Complete the Advance Declaration up to 72hrs prior to arriving to Montreal.  You can use the ArriveCAN application to complete the declaration but will be finalized at the ariport using an airport kiosk/eGate.  The following video provides instuctions on how to use the application. 

ArriveCAN: Advance CBSA Declaration Video

Once you arrive at the Montreal airport, make your way to Customs and Immigration to finalize your declaration at an electronic kiosk or eGate. Take the printed receipt and present it to the border services officer along with your passport and all relevant documents (study permit approval letter, etc). The agent will review and stamp your documents. If they do not provide you with the official study permit, they will direct you to an officer with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  Present them with all relevant documents and in exchange they will provide you with the study permit. If the information on the study permit is incorrect, ensure it is corrected before you leave the airport.

Collect your luggage and head towards the arrival gate.  Before exiting to the public area, you need to present your declaration card to a Canada Border Services Agency officer, who will advise you if you need to undergo a secondary inspection. This consists of a manual luggage inspection and, in some cases, a search.  If you are chosen, you will be directed to a secure area and the officers will perform an open search of the items in your luggage. If you are not chosen at random, you are free to exit the airport.

When you finally go through the arrival gate you will see a crowd of people greeting other passengers. If you are being picked up by your homestay family, look for someone holding a sign with your name on it. It may be very crowded, so be patient when looking for the sign.

If you do not see anyone waiting for you, follow the steps below:

1. Secure yourself in a non-crowded area of the airport.
2. Wait for the crowd to clear.
3. Look again for someone with your name on a sign.
4. Listen carefully to the airport announcements. Usually, the homestay driver will request an announcement if they have not found you.
5. If you are certain no one has arrived to pick you up, call your homestay/agent representative. You will be advised where to go, where to wait, or who to look for. Sometimes both you and the driver are there, but you just do not see each other.
6. Do not leave the airport without calling and speaking to the homestay/agent representative.

 If you were planning to take a taxi/Uber to your homestay family, proceed to the below exit doors:

TAXI: Head to door 23 on the arrivals level, where a dispatcher will assist you. You do not need to book in advance.

UBER: Head to Door 28 on the arrivals level and follow the instructions in the Uber app for meeting your driver.