McMaster recommends that international students should not arrive in Canada more than four weeks before program start dates
If you choose to arrive earlier than four weeks before your program starts, you may be denied entry by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) if you do not have a valid reason for your early arrival. Contact CBSA for more information on how this may impact your arrival in Canada.
Please note that settling in Canada, finding a place to live and visiting a family member are not considered essential reasons to enter the country earlier than what is permitted.
If you are travelling early for medical, immigration and/or academic requirements, you must have documentation or a support letter that explains the reason(s) for your early arrival to provide to the CBSA when you arrive.
- Contact your Faculty office for more information on academic requirements and documentation that may impact your arrival date in Canada.
- If you have questions about immigration requirements, contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.
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