Travel to Canada

iCent app

The iCent app is an essential smartphone tool for you to begin your studies at Conestoga College. It includes pre- and post-arrival information prepared by Conestoga and will guide you through the protocols you must follow prior to and upon arrival in Canada. It also provides important information to assist you during your transition to Canada and to Conestoga College. Follow these instructions to begin using iCent:

1. To download the app, search “iCent” in Google Play or the App Store.
2. Enter “Canada” as your destination country and “Conestoga College” as your institution name.
3. You are required to log in to iCent using your Conestoga ID and password.
4. Fill in all the requested information to begin using the Conestoga College dashboard.

If you are having trouble logging into the app, contact: support@icent.app

Note: It is mandatory for you to download the iCent app. You must complete this by the time you arrive in Canada.      

Failure to download the college’s mandatory iCent app may result in you being de-registered from your program.  

Optional: Download the ArriveCAN app

ArriveCAN is a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) app provided by the federal government. You can upload your information to the optional Advance Declaration feature in the ArriveCAN app to save you time at the airport.  

Follow these instructions to begin using ArriveCAN:

1. To download the app, search “ArriveCAN” in Google Play or the App Store.
2. Create an account using your valid email address. A security PIN will be sent to you for verification.
3. Follow the instructions to enter the information on the forms required.

We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Travel to Canada webinars, where our International Transition Coordinators will explain what you must know before you travel and answer any questions you may have.            

There are mandatory steps for all travellers to follow when entering Canada. Please carefully review the Government of Canada website in preparation for your travel to Canada.

Students and co-arriving immediate family members planning to enter Canada must meet the travel requirements as outlined by the IRCC.

All international students travelling to Canada are required to sign in to the iCent app to complete the mandatory start questionnaire to report travel plans to Canada and Conestoga College.

1. Submit your travel plans to the iCent app.
2. Plan your accommodation. Start your long-term housing search early. Please refer to our housing resources web page for more information on both long-term and short-term/temporary housing options, as well as the Conestoga housing and Homestay information.
3. Arrange your transportation from the airport to your destination. We recommend you fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport and encourage you to book your transportation from the airport to your new home city as soon as you book your flight. It is your responsibility to arrange transportation.
4. See the suggested Travel to Canada Checklist (pdf) for mandatory documents and additional items to bring to Canada.

These shuttle companies operate out of Toronto Pearson Airport and provide service to our campus cities:

• For Kitchener and Waterloo: Airways Transit and Flixbus
• For Cambridge and Milton: Airways Transit
• For Guelph: Red Car Service
• For Brantford: Airlink Transportation
  • Airlink Transportation offers a discounted rate to Conestoga international students traveling between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Brantford. When booking online, indicate you are a "Conestoga student (Brantford campus)" in the Other Comments or Special Requests (Optional) section of the registration page and the student discount will be applied to your fare.

You must book these services in advance. We suggest you contact the company directly to ask about discounted rates for students.

It is highly recommended you book temporary accommodations prior to arrival in Canada. See short-term rentals - hotels near campus for locations close to your Conestoga campus.

Remember to download the iCent app for important resources and to confirm your arrival in Canada with Conestoga College.

If you will be travelling to Canada from overseas, be sure to check your airline requirements and flight details before you travel.

Please visit the Toronto Pearson International Airport website for what to expect upon your arrival in Canada. When entering Canada, you may be asked for your required travel documents.      

Please be sure to consult the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website prior to travelling so you can monitor for any changes or updates to policies.

If you need any additional information or have questions regarding your preparation for travel to Canada and/or your studies at Conestoga College, please email our Transition team at internationaltransition@conestogac.on.ca.

Note: It is up to the discretion of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Officer to approve or deny your entry to Canada. At your port of entry, a CBSA Officer will make the final determination on your eligibility to enter Canada.     

Do not forget to visit the iCent Airport Welcome Desk for airport assistance and support. They are located at Toronto Pearson International Airport in terminals 1 and 3.

Complete the mandatory arrival check-in through the iCent app when you arrive in Canada.

Note: All students are required to complete the iCent Mandatory Start Questionnaire form and Arrival Check-in. If you do not comply by downloading the iCent app and completing the mandatory forms within 48 hours of arriving in Canada, this will result in your student account being put on hold and you will not be able to register for or attend your classes. You will then be removed from your program without refund. It is imperative that you give this your immediate attention in order to avoid being deregistered from your program.

International Office

Email your International Transition Coordinator team if you have any questions or concerns about your travel.                

Accessible Learning

If you require accommodations to support a temporary or permanent health condition, please contact Accessible Learning at accessibility@conestogac.on.ca or leave a voicemail at 519-748-5220, ext. 3232.

Health & Wellness

If you feel sick, have any medical concerns, or want to speak to someone about your mental health, please contact Student Health & Wellness Services by emailing mywellness@conestogac.on.ca from your Conestoga student email account.

StudentCare Insurance

Please call the StudentCare toll-free line at 1-844-418-0511 as soon as possible for any early arrival emergencies. Coverage begins 30 days prior to the start of your classes, or the day you arrive, whichever comes later.

For more information, please refer to Health insurance & medical care.               

Please note: If you arrive more than 30 days before the start of your classes, it is your responsibility to purchase additional health insurance. Medical care is very expensive in Canada, and it is up to you to arrange for adequate health insurance to cover you before the start of your college-issued health insurance plan.  

Please see the following additional resources as you transition into our local community:

• Conestoga College accessible learning accommodations
• Conestoga College mental health support and resources
• Good2Talk: 24-hr Student Mental Health Helpline

New international students should visit Welcome to orientation for details on Academic Orientation Sessions and Campus Welcome Drop-in schedules. You will also find a helpful checklist to get you ready to begin your studies at Conestoga. 

Attend our International Welcome event and join our upcoming webinars tailored to helping international students with their transition, settlement, and stay in Canada.    

You can also book an appointment with an International Transition Coordinator directly through the Student Success Portal.

Be sure to follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with news, activities and events related to international students: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.

Connect with our college community. Search the Events & Activities page on the Student Success Portal for opportunities at Conestoga College.

Visit Student Success Services for all your health & wellness, academic learning, and career advice needs. A great way to get connected to help is through a Student Success Advisor. Complete our online help form and an advisor will connect with you.        

Looking for a quick overview of services available to help you? Check out our interactive service map (pdf).

For detailed information on public transportation and student transit passes in your campus city, visit Public transit.