Updated to-do list for new int'l students resuming in Canada:
1. Book your flight ticket: Once you receive your passport with your visa on it, book your flight early to allow you get good flight rates. Check with the airline to know the earliest they will allow you to enter Canada based on your resumption date.
2. Get your study permit: What you have stamped on your int'l passport is just a temporary resident visa (TRV) which only allows you entry into Canada but does not permit you to study or work in Canada. So, you need to obtain your study permit as soon as you land in Canada.
If your program includes a work term (co-ops) and you have indicated that during your study visa application, you will be issued a work permit alongside your study permit.
3. Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN): Your SIN allows you to work in Canada as a student. You can get this at the Service Canada office in the airport or anywhere in your city.
4. Sort out accommodation: I highly recommend you sort out accommodation prior to landing. Getting accommodation in Canada is getting tougher with more int'l students and immigrants moving to Canada on a daily basis. Ensure you update your new address on your student profile.
5. Set up your school email account: to receive official school info,including details about orientation, residence, tuition fees, health plan,class registration, and more! You should be able to set it up once you have made tuition payments. Make sure you check the mail regularly
6. Register for classes: Confirm the courses you will be offering for the semester and register once the portal is open to avoid late registration. You can do this even before you land in Canada. Contact your program administrator for assistance with class registration.
7. Attend the new students orientation: New student orientation allows you to explore the campus, meet the int'l Centre staff, learn about the school's services and resources, learn how to get involved in clubs, teams, and other groups, meet other students, make new friends etc.
8. Health insurance: Several Canadian provinces provide health insurance cards to int'l students under their provincial plan, but some do not. Schools, always provide health and dental insurance for int'l students, which will be included in your accessory fees.
You can opt out if you already have health & dental coverage. Check with your school to find out which one applies to you.
9. Obtain your school ID card: In many schools you have to pay to be issued a school ID card.Your school ID card can serve as a debit card and/or access card to the school facilities like the gym, bus pass, libraries, hostels and some buildings.
You can request for your school ID online, via your departmental or ID office or even at your school bookstore. Check with your school or faculty for more information on how to get your school ID card.
10. Open a bank account: Most banks will request for your study permit, SIN, enrollment verification letter and int'l passport (or a Canadian driver's license) to open a student bank account for you. Discuss with a financial advisor to know which account is best for you.
Pay attention to any bank charges or fees associated with the account, accounts that have additional incentives, e.g., points card & access to a credit card so you can start building your credit history. Watch this YT video for more infoon credit cards: m.youtube.com
11. Get a phone number: Major network providers Bell, Koodo, Rogers, Telus. You can opt for a pre-paid plan or pay as you go. If your phone is not compatible with the Canadian SIM cards, you might need to buy a new phone, which you can get off these network providers under any
of their phone tab plans ( you might need a credit card to do this). You will need a photo ID - either your passport or driver’s license and either a credit card, Social Insurance Number card, or bank cheque to get your SIM.
12. Get a bus card: You can purchase a bus card if this is not covered by your school. Check if there is s discount or waivers offered for students.
13. Connect & network: Attend events organized by your school, department & faculty. Participate in volunteer services, join the students' associations for your country on campus, get a home church, etc.These will help you network and connect with a larger community in your city.
14. Get a job/ side business: Apply for jobs on or off campus. Don't engage in a job that will interfere with your school activities. If your study permit exempts you from working outside campus, adhere to those regulations. If you have any skills, you can start a side business.
15. Get your driver's license: In many Canadian provinces and territories, you need to take a written exam to be issued a learner's license or permit that allows you learn how to drive before taking the actual road test.
You might want to start this process as soon as you settle if you plan to own or drive a car in Canada immediately or in the near future. Some provinces are can convert the license from your country to a Canadian license, check with the motor registration office in your city
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