Ready to come to Canada?! 🇨🇦🎓
Congratulations! You’ve got your study permit/visa, and you’re officially good to go. 🎉
But getting your visa is only the beginning.
Beyond having your visa and packing your documents (certificates, transcripts, admission letter, and other important paperwork), there are several things you should take care of before and shortly after arriving in Canada.
Here’s my list of 15 things to do as a new international student in Canada to help you prepare for a smooth transition and start your Canadian journey on the right foot.
1) Arrange accommodation:
Given the current housing situation in Canada, you may need to start looking for accommodation before you arrive and, ideally, have a place lined up for your first few days or weeks.
If you know people in the city you’re moving to, reach out to them. They may be able to help you find a place or even inspect a potential rental on your behalf.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend signing a long-term lease before arriving in Canada unless someone you trust has inspected the place for you. It’s better to see the property yourself, confirm the condition, location, and other details, and then make a decision.
You can search for accommodation through platforms such as Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, RentFaster, Rent Board, 4rent, RentSeeker, or the realtors.ca
Other options include university residence or staying in a short-term rental such as Airbnb for your first few days while you search for something more permanent.
The important thing is to have somewhere to stay when you arrive, even if it’s only for a few days or weeks. This gives you time to settle in and conduct your housing search in person.
And if you want to save on rent, consider finding other students to share a house or apartment with. It can significantly reduce your monthly housing costs.
Start early. Be cautious. And never send money for a rental you haven’t properly verified.
2) Obtain your study permit:
This is inevitable, but many new international students do not know this.
What most (if not all) students receive before travelling to Canada is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which allows them to travel to Canada. Your study permit is issued at the Canadian port of entry upon arrival.
So, make sure you keep your approval letter and all supporting documents in your carry-on/hand luggage, not in your checked baggage. You may need to present them to the border officer when you arrive, and having them readily accessible can help avoid unnecessary delays.
3) Obtain your Social Insurance:
If the conditions of your study permit allow you to work in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you can work.
You may be able to apply for your SIN at the airport when you arrive in Canada, so it is worth asking about this before you leave the airport.
If that is not available, you can apply through Service Canada after you arrive. Make sure you have the required immigration documents with you when applying. Find a Service Canada office near you here.
4) Attend your orientation events:
This is very important!
Your orientation is your first real opportunity to learn more about your university, your program, and what to expect as a student in Canada. You’ll also learn about important things you should and shouldn’t do, while getting familiar with the resources and support available to you.
More importantly, network! Meet people, introduce yourself, and start building relationships. If you need someone to share a house or accommodation with, you may even find a roommate at orientation.
Your orientation event is your first opportunity to start building your network in Canada. Don’t miss it. Be there!
5) Submit copies of your study permit/docs:
I’m not sure if this is a standard procedure at every university, but some universities require international students to submit or verify their documents upon arrival.
Find out if this applies to you and complete the process as required. Your university may need to verify your documents and provide updates about your student status to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Don’t assume this step is optional. Check with your university and get it done!
6) Get your student ID Card:
Your student ID comes with a lot more than just your name and photo!
Depending on your university, your student ID may give you access to benefits such as free or discounted public transit, libraries, recreational facilities, student services, and university events.
Some university buildings and facilities may also require your student ID for entry.
So, once you arrive, find out where and how to get your student ID and get it ASAP!
7) Register for your classes:
One of the biggest perks of attending orientation is learning about the courses you need to register for and how your program is structured.
Some classes have limited spaces and can fill up quickly, so don’t wait until the last minute. Register for your courses ASAP to avoid missing out on required classes or having to adjust your schedule.
If you’re unsure about which courses to take, contact your program coordinator, academic advisor, or international student office for guidance.
Register early and get your schedule sorted!
8) Update your address and contact information:
Once you have a Canadian address, don’t forget to update your address and other personal information on your university/student account.
The address and contact information you provided when you applied for admission may remain on your student profile until you change it.
This is important because your university may use the information on your account to send you important documents, notices, and updates.
So, once you have your Canadian address, update your student account ASAP!
9) Sort Out Your Health Insurance or Health Card:
International students often have health and dental insurance through their university or student union, but coverage varies by institution.
Confirm what coverage you have with your international student office and find out what is included, how to access it, and when your coverage begins.
Some provinces may also require eligible residents to have a provincial health card to access publicly funded healthcare services. Find out what applies to you and, if you’re eligible, apply for your health card as soon as possible.
Don’t wait until you need medical care to figure out your coverage!
10) Open a Canadian Bank Account:
Some of the popular Canadian banks include RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and TD. As a student, I recommend comparing what each bank offers and choosing the one with the best student account benefits and incentives for you.
You may also want to book a session with a financial advisor to understand your banking options, especially if you’re new to Canada. Do this as soon as possible.
Also, if you’re arriving in Canada with foreign currency or US dollars, avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport if you can. Airport exchange services may offer less favourable rates. Compare the rate and fees at your bank or other reputable currency-exchange options before making the transaction.
Get your banking sorted early!
11) Get a Phone (Number):
There are many phone service providers in Canada, so take your time to compare their plans, prices, and student incentives before choosing one.
If you already have a good phone, you may want to bring your device and get a prepaid plan or sign up for a phone plan without financing or paying for a new phone.
This can save you money, especially when you’re just settling into Canada.
Compare your options and choose what works best for your budget!
12) Get Your Canadian Driver’s Licence:
Driving can be an essential part of life in Canada, especially if you plan to buy a car or drive regularly.
Find out the driver’s licensing requirements in the province where you live and start the process as soon as possible. Licensing rules and requirements vary from province to province, so don’t assume your home-country licence will automatically transfer.
Getting a Canadian driver’s licence can also be important for your career. Some jobs require you to have a valid Canadian driver’s licence, particularly roles that involve driving or travelling for work.
If you plan to drive in Canada, start the licensing process early!
13) Get a Provincial Photo ID:
Many places in Canada may require you to provide government-issued photo identification to access certain services, resources, or complete important transactions.
As an international student, a provincial photo ID can be very useful, especially when you don’t want to carry your passport everywhere.
Find out how to apply for a provincial ID in your province and get yours ASAP!
Having a local government-issued ID makes many everyday tasks much easier.
14) Prepare for Winter:
Depending on when and where you arrive in Canada, the weather may be mild, or extremely cold.
If you’re settling in the Prairies, particularly Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, be prepared for the harsh winter temperatures. Get your essential winter clothing as soon as possible, including a good winter jacket, gloves, toque, warm boots, and other layers.
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t feel pressured to buy everything brand new. Check out thrift stores such as Value Village for affordable winter clothing.
Don’t wait for winter to arrive before preparing for it!
15) Put in the work, and have fun:
Don’t break the rules out here; the consequences can be far-reaching, especially as an international student. Understand the rules that apply to you and make sure you stay compliant with your immigration status and other legal obligations.
But remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull student! 😄
Put in the work, but also make time to rest, have fun, explore Canada, build friendships, and enjoy your experience.
One of the keys to succeeding as a student is finding a healthy work-life balance.
I wish you the very best in Canada! 🍁🇨🇦
If you have questions about Career & Personal Development, Personal Finance, or Building a Personal Brand and want to reach out to us, check what we have here.
DISCLAIMER: The posts and information on this website are not legal advice. We are not Canadian Immigration Consultants and do NOT provide Canadian Immigration Services. For any authorized Canadian Immigration information, services, or support, please check the Government of Canada website at www.canada.ca/immigration
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