A student heading to a Toronto university asked whether it's allowed (and safe) to land in Montreal first and take a connecting flight to Toronto for their first entry. The thread's answers:
- Yes, it's allowed. Your first landing doesn't have to be in the city of your school. Members confirmed people commonly route through Montreal — often because fares are cheaper.
- Immigration happens at the first port of entry — Montreal in this case. The most substantive answer: you'll go through the full immigration process (study permit issuance at the CBSA/immigration desk) at the first Canadian airport you touch, not at your final destination. Budget real time for this when choosing your connection.
- Expect to collect and re-check your luggage. The same member noted you'll likely need to collect your checked bags in Montreal and re-drop them for the domestic leg to Toronto — standard for international-to-domestic connections in Canada.
- Practical implications: keep all immigration documents (passport, POE letter, acceptance letter, funds proof) in your carry-on since you'll need them in Montreal, and choose a generous layover — immigration queues plus baggage re-check can easily consume a short connection.