Your Arrival in Vancouver

We can’t wait for you to arrive in Vancouver! You must plan to arrive in time to join Orientation and your first day of class.

Before departing home

Once you have scheduled your arrival in Vancouver, we recommend you meet online with one of our Student Success Advisors to discuss your arrival plans and get answers to any questions you may have. We’ll also host live webinars prior to your start date to help prepare you for your first term. Check your emails as your intake date approaches so you can register to attend.

What to pack

Pack these items in your carry-on bag:

• Letter of Introduction confirming study permit approval from Canadian Embassy

• FIC Files (Letter of Offer, Letter of Acceptance, and FIC fee receipt)

• Visa Files (proof of funds such as parents’ or sponsors’ bank statements and temporary resident visa if required)

• Passport

• Additional ID with photo and proof of age

• Contact numbers and addresses (for both your home and in Vancouver, including accommodations and airport pick-up contact information)

• Money (credit card and approximately C$200 in cash)

• Health insurance information (including early arrival coverage if required)

Other useful items to pack:

• Original academic certificates & transcripts

• Adaptors (electrical systems in Canada are 110 volts)

• Medical records and other immunization records

• Prescription medication

• Bed sheets and towels (if your housing arrangements require you to bring your own)

• Clothing & toiletries (check the weather before you depart to know what to expect!)

• Casual clothing (jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, etc.)

• Very warm winter coat, gloves/mitts, hat, scarf, sweaters (for -15C and colder)

• Warm spring/fall jacket (for -10 to +15C weather) and clothing for summer (for +20 to +30C and warmer)

• Cultural clothing or more formal wear for special occasions, if desired

• Sportswear and running shoes for the Active Living Centre and swimming pool on campus (membership included in your fees)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Insulated boots for cold weather

Arriving in Canada

Upon arrival in Canada, you will go through Immigration and speak with a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They will ask for your passport and will likely ask you some questions such as:

• What is the purpose of your visit?
  To study at the Fraser International College.

• Show the officer your Letter of Offer and Letter of Acceptance from FIC, along with the Letter of Introduction that you received when your study permit application was approved.

• How much money do you have with you? Ensure you have proof of access to funds to pay for your tuition and living expenses for at least one year (this can be your parents’ or sponsors’ bank statements), as well as your fee receipt(s) from FIC.

You can request a translator for assistance.

Your Study Permit will also be issued at your first port of arrival into Canada. Be sure to check your Study Permit details to ensure your information is correct.

Once through Border Security, you will collect your baggage and proceed to the next CBSA checkpoint to clear customs. This is where you will give the officer your completed Declaration Card. There are detailed rules about what you may bring into Canada. Some items may be subject to duty, taxes, restrictions, or even be prohibited. A review of current customs regulations should be done prior to leaving home. For more information, please visit the Canada Border Service Agency website.