada, it remains illegal in many other countries. Know the laws and the impacts they could have on you before you travel.
- Do you have health insurance?
If you have questions about the above or otherwise, please visit our drop-in advising sessions held in-person and virtually until December 23, 2024. You can find the dates and times on the York International Events Calendar. Alternatively, you can email iadvisor@yorku.ca.
