ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Arrival Preparation
Approved Arrival Dates
Before you make travel plans, check that you understand when to travel and know your approved arrival dates. Students staying with a Comox Valley Schools approved host family, are permitted to arrive up to two days prior to their program start or orientation. It is your responsibility to check your Letter of Acceptance for accepted arrival dates.
Approved Arrival Dates
| 2024-2025 | |
| Semester 2 Students | January 25-26, 2025 |
| Summer Programs | |
| July Program Students | June 30 - July 1, 2025 |
| August Program Students | July 26-27, 2025 |
| 2025-2026 | |
| Semester 1 New Students | August 26-27, 2025 |
| Semester 1 Returning Students | September 1-2, 2025 |
| Semester 2 Students | January 24-25, 2026 |
Important Note:
Students are not permitted to arrive earlier than their approved arrival date. Confirm your arrival and departure dates prior to booking flights.
Booking Your Flights
Your final destination must be the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). This is where your host will meet you. A minimum of three to four (3-4) hours is needed to clear Canadian Immigration upon your arrival at your Port of Entry (POE). Give yourself enough time to make your connecting flight after arriving in Canada.
Note:
Send your complete flight itinerary to international@sd71.bc.ca
Communication and Relationship Building with Your Host Family
Connect with your host family. Use WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom to get to know one another. Speak with your host about your arrival. Exchange emails and phone numbers and save the information on your mobile phone.
CVISP also sends your arrival itineraries to your host.
Packing & Departure
In addition to your personal items, you must ensure you have the following packed in your carry-on luggage for assessment by Canada Border Service Agents (CBSA) at your Port of Entry (POE):
- IRCC Letter of Introduction OR Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if studying for 5 months or less.
- Custodianship documents
- Letter of Acceptance
- Homestay Profile and contact information
- Contact emergency information sheet for CVISP staff
ArriveCAN – although not required, ArriveCAN is a useful app to save time at the border. You can use the ArriveCAN customs and immigration feature to complete your declaration in advance if you’re flying into a participating international airport.
Tip:
Keep a backup of your documents on your phone and computer.
Emergency Travel Contacts
To be added.
Travelling
While in transit to the airport, in airports, and during the flight(s), keep in mind:
Bring some food as restaurants or stores may be closed
Be prepared for airline delays, re-routing, and cancellations
Keep mobile phone charged if using throughout the flight to watch movies or play games
Arrival in Canada
When you arrive in Canada, you will undergo a document examination by a Canadian Border Services Agent. Have your documents outlined in “Packing & Departure” ready to provide to the immigration agent. Those who have a study permit approval letter will present the Letter of Introduction to the immigration agent, who will then issue a Study Permit.
Important Note:
Do not leave immigration without exchanging the Letter of Introduction for the Study Permit.
Airport Pickup
Your host will pick you up from the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) unless otherwised notified.
End of Program Departure Information
Mandatory Departure Dates
Before you make travel plans, check that you understand when to travel and know your mandatory departure date. Students staying with a Comox Valley Schools host family, are required to depart 1 to 2 days after their last day of classes. It is your responsibility to depart Canada on or before your mandated departure date.
Note:
Hosts who are not authorized Custodians of a student are not permitted to offer extended stays after programs have completed.
Mandatory Departure Dates
| 2024-2025 | |
| 3 Month Students | November 30, 2024 |
| 4 Month Students | December 21-22, 2024 |
| Semester 1 Students | January 25-26, 2025 |
| Year End Grade 8-11 Students | June 21-23, 2025 |
| Year End Grade 12 Students | June 28-29, 2025 |
| July Programs | |
| 3 Week Students | July 19-20, 2025 |
| 4 Week Students | July 26-27, 2024 |
| August Programs | |
| 3 Week Students | August 16-17, 2025 |
| 4 Week Students | August 23-24, 2025 |
| 2025-2026 | |
| 3 Month Students | November 29-30, 2025 |
| 4 Month Students | December 20-21, 2025 |
| Semester 1 Students | January 24-25, 2026 |
| Year End Grade 8-11 Students | June 20-22, 2026 |
| Year End Grade 12 Students | June 27-28, 2026 |
Booking your Flights
Depart from Comox Valley Airport YQQ.
Note:
Send flight itineraries to international@sd71.bc.ca
Airline Check-in Times at YQQ
Check-in Times for YQQ’s airlines are as follows:
Air Canada
Recommended Check-in time: 90 minutes before scheduled departure
Check-in deadline: 60 Minutes before scheduled departure
Pacific Coastal Airlines
Recommended Check-in time: 60 minutes before scheduled departure
Check-in deadline: 40Minutes before scheduled departure
WestJet
Recommended Check-in time: 90 to 120 minutes before scheduled departure
Check-in deadline: 45 Minutes before scheduled departure