Documents required on entry

[benliger1987]

Hi,

I have just received my POE letter for my 1 year work permit in Canada. I am now wondering what documents I need to bring with me to enter Canada and be issued my VISA. So far I think i need that letter and proof of funds. Can proof of funds be just a printout of my bank statement? Also I have read somewhere that I might need a years private health insurance. Is this correct? Also proof of onward travel, can this just be a bus ticket to the USA?

A checklist of everything I require would be much appreciated! My visa is on a New Zealand passport if that helps..

Cheers,
Ben

 

[arowberry]

Is it an IEC visa? When I entered the country on my first IEC visa, I simply had the letter and a copy of a travel insurance document that was only valid for the first 2-3 months in Canada.

It makes sense to bring the letter, proof of funds (your bank statement) and a copy of your travel insurance. Some people also bring a copy of their police certificate(s) and/or a return flight ticket (if you have one).

Being from a Western country you probably won't be asked for anything other than your POE, but those are the things some people bring.

 

[benliger1987]

Thanks, i guess the main thing im worried about it the travel insurance. I'd rather not pay for it if i dont have to but I might just get it for 2 or 3 months like you did. Did they check your travel insurance at all?

 

[benliger1987]

And yes IEC

 

[arowberry]

Thanks, i guess the main thing im worried about it the travel insurance. I'd rather not pay for it if i dont have to but I might just get it for 2 or 3 months like you did. Did they check your travel insurance at all?

They didn't look at anything other than my POE, which was handy enough because I most definitely did not have the required funds at the time.

I only had travel insurance for a short period because I had no idea if I was going to last more than a few months in Canada (over three years and I'm still here...).

I was also heading to Canada from Colombia, not my home country (UK); buying travel insurance when you're outside of your home country is expensive, with limited options.

 

[benliger1987]

Ok cool, don't think i will bother with the travel insurance. I guess i could just say i wasnt sure and buy it on the spot if they required it?

 

[arowberry]

It's definitely a risk landing without the insurance, so you would be making a bit of a gamble. In theory, you may be able to buy insurance on the spot, but your options will be limited as you will no longer be in your home country.

It's highly likely that you won't be eligible for health care in your province of choice straight away; therefore at least having travel insurance until you are, is definitely advisable. I was quoted around C$500 to see a doctor with a minor issue, before I got my Alberta Health card. Travel insurance expenses can seem small if you are unfortunate enough to have to use it.

 

[benliger1987]

Thanks mate, think it might be wise to get after all!

 

[PMM]

HI

It's definitely a risk landing without the insurance, so you would be making a bit of a gamble. In theory, you may be able to buy insurance on the spot, but your options will be limited as you will no longer be in your home country.

It's highly likely that you won't be eligible for health care in your province of choice straight away; therefore at least having travel insurance until you are, is definitely advisable. I was quoted around C$500 to see a doctor with a minor issue, before I got my Alberta Health card. Travel insurance expenses can seem small if you are unfortunate enough to have to use it.

1. Immaterial whether an IEC work permit holder is eligible for provincial medical insurance, because an IEC holder requires health insurance that covers repatriation.