Airport information
Airport Pick-up
New international student can request an airport pickup for their first time coming to UNB. Our airport pick-up services is free, but you must request it at least 3 days prior to arrival: Airport Pick-up form.
Returning students can take a taxi from the airport, usually for $30 or take the bus. Be sure to check the bus schedule and route to make sure the bus will take you somewhere close to your house or apartment.
Purchase of ticket
Do not buy your ticket until you have received your entry visa to Canada. When you buy your ticket make sure that the destination is Saint John, NB – Airport Code YSJ
When you are coming into Canada, you will probably arrive through a large airport, usually Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montreal-Trudeau International Airport or Halifax Stanfield International Airport. It is possible to take the bus or train from Montreal or Halifax, and it is a good way of taking in some of Canada's nature and appreciate how big the country is.
Saint John is home to a small airport. The airport code is YSJ. When booking your ticket to Saint John, please ensure that you do not confuse Saint John New Brunswick with St. John's, Newfoundland. The names are almost the same and St. John's in located in a different province.
What happens at your first Canadian airport
At the first Canadian airport which you arrive in you will be required to go through Canada Customs. Once you have gone through Canada Customs you will proceed to the Canada Immigration Office in the airport where your Study Permit will be issued. You must show the following documents to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officials at the port of entry (do not pack them in your suitcase):
- your CIC letter of introduction, which shows your study permit reference number, issued by the CIC office abroad;
- a valid Passport
- a valid temporary resident visa, if required; and
- any letters or papers used to obtain your study permit e.g. Acceptance letter from the University of New Brunswick
This immigration officer will complete your Study Permit (IMM 1442), or will issue you one if you arrived with a letter of introduction. This procedure can range from being quick to time-consuming. Even though you will be eager to exit the airport and start your Canadian adventure, it is important to be patient and respond very politely to any questions.
DO NOT LEAVE the airport without having your STUDY PERMIT processed and verified (AND RE-VERIFYING) that the information on your STUDY PERMIT is correct. Check that your FAMILY NAME and FIRST NAME are spelled exactly as they are on your passport. Verify that your DATE OF BIRTH and GENDER are correct, as well.
