The moment you see those words — "Your study permit has been approved" — is one you will never forget. After months of gathering documents, waiting, and wondering, it is finally real. Canada is waiting for you.

But once the excitement settles, a very practical question takes over: what do I actually do now?

Before You Board the Plane

Your approval letter is important, but it is not your actual study permit. That document is issued at the port of entry (POE) — the airport or border crossing where you first arrive in Canada. Before you travel, make sure you have the following ready:

• Your letter of introduction from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)

• Your valid passport

• Your letter of acceptance from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — the government-approved school you will be attending

• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies

• Any additional documents listed in your approval letter

Keep both physical copies and digital backups of everything. Arriving unprepared at the border creates delays and unnecessary stress at an already big moment.

What Every International Student Should Expect at the Canadian Border

When you arrive, a Canada Border Services Agency officer will review your documents and officially issue your study permit. This is a standard process, but it is important to answer every question honestly and clearly.

Your study permit will show the conditions attached to it — including your program end date, your work eligibility, and any restrictions on your status. Read every word on that document before you leave the port of entry. This is not a formality — it is a legally binding document that governs your time in Canada.

Your First Weeks as an International Student in Canada — The Essentials

Those first two weeks can feel like a whirlwind. Here is what to prioritize so you start on solid footing:

• Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — this nine-digit number is required to work legally in Canada and to file taxes. You can apply at any Service Canada location.

• Open a Canadian bank account — most major banks offer student accounts with low or no fees. Bring your passport, study permit, and acceptance letter.

• Register for provincial health coverage — each province runs its own health plan, and waiting periods apply in some cases. In British Columbia, for example, there is a three-month waiting period — arrange private health insurance to cover that gap.

• Confirm your enrollment at your school — some institutions require you to officially confirm attendance before classes begin. Do not assume it happens automatically.

Rules Every International Student in Canada Must Know in 2026

This is where many students unknowingly run into trouble. Your study permit comes with conditions that must be followed throughout your time in Canada — and breaching them, even accidentally, can affect your future immigration options.

Key rules to understand:

• You must remain actively enrolled full-time at your DLI for the majority of your program

• As of recent IRCC updates, you may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions — always verify the current rule with a licensed professional, as policies can change

• You may work full-time during scheduled academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays

• If you are considering switching schools, seek professional guidance before doing so — it may affect your study permit conditions and, critically, your future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit

Think Ahead: Your Path from International Student to Permanent Resident

Here is something worth knowing on day one: your study permit is not just about studying. It is the foundation of a much bigger journey.

After graduating from an eligible DLI, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years. The PGWP is one of the most powerful tools available for building the Canadian work experience required to apply for permanent residency through pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.

The decisions you make as a student — your program your school, how you use your work hours — all shape your future immigration options. Starting to plan early gives you a significant advantage.

Canada Is Just the Beginning

Your study permit approval is not the destination. It is the starting point of an extraordinary chapter — one that, with the right support and planning, can lead all the way to a permanent life in Canada.

At Elbrus Immigration Inc., we support international students from their very first application through to graduation, PGWP, and permanent residency planning. Every step of the journey, we are with you.

Navigating Canada's immigration system can be complex — but you don't have to do it alone. Book a consultation with Elbrus Immigration Inc. today and let us help you make the most of every opportunity Canada has to offer.