Arrival & Clearing Customs

McGill is easily accessible by all forms of transportation:

By Plane

Arrive at Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

There are several options to get to the downtown campus:

• The STM 747 bus is the cheapest option at a $11 fare. If you're paying on the bus, you'll need exact cash (in coins only). You can buy a ticket at the automated STM machine inside the airport using debit/credit.
• Taxi service from the airport is at a fixed rate of $40. It is customary to also give a 10-15% tip ($4-$6).
• To get to the Macdonald campus, the best option is a taxi ride (which should cost under $40).

By Bus

Inter-city bus:

Greyhound, Megabus and Trailwaysoffer inter-city bus routes. For further information, please consult their websites.

Greyhound and offer affordable bus service from New York City Port Authority to Montreal.

By Train

Amtrak provides service from Montreal to the United States.

This is not recommended for American students first arriving in Canada and hoping to pick up their Study Permits at the border upon entry. If you plan to travel by train, you may want to apply for - and receive - your Study Permit before you travel.

Origins include Boston - New York - Philadelphia - Washington, DC-Albany

By Car

Driving across the border is also an option. If you are a US citizen (or US Greencard holder) and you have your:

• A valid Passport
• Letter of Acceptance from McGill
• Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ) - see Applying for immigration documents.
• Proof of funds (to pay for 1 year of tuition + living expenses)
• $150 application fee

Uou can apply for your Study Permit at the border. If you are NOT a US citizen or US Greencard holder, you must apply before travelling to Canada - see Applying for immigration documents.

When driving across the border, please note that:

• Road signs will be in French.
• Speed limits are in km, not mph.
• On the island of Montreal, you are not permitted to turn right on a red light.
• Be aware of no parking signs, they can be complicated.
• Seatbelts are mandatory even in back seats.

When you arrive at Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (or other air/land Canadian port of entry), a Canadian customs officer will verify your passport, entry visa (if applicable), and letter of acceptance. He or she will then ask you a few questions about the purpose of your visit to Canada.

New: Consider signing up for the Advance Declaration Tool, which allows you to complete your customs and immigration declaration online before arrival. This can help streamline your arrival process in at the airport. Check out the Step-by-step guide or a short video overview.

Obtaining or processing your Study Permit

After clearing customs, you will proceed to the Canada Immigration Office. Here, an official will ask to see your:

• Passport
• Letter of Introduction (which confirms that your Study Permit application has been approved by the Canadian Visa Office)*
• Letter of Acceptance from McGill University (available through Minerva for undergraduates or Slate for graduate students),
• Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ), and
• Evidence of sufficient funds for your studies in Canada.

* US citizens & US green card holders can apply for their Study Permit right at the border, and therefore do not require the Letter of Introduction.

Carry these documents with you at all times; do not pack these documents in your checked luggage.

After verification of these documents, the immigration officer will complete your Study Permit (IMM 1442) or will issue you one if you arrived with a letter of introduction. This procedure may be time-consuming, and even though you will be eager to exit the airport and start your study-abroad adventure, it is important to be patient and respond politely to all questions.
 

Double-check your documents

Do not leave the Montreal airport (or U.S.-Canadian border, if applicable) without having your Study Permit processed and double-checking that the information it contains is correct. Ensure that your name is spelled exactly as it is on your passport, and verify that your date of birth and gender are indicated correctly as well.