Expatriation: 8 documents to enter Canada

After hours of preparation, interviews and paperwork, this is it! You are finally ready to leave for the experience of a lifetime in Canada! 🤩

In the excitement of departure, it would be a shame to forget documents preventing you from leaving...

That's why we offer you a little recap of the official papers and documents to have on you at the airport for a serene departure and a (almost) pressure-free passage in front of the immigration agents!

8 official documents to have on hand at the airport when you move to France

In order to prepare for the big departure, gather all your official documents or certified copies.

Please note! Our team offers you a checklist including the main documents to prepare, but keep in mind thatit is not an exhaustive list as each person's situation is unique.as each person's situation is unique. It is therefore your responsibility to assemble all the elements required by the authorities.

1. Your plane ticket 🛫

You will agree with us, your plane ticket is essential for any trip, whether it is for an expatriate stay or not. Try not to keep it too far away!

2. Your passport 🛂

Your passport is also essential. Before leaving, remember to check if it is valid throughout your expatriation stay.

If you are in a particular situation with your passport, don't hesitate to read our article on the different problematic situations with a passport when applying for an EIC permit.

3. A negative PCR test less than 72 hours old (if you are not fully vaccinated)🧑⚕️

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is necessary that you have a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to your departure, in case you are not double vaccinated. Rest assured, the PCR test is simple to do and recommended for all travelers.

Get more information on why and how to get tested for Covid-19.

On the other hand, if you have received all the vaccine doses required by the Government of Canada, you may be exempt from this process. As the situation can change at any time, we advise you to validate this aspect just before your departure.

4. The ArriveCan application 📱

ArriveCan is an application that lists all your mandatory travel information while in Canada. This application will also serve you on a daily basis during your quarantine, as it will allow you to provide a self-assessment of your health.

To use it, you must have the ArriveCAN app(Android/IOS) downloaded on one of your devices. You will then be able to fill out the questionnaire about your intentions in Canada and enter information about your flight.

5. Your letter of introduction related to your work permit 📨

Also known as a port of entry letter, letter of correspondence or letter of introduction, this document is what allows you to prove to immigration officials that you have applied for a permit and that you have received a positive opinion from Canada Immigration.

You will present it to the immigration services at the airport. Normally, after a quick assessment, they will give you your official permit. You can submit an electronic version of the document.

For more information on the letter of introduction, you can follow the link to the FAQ on the Immigration Canada website.

6. A proof of funds 💰

Your proof of funds is important as it serves to prove that you have sufficient funds in all your bank accounts to live in Canada for a minimum of three months and pay for a return ticket, if necessary.

Theamount of this proof must be at least 2500$ CAN, that is, 1700€. This proof must normally be issued no later than one week before your departure.

To obtain a proof of funds, you will have to ask your bank advisor either in France or in Canada. If you pre-open an account in a Canadian bank, you can consult our article on banks in Canada.

Remember that if you enter the country with more than $10,000 CDN or more, you will have to declare it to customs.

7. Your job offer and a letter from your employer 📃

At this time, it is prudent to have the job offer (or promise of employment), as well as a letter from your Canadian employer indicating that you are still expected to work despite the health situation and that the company is still in business.  

8. Your health insurance ⚕️

Health insurance is a point on which the immigration services are very careful. It is therefore necessary that you are able to present a document attesting that you are covered throughout your stay by a health insurance.

For a more in-depth explanation of insurance during an expatriation, you can read our article for EIC permits detailing the different insurances on the market.

Are you missing a document?

No stress. Check out our article on the steps to take before a trip to Canada. It's time for you to know the essentials for a "tiguidou" (translated as "perfect") departure 😉

The Talentech team wishes you a pleasant stay!

And that concludes our list of things to have on you at the airport during your expatriation. Normally, everything should go smoothly at customs and immigration!

Visit the official website of the Government of Canada for more information on how to prepare your arrival in Canada under the International Experience Canada program.

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