Arrival in Canada - Bishop's University

When to arrive? ↓
What to bring? ↓
How to travel to Bishop’s University? ↓
How to get around? ↓

When to arrive?

Bishop’s International will be hosting Fall 2026 International Welcome for new international and exchange students on Thursday, September 3^rd. Early move-in for students living on campus AND participating in International Welcome will be possible on Wednesday, September 2^nd (timeframe to be confirmed).

Incoming international students who have accepted their offer of admission will receive an email invitation to register for International Welcome.

Details forthcoming!

Students who will live on campus (in Residences):

Students arriving on campus during regular office hours Monday to Friday should go to the check-in desk in Paterson Hall. Students who arrive on Saturday or Sunday, or after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and who have confirmed a room in residence should go directly to the Security Office located in the Dewhurst Dining Hall building on the Bishop’s campus. A security guard will give you a key to your room so that you may move in that same night.

Deadline to arrive and start your studies

International students have until the add/drop deadline to integrate into their courses. This means that the deadline to arrive in Canada is the day before the add/drop deadline (see Sessional Dates). Please take note of information on our website about the dates of preparatory webinars and Orientation.

International students must present their valid immigration documents (ex: passport, CAQ, study permit) to the Registrar’s Office by the add/drop deadline (myBU portal/Registrar’s Office/Information for New Students/Submitting Missing Documents).

Students who will live off-campus:

Depending on the start date of your lease and on your arrival by Bishop’s add/drop date.

What to bring?

When you arrive in Canada, the border agent will ask you to show certain documents which may include:

Valid Passport;
Attestation of issuance of your CAQ (CAQ)/Provincial Attestation Letter;
Letter of introduction confirming the approval of your study permit or a valid study permit;
Letter of Admission (2 pages and table with your information) for new students;
Verification of Enrolment to demonstrate that you are registered in your courses (available free of charge on the myBU portal);
Proof that you have enough money for your stay (e.g.: you can bring with you the documentation you used for your study permit application);
- Important! The minimum financial capacity required to cover basic needs of one minor or adult coming to Quebec increased to $24,617 as of January 1, 2026. Even if your application for a study permit was approved prior to this date, CBSA officers may request to see proof that you meet this requirement upon your arrival. Make sure you arrive prepared!
For new students and students who left Canada for more than 6 months, a valid immigration medical exam result (if you needed one).

We encourage you to have all the above documents printed; do not count on being able to access the myBU portal to see your course registration while in front of the immigration officer. Make sure you have these documents with you in your carry-on luggage.

The above list may vary depending on your situation (ex: U.S. citizens who choose to apply for their study permit at a port of entry).

To enter Canada, depending on your citizenship, you need a temporary resident visa (TRV) affixed in your passport or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), unless exempt.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare-arrival.html

How to Travel to Bishop’s University?

Whether you’re arriving from within Canada or internationally, there are several ways to reach Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke. This guide explains your options step by step.

Tip: If you are arriving in Fall, check if you are eligible for the BU International Airport Shuttle before booking other transportation.

Travel by Air via Montreal

The nearest international airport is Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). From the airport, you can continue to Sherbrooke using public transportation, shuttle services, taxi, or a rental car.

Bishop’s University is proud to offer incoming international students airport shuttle service from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Bishop’s University each Fall. This service is offered on International Student Early Move-In Day (September 2, 2026) and must be reserved (in advance).

Information about the shuttle schedules, registration, and fees (if applicable) will be sent to students by email during the summer before arrival. We strongly recommend that new international students plan their arrival according to the shuttle schedule if they wish to use this service.

Limocar connects downtown Montreal (Gare d’autocars: 1717 Rue Berri) to downtown Sherbrooke.

From the airport: First, travel to the Montreal bus terminal by taxi, or public transit (bus #747).

Visit the Limocar website for schedules, stops, and booking.

Taxi (YUL to Anywhere): Available at the arrivals level (door 23). Reservations are optional. Payment is accepted by card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or Canadian cash. For more information on taxi services at Montreal Airport: 514-394-7377.
Uber: Book through the Uber website or the app. An internet connection, email, and phone number are required.
Lyft: Book through the Lyft website or the app. An internet connection, email, and phone number are required.

Bus #747 runs between the airport and downtown Montreal, including the Bus terminal.

You can purchase a 1-day pass at the airport from the ticket vending machines.

For schedules, fares, and luggage rules, see the STM website.

There are two #747 bus routes:

Centre-Ville (Downtown):

Runs between YUL Airport and Berri–UQAM metro station (near the Montreal Bus Terminal – Gare d’autocars).
This is the route most students take to reach the Montreal bus terminal.
This route also stops at Lionel-Groulx metro station and several hotels on René-Lévesque Boulevard.

Metro (Montreal Subway):

Runs only between YUL Airport and Lionel-Groulx metro station.
If you take this route, you will need to transfer to the metro to continue to Berri–UQAM station.
Line 1 (Green Line) towards Honoré-Beaugrand, or
Line 2 (Orange Line) towards Montmorency

Aeroshuttle provides direct service from YUL to Sherbrooke, including on-campus drop-off if requested.

Each passenger may bring two standard-sized luggage bags.

Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If your trip is within 72 hours, online booking may not be available. In this case, call: AERONAVETTE (1-855-628-3883).

When booking, you will be asked to enter your destination address. If needed, the address for the university is:

2600 Rue College
Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
J1M 1Z7

Visit the Aeroshuttle website to reserve.

Several companies operate from the airport. Some allow drop-off in Sherbrooke (fees may apply).

Options include Enterprise and Budget. Reservations are recommended.

Travel from the USA

The closest U.S./Canadian Port of Entry is Derby Line, in Derby, VT / Stanstead, QC, about 40-minute drive from Bishop’s University.

Travel Within Sherbrooke

Available from the Sherbrooke bus terminal. No reservations needed; fares are standard for local trips. You may also call Taxi Sherbrooke at (819) 562-4717 or (819) 562-3838. A direct phone line is available outside the Siboire building at the bus terminal You can also use the Uber or Lyft taxi services to travel within Sherbrooke.

Map showing where to find bus number two and a phone for taxi Sherbrooke

To reach Bishop’s University from the Sherbrooke bus terminal:

Exit the terminal and walk approximately 165.60 m (543.31 ft) to the bus stop (King/Wellington).
Board Line #2 Université Bishop’s (Bishop’s University).

Fare: Pay cash (exact change) on board or purchase a pass at the Limocar Terminus during regular business hours.

For schedules, see the STS website (French) or the STS+ app.

Tips for Students

Fall Arrivals (Recommended): New international students are encouraged to use the B.U. International Airport Shuttle, offered on International Student Early Move-In Day. This is the most direct and convenient way to travel from Montréal–Trudeau Airport (YUL) to campus.
Plan ahead: Book Limocar or Aeroshuttle tickets early, especially during peak arrival periods.
Luggage: Consider taxis or Aeroshuttle if you have multiple or heavy bags.
Passes:
- STM 1-day pass can be bought at the airport from ticket vending machines;
- STS bus passes are available at the Limocar Terminus in Sherbrooke.
Walking & Incline: Note the short uphill walk from the Sherbrooke bus terminal to Line #2 stop; give yourself a few extra minutes.