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Travel

We can’t wait for you to arrive in Winnipeg! 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 Winnipeg, 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 and keep them with you:

  • Passport
  • Letter of Introduction confirming study permit approval from Canadian Embassy
  • ICM Files (Letter of Offer, Letter of Acceptance, and ICM fee receipt)
  • Visa Files (proof of funds such as parents’ or sponsors’ bank statements and temporary resident visa if required)
  • Additional ID with photo and proof of age
  • Contact numbers and addresses for both your home and in Winnipeg, including accommodations and airport pick-up contact information, typed and printed
  • Money (international credit cards and approximately C$300 in cash in case your credit card has any unexpected issues)
  • Health insurance information (including early arrival coverage if required)
  • Prescription medication in its original packaging (if applicable)

Other useful items to pack:

  • Original academic certificates & transcripts
  • Adaptors (electrical systems in Canada are 110 volts)
  • Medical records and other immunization records
  • 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 International College of Manitoba. Show the officer your Letter of Offer and Letter of Acceptance from ICM, 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 ICM.

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 carefully to ensure your information is correct.

Once through Border Security, you will collect your baggage (if required) 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.

Arriving in Winnipeg

You will arrive at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG). You must make arrangements with family, friends, your homestay family, book private airport pickup, or take a taxi or rideshare from the airport.

Taxi service from the airport is provided by Unicity Taxi. Taxis are available on Arrivals Level 1 near Door 3 of the terminal. Taxis accept Canadian cash and major credit cards. Uber is also licensed to operate at the airport and will pick you up on Arrivals Level 1 outside of Door 1.

If you wish to book private airport pickup and have someone waiting for you at baggage claim when you arrive, we recommend Winnipeg Limo. You can download an airport pickup form and send it directly to Winnipeg Limo by email.

It is important to know the name, phone number, address, and hours of operation for your booked accommodations and have the information typed and printed so it’s accessible even if your phone battery dies. Keep the printed information with you in your carry-on bag.

Your expected arrival time should also be communicated with your accommodation provider in advance, and late-night arrival instructions should be confirmed prior to departure. In some cases, students arriving late at night may need to stay in a hotel overnight before moving into their accommodations.

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