Traveling before classes

[HamzaKhan99]

Hello, is it okay to travel around 40-45 days before classes? I know IRCC recommends not to come more than 4 weeks before the start of semester and this was strictly implemented during peak covid days but I’ve read people traveling 2-3 months before their classes without any issue from the immigration officer these days.
Also, I have a friend in Halifax with whom I’ll be living with, he’ll be leaving Halifax at the end of August and I intend to take over the lease from there so if I travel early do I tell the immigration officer I’m sharing a room with a friend or do I need to sign the lease beforehand.

 

[scylla]

Hello, is it okay to travel around 40-45 days before classes? I know IRCC recommends not to come more than 4 weeks before the start of semester and this was strictly implemented during peak covid days but I’ve read people traveling 2-3 months before their classes without any issue from the immigration officer these days.
Also, I have a friend in Halifax with whom I’ll be living with, he’ll be leaving Halifax at the end of August and I intend to take over the lease from there so if I travel early do I tell the immigration officer I’m sharing a room with a friend or do I need to sign the lease beforehand.

It's up to the CBSA officer how early you are allowed into Canada.

You do not need to sign a lease beforehand.

 

[HamzaKhan99]

It's up to the CBSA officer how early you are allowed into Canada.

You do not need to sign a lease beforehand.

So can I tell the immigration officer that i'm staying with a friend?
Also the reason I’m thinking of traveling early is because my medical is expiring on 29th July and classes start from 6th Sept so I’m thinking of travelling before 29th, could this be seen as a good reason to travel early from the officer’s perspective?

 

[RamSatt]

If you're staying in Halifax and studying there, it doesn't matter if you're signing a new lease or taking over your friend's lease. I doubt the CBSA officer will ask those questions, but you can tell them that if they will ask.

They will check if you're a genuine student. Make sure you know your program and university. That is important, since you're landing over a month ahead of classes.

 

[HamzaKhan99]

If you're staying in Halifax and studying there, it doesn't matter if you're signing a new lease or taking over your friend's lease. I doubt the CBSA officer will ask those questions, but you can tell them that if they will ask.

They will check if you're a genuine student. Make sure you know your program and university. That is important, since you're landing over a month ahead of classes.

okay so I don’t really need to pay and book accommodation beforehand, I just need to tell them the address if they ask about accommodation?

 

[RamSatt]

If you sign the lease, and have a copy of that with you, it strengthens your case, showing proof of residence. But, if your lease starts on September 1st, then the VO will question why you arrived a month early and where you'll stay. You'll have to answer the questions they pose, depending on the documents you provide and the reasons you state.