International Student Arrival Information
Follow the steps outlined here to get prepared for your travel to Canada and your life as a Lakehead University student. We look forward to meeting you on campus!
Accept your Offer of Admission |
As soon as you've decided on Lakehead University as your study destination, you will need to accept your Offer of Admission and stay connected to us as your arrival approaches because we'll be sending you important information in the coming weeks and months. Here are three "must do" things for future Lakehead University students:
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Apply for Visa & Immigration Documents |
In order to study at Lakehead, you will require a Study Permit. To enter Canada, you may also require a Temporary Residence Visa. Note: It is an offence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to not comply with the conditions that were imposed when your entry into Canada was authorized, or when your study permit was issued. To help get you started, below is information on documents you need to apply for during your stay in Canada. You may also find this EduCanada Pre-Departure Guide helpful. Study PermitYou should apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your Offer of Admission from Lakehead University. The time required to process an application to study in Canada may vary at different visa offices. You must have a valid study permit for the entire duration of your studies. You may be issued a study permit that is not valid for the entire duration of your studies. If this occurs, you can extend your study permit within Canada. Requirements for a Study Permit:
ApplyingWhen applying for a study permit there are some variations depending on your country of citizenship. If you are an international student who is not a citizen of the United States, you should write or visit your nearest Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission before submitting your application to find out what the Study Permit requirements are for your country. Extend Your Study PermitIf your Study Permit expires while you are still studying at Lakehead, you must apply to extend your Study Permit. To extend your Study Permit, follow the same instructions in the "Applying" section above. Temporary Residence Visa (TRV)A TRV, commonly known as a Visa, allows you to enter into Canada. Note: Not all students require a TRV. A TRV can be a single entry or multiple entry. All Visa applicants are automatically considered for a multiple entry Visa when you apply. Usually, a multiple entry visa will be issued for the same duration as your Study Permit. If you do not require a Visa to enter Canada, you may be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization. Find out if you require an Electronic Travel Authorization ApplyingTo apply for a TRV you must:
Apply for a Temporary Residence Visa(if required). Note: The application process can take up to three months. Extending Your StayIt is important that you know that extending your Study Permit will not extend your Temporary Resident Visa(TRV.) If your TRV expires while you are outside of Canada, you must re-apply for a new TRV. To apply for a new TRV while you are outside of Canada, please visit the closest embassy or consulate in your home country. If you are currently a temporary resident in Canada with a valid status (i.e. study or work permit), you can apply for a new visitor visa to stay in Canada. |
Pay Fees |
You can find your student account information (including tuition, ancillary and residence fees) on your myInfo portal. You will also need to register and pay for the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Learn more about fees and how to pay them |
Register for Classes |
Course registration for the year usually opens in June. You will choose your courses online through the myInfo portal. When course registration opens, you will receive an email to your Lakehead University email account notifying you and providing you with instructions. If you have any questions as you register, our Enrolment Services staff is available to help you. |
Arrange Housing & Meal Plans |
HousingThere are many different housing options for international students at Lakehead:
Each housing option offers you a different and unique experience. Find out more about Lakehead housing options. Once you've arranged housing, please notify the International Office with your plans by completing the Pre-Arrival Housing Form. Meal PlansIf you live in our on-campus dormitories, you will automatically be signed up for a meal plan. If you live in our on-campus apartments or townhouses, you may choose to purchase a meal plan. |
Register for Orientation |
Orientation is your introduction to the Lakehead University campus and the community of Thunder Bay or Orillia. It is an essential element for new international students and it is required that you make every possible arrangement to attend. It is not only an opportunity to find out important information and learn what your new University has to offer, but it is also a chance to meet your peers and have some fun. Winter Orientation DatesThunder Bay Campus Winter Orientation 2021:Date: TBD Orillia Campus Winter Orientation 2021:Date: TBD Barrie Campus Winter Orientation 2021:Date: TBD |
Booking Your Travel to Canada |
When booking your travel to Lakehead, ensure that you arrive in time to attend Orientation. This is an important step in your transition to university. At orientation you will not only receive critical information, you will also get to know students in your program and other programs who are from Canada and around the world. Thunder Bay CampusYou should book your flight from your home country directly to Thunder Bay (YQT). There are no direct international flights to Thunder Bay, so you will have a connecting flight through a different city. Most likely your port of entry will be Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ) or Montreal (YUL). Important: Please allow at least 4 hours between your time of arrival at the Port of Entry and the time of departure of your connecting flight to Thunder Bay. It may take up to 3 hours for you to clear the Canada Customs and get your study permit. Orillia CampusWhen travelling to the Orillia campus, your port of entry will most likely be the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The Orillia campus is approximately a 1-hour-and-30-minute drive from the Pearson International Airport. When to ArriveFor September intake: Please plan to arrive before September 3, 2020. For Winter intake: TBD For May intake: TBD For June intake: TBD |
Confirm Your Airport Arrival |
Due to the current pandemic, we cannot provide in person airport pick up service at this time. Lakehead International can provide you with a one time use free taxi voucher that will take you from the airport to your chosen accommodation. How to Book an Airport Pick-Up: Once you've submitted Lakehead University International's Arrival Form, our dedicated International Student Services team will provide you with with further arrival instructions, contact information, follow up appointment instructions for the following day and your taxi voucher. The airport pickup service can take you to campus residence OR off-campus accommodations. Please reference your welcome package email for important information on Government of Canada quarantine policies and LU COVID-19 Quarantine forms. NOTE: The LU COVID-19 Quarantine forms must be completed and submitted to Lakehead International two weeks prior to your arrival. Thunder Bay Airport Pick-Up Form Please contact us with any further questions: Thunder Bay Campus Orillia Campus |
Sign Up for a Peer Mentor |
What is a Peer Mentor?Lakehead International’s Peer Mentor program pairs up experienced Lakehead students with a small group of new international students to help them:
The Peer Mentor program organizes activities for all participants. It is a great way to meet new students and explore your new home. |
Pre-Departure Planning |
Required documents upon arrival in Canada:Carry the following documents and all other valuable items with you at all times rather than in your checked baggage. Entrance into Canada may be denied if any of your documents are missing or if any of the information on your application or letter of reference is incorrect.
*While US residents may apply for a Study Permit by mailing the application to one of Canada's Consulate General Offices in Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle or Washington, DC, U.S. residents may apply for a Study Permit at a Canadian Port of Entry upon arrival in Canada. Application forms and up to date information concerning Study Permits Once you have entered Canada:
A Few Tips on What to Pack:We want you to be prepared and feel at home while studying at Lakehead University. Here are some suggestions about what to pack:
The following items are available to purchase once you arrive in Canada; however, some students choose to bring them from home:
What Not to Bring:
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Learn About Your New Hometowns |
Lakehead University offers you two beautiful campus locations to choose from: |
Contact Us |
For general inquiries, please contact:sscoordinator.intl@lakeheadu.ca For student advising, please contact: |
International Student Quarantine Plan |
Please visit this page for information on the mandatory 14-day quarantine period immediately upon arrival to Canada. |