Mohawk College

Visiting your child at Mohawk College means flying into Toronto Pearson (YYZ), then continuing to Hamilton by GO Transit. Plan the Canada visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from YYZ to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a Canada visitor visa (a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) - they are not eligible for the eTA that visa-exempt travellers use. It is filed online through the IRCC Secure Account (form IMM 5257), with biometrics required. Most TRVs are issued as multiple-entry visas valid up to 10 years (or until the passport expires), each visit up to 6 months.

• Processing only starts AFTER biometrics are given - add 1-2 weeks and book the biometrics appointment early.
• *Official IRCC times are dynamic; third-party trackers often cite 6-10 weeks, so apply at least 3 months ahead - Fall admits should submit by mid-May.
• A complete, well-documented file (strong home ties, travel history, clear funds and purpose) is the single best way to avoid delays and refusals.
• Super Visa (5-year stays) is only for parents of Canadian citizens or PRs - students are neither, so the standard visitor visa is the route for now.

Just admitted to Mohawk College? Here's your arrival checklist.

Arrival checklist

• Book your flight into Toronto Pearson (YYZ) early for the best August/September fares.
• GO from Pearson to Hamilton (~1 hr), then HSR up to the Fennell campus.
• Arrange first-week housing near campus before arrival.
• Carry your study permit letter, proof of funds and acceptance letter in your cabin bag.

Hamilton, home to McMaster, is a more affordable alternative to nearby Toronto - about CAD 1,100-1,600 a month all-in sharing and cooking. McMaster students get an HSR bus pass bundled into fees, and Toronto's bigger desi scene is about an hour away by GO Transit.

Monthly cost of living in Hamilton (a student estimate)

That's roughly C$13,000-19,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

Hamilton students share houses and apartments near McMaster (Westdale, Ainslie Wood) at well below Toronto prices.

• McMaster students get an HSR bus pass included in fees.
• Westdale and Ainslie Wood put you walking distance to campus.
• GO Transit reaches Toronto in about an hour for the bigger desi scene.

Working part-time

On a study permit you can work off-campus up to 24 hours/week during academic terms (a permanent limit as of 2025) and full-time during scheduled breaks if you are full-time before and after. On-campus work has no set hourly cap. After graduating from an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - master's graduates can qualify for up to three years. Stay within the work limit: over-working can cost your status and PGWP eligibility.

Safety & student support

Hamilton and its McMaster areas are generally safe by Canadian standards; use normal awareness at night.

• McMaster runs campus safety services (walk-home programs, alerts) - save the campus safety number.
• The campus and main student areas are busy and well-populated.
• Use normal awareness downtown at night; the McMaster/Westdale area is quiet.

Indian community & food

Hamilton has a growing Indian community, with desi grocers in town and Toronto's huge scene an hour away.

Indian grocery stores

• Indian and South Asian grocers around Hamilton's east end and Stoney Creek carry spices and staples.
• Mainstream FreshCo, No Frills and Fortinos have international aisles.
• Mississauga/Brampton (~1 hr) for the GTA's biggest desi supermarkets.

Student community

• McMaster has an active Indian/South Asian student association with Diwali and Holi events.
• Hamilton has Hindu temples and a gurdwara serving the community.

• A growing set of Indian restaurants across Hamilton.

Cost & living figures for Hamilton last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.