Pre-Orientation

Checklist

Student Affairs & Services

student.affairs@myucwest.ca
Last updated September 20, 2023.
Contents
Summary ................................................................................................................................... 2

Documentation Preparation ...................................................................................................... 3

Travel Documentation ............................................................................................................... 4

Travel Preparation ..................................................................................................................... 5

Additional preparation for travellers entering Canada from other countries ........................ 5

Travelling to Canada ................................................................................................................. 6

At the Border .......................................................................................................................... 6

After Arrival Checklist................................................................................................................ 7

Requirements from the Government of British Columbia .................................................... 7

Requirements from University Canada West ....................................................................... 7

Additional Recommendations to Consider............................................................................ 9

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Summary
This document is a checklist along with a set of instructions and guidelines for new students who
are planning to study at University Canada West, particularly international students who are
travelling to Vancouver from other countries.
It covers various aspects of preparation, documentation, travel and arrival; and it provides links to
necessary resources as well.
This document can also be used by UCW staff to assist and advise new students.

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Documentation Preparation
All students are responsible for providing the following documents as they will be asked to present
them in different stages of their transition.

ITEM DESCRIPTION
☐ Letter of This letter will be emailed to you from University
Acceptance/Admission Canada West.
(LOA) from UCW If you are a returning student, you can obtain your
Confirmation of Enrolment letter in the MyUCW Student
Portal under Registrar’s Office > Documents and Forms.

☐ Temporary Resident Visa A temporary resident visa (TRV) is an official

Electronic Travel
Authorization (eTA)
counterfoil document issued by a visa office that is
placed in a person’s passport to show they have met
the requirements for admission to Canada as a
temporary resident.
For more information, visit the following websites:
• What is a temporary resident visa (TRV)? |
Canada.ca
• eTA: Glossary | Canada.ca
For permanent residents of the US, visit equivalent
official proof of US status (if applicable).

☐ Two Pieces of ID Two pieces of identification documents, with at least one

having a photo (e.g., a valid passport).

☐ Official Transcript An official transcript is a SEALED/UNOPENED transcript

from your previous university or school.
The official transcript must be mailed by the issuing
institution directly to UCW (at the West Pender Campus,
located at 626 W Pender Street, Suite 100, Vancouver,
BC, Canada V5B 1V9) or emailed to
verifications@ucanwest.ca by the issuing office.
Students have the option to drop off an UNOPENED
transcript at the same mailing address.

☐ Official Certificate An official certificate is required as proof of the conferred

credential (degree, diploma, post-graduate diploma).
Acceptable proof can include a certified copy of the
graduation diploma, a letter from the graduation office or
an official transcript with a graduation comment. The
official certificate must be delivered to UCW. See
Official Transcript (above) for methods of delivery to
UCW.
Note that a provisional certificate is not acceptable
as a final document.

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Travel Documentation
If you are an international student travelling to Canada, specifically Vancouver, BC, you will need
to provide additional travel and study-related documents to the Border Control Officers upon your
arrival at the border for immigration purposes.
Ensure that these documents are in English, printed and easily accessible. Keep them in your
carry-on; do not check them in with your luggage! To be safe, have an extra copy or a digital copy
of the documents.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
☐ IRCC Letter This document will be sent from a visa office. To find more
of Introduction information, visit Glossary | Canada.ca.

☐ A Valid Passport
☐ Travel Documents
for Travel Companions
☐ Marriage Certificate
☐ Medical Records and
Immunization Records
☐ Travel Insurance
Documents
☐ Study Permit for
Minor Children
☐ Accommodation/Hotel
Confirmation
☐ Proof of Funds and
Financial Support
A recently issued travel document with a valid date of expiry.
For more information, visit Valid passports and other travel
documents needed to come to Canada | Canada.ca.
All your travel companions entering Canada with you must
have their own travel documents. Your companions are
advised to apply for a work permit, study permit or visitor
visa before travelling to Canada.
If you are travelling with your spouse/common-law, you may
be asked to provide your marriage certificate and/or proof of
common-law status (if applicable).
You may be required to provide a medical exam and
immunization records for yourself and your travel
companions. For more information, visit Medical exams for
visitors, students and workers | Canada.ca.
You may be asked to provide travel insurance for yourself
and your travel companions.
If you are travelling with children, two years of official school
records for your school-aged children will be required. In
Canada, all school-aged children (ages four to five years
and older) must attend school by law. It is recommended to
apply for a study permit for minor children before entering
Canada. For more information, visit Studying in Canada as
a minor | Canada.ca.
Travellers will be required to provide a confirmation of their
accommodation/hotel with the full address. It is the
student’s responsibility to arrange their short-term or long-
term accommodation in Canada before travelling.
International students will be asked to provide proof of
funds for themselves and their travel companions. For
more information, visit Study permit: Get the right
documents | Canada.ca.

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Travel Preparation
Follow the checklist to plan a safe and secure trip to Vancouver, BC.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
☐ Review Province If you are travelling within Canada, visit Province-wide
Restrictions restrictions | Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) for the
provincial travel restrictions.

☐ Verify Luggage Verify your luggage restrictions with the airline you are
Restrictions travelling with to ensure compliance with their regulations.
☐ Pack Appropriately Check your destination’s local climate and pack accordingly.

Additional preparation for travellers entering Canada from other countries

ITEM
☐ Book Your Trip at the
Right Time
☐ Check for
Connecting Flights
☐ Refill Your Medication
☐ Review What You Can
Bring to Canada
☐ Review Canadian
COVID-19 Policy
☐ Download the
ArriveCAN App
(Optional)
DESCRIPTION
Book your trip as soon as you have the following
documents ready:
• Letter of Acceptance/Admission (LOA) from UCW
• A Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel
Authorization (eTA)
• IRCC letter of introduction
If you have a connecting flight, ensure you review the
immigration requirements for the layover stops, as well as
the airline requirements if applicable.
If you regularly take medication, it is recommended to refill
any prescription (maximum of a 90-day supply or single
course of treatment) before travelling. For more information,
visit Bringing health products into Canada for personal use
(GUI-0116] - summary | Canada.ca.
There are certain goods that are restricted in Canada.
For more information, visit What you can bring to Canada |
Travel.gc.ca.
Policies related to COVID-19 change regularly. Ensure you
review the latest updates on COVID-19: Travel, testing and
borders | Travel.gc.ca.
You can submit your customs declaration on the ArriveCAN
app in advance for faster processing. For more information
about the ArriveCAN app and customs declaration, visit the
following websites:
• Use ArriveCAN for a faster border experience |
Canada.ca
• ArriveCAN customs and immigration feature |
Canada.ca

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Travelling to Canada
At the Border
If you are an international student travelling to Canada, you will need to obtain your study permit at
the border. To do so, follow these steps:
ITEM
☐ Locate the Primary
Inspection Kiosks
☐ Obtain Your Kiosk Receipt
☐ Find Immigration
☐ Retain Your Checked
Luggage
☐ Proceed to Immigration
☐ Review Your Study Permit
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DESCRIPTION
Follow the signs to Security/Primary Inspection
Kiosks for declaration. Note that if you are driving to
Canada, there is no Primary Inspection Kiosk;
proceed to find Immigration instead.
For more information, visit Declare your travel
information at an airport kiosk or eGate: Save time
at Canada’s main airports (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).
Scan your passport and answer questions on the
electronic Primary Inspection Kiosk. Be sure to
declare any currency equal to or greater than CAD
$10,000, as well as any food, plant or animal
products you have brought with you. You may need
to present the receipt to a CBSA (Canada Border
Services Agency) officer.
Inform a CBSA officer that you require a study
permit. They will direct you to Immigration.
Before proceeding to Immigration, you must pick up
your checked luggage. If you have a connecting
flight in Canada, you will need to check your
luggage in again for your next flight AFTER going
through Immigration.
Present your letter of introduction to the officer and
have your travel documents ready in case the officer
requires you to present them.
Ensure all personal information and conditions
stated on your study permit are correct. If you notice
errors or believe you are eligible to work but do not
have this condition included, inform the officer and
request a change before you leave the airport.
For more information about work eligibility, visit
Work off campus as an international student |
Canada.ca.
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After Arrival Checklist
There are requirements from the Government of BC and University Canada West after arriving in
British Columbia. This list includes items for both domestic and international students.

Requirements from the Government of British Columbia

ITEM DESCRIPTION

☐ Register for MSP
(Medical Service Plan)
All residents who plan to stay in British Columbia for
more than six months must apply for the provincial
Medical Service Plan (MSP) within the first week of
arrival. International students are required to pay a
monthly health fee of $75.
For more information about MSP, visit How to Apply |
Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).

☐ Apply for Your A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit

Social Insurance Number
number that is necessary for working in Canada or
accessing government programs and benefits.
For information on how to apply, visit Social
Insurance Number – Apply | Canada.ca.
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a confidential
document and should NOT be shared with anyone
whom you do not know or trust.

☐ Apply for Your BCID Card
A BCID is a reliable piece of government photo ID
that is recommended for identification purposes to
avoid carrying your passport.
For more information, visit Apply for a BCID
(icbc.com).

Requirements from University Canada West

ITEM
☐ Log into the
MyUCW Student Portal
☐ Obtain Your
Microsoft 365 Credentials
☐ Attend New Student
Orientation (NSO)
DESCRIPTION
Your credentials to log into the MyUCW Student
Portal account will be emailed to you simultaneously
with the issuance of your Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
Use the credentials to log into your account here
University Canada West | Login (myucwest.ca).
Your username and password will be sent to you via
email on the MyUCW Student Portal within the first
two weeks of classes.
For more information on Microsoft 365, visit
University Canada West | Your Accounts
(myucwest.ca).
NSO is a mandatory orientation week that provides
an introduction to UCW, the support services

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☐ Purchase Medical
Insurance
☐ Update Your Contact
Information on the
MyUCW Student Portal
☐ Upload Required
Documents on the
MyUCW Student Portal
☐ Apply for A UCW
Student ID Card
☐ Clear Outstanding
Balance
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available and offers the opportunity to meet other
new students.
Note that the dates for NSO differ depending on the
academic year. To learn the important dates at UCW,
visit Academic Calendar | University Canada West
(ucanwest.ca).
For more information about NSO, visit University
Canada West | New Student Orientation
(myucwest.ca) and check your MyUCW Student
Portal email inbox.
It is mandatory for all new international students
arriving in Canada to register for UCW Guard.me
international medical insurance for their first term
at UCW.
Students may register for Guard.me early arrivals if
they arrive before the start of the term. International
students starting their studies at UCW will be
registered automatically by the University by the
course add/drop deadline.
For more information on guard.me and the step-by-
step registration process, visit the following websites:
• University Canada West | Guard.me
International Medical Insurance
(myucwest.ca)
• University Canada West | guard.me
• Early Arrivals - University Canada West |
guard.me
Log into the MyUCW Student Portal, select My
Profile/Settings > Update Profile and update the
following details:
• Your address
• Your phone number
• Your emergency contacts
List of required documents:
• Study Permit
• Medical Insurance
• Signed Student Contract
For more information, check your MyUCW Student
Portal > My Records > Required Tasks.
You can apply for a student ID card in the MyUCW
Student Portal under Request Forms > UCW ID
Card Request.
Students are required to clear their entire outstanding
balance to be able to register for their next term.
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 UCW accepts various payment methods, including
credit cards, debit cards, cheques/drafts, wire
transfers and PayMyTuition.
For more information about tuition and means of
payment, visit Tuition & Fees | University Canada
West (ucanwest.ca).

Additional Recommendations to Consider

ITEM DESCRIPTION
☐ Bring Your If you are planning to drive in/to Canada, ensure you
Driving Records have your international driver’s license, driving
insurance, vehicle records, vehicle registration and
insurance papers.
For more information, visit Moving from outside
Canada (icbc.com).
☐ Purchase a A Compass Card is essential for public transportation
Compass Card on the SkyTrain, bus and SeaBus.
For more information on purchasing a Compass card,
visit Where to Buy | TransLink.
To purchase a Compass Card online, visit Compass |
Order Card (compasscard.ca).
☐ Open a Canadian There are various financial institutions in BC that
Bank Account offer banking services.
For more information, visit Opening a bank account |
Canada.ca.
☐ Apply for a Credit Card In Canada, most transactions and purchases are
to Your Chosen Bank made via credit cards. Therefore, it is recommended
that students familiarize themselves with credit cards
and apply for one.
For more information, visit How credit cards work |
Canada.ca.
☐ Apply for a In Canada, mobile phone plans come with varying
Canadian Phone costs, features and contract lengths, especially when
Number/Phone Plan purchasing a new phone.
☐ Familiarize Yourself with You can find a map of both the Vancouver House
UCW’s Campuses Campus and West Pender Campus in the Student
Orientation Handbook or take a virtual tour of the
Vancouver House Campus.
To access the Student Orientation Handbook, visit
Welcome Guide | University Canada West
(ucanwest.ca).

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☐ Review the Career
Success Roadmap for
Your Program
☐ Check Out Important
Contacts
☐ Review the Newcomers’
Guides to Starting a Life
In BC
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To take a virtual tour, visit 360° Experience | UCW
Campus.
Each program at UCW has its own unique career
success roadmap.
Find your program roadmap at University Canada
West | Career Resources (myucwest.ca).
Learn more about the important contacts at UCW and
the services that they provide by visiting University
Canada West | Important Contacts (myucwest.ca).
The Government of BC has provided various guides
for newcomers in different languages.
To access the guides in your language, visit
WelcomeBC | Newcomers' Guides.
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
At University Canada West (UCW), we acknowledge that the territories on which UCW and its
campuses are situated are the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm
(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish) and Sel̓ íl̓ witulh/səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
We thank them for having cared for this land since time immemorial, honour their graciousness
to the students who seek knowledge here and iterate our dedication to valuing the ongoing
contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities.