Predeparture Checklist for Foreign Students Studying in Canada

The relocation of international students to Canada can be both exhilarating and challenging. It is possible that this will be your initial experience relocating abroad independently. Freedom entails a multitude of obligations. Prior to enrolling in school in Canada, it is necessary to obtain a study permit, secure housing, and accumulate funds.

This article provides a pre-arrival checklist for international pupils who are relocating to Canada. It encompasses all the critical tasks that you should complete in your home country prior to attending school in Canada, as well as the appropriate time to complete them.

Six months before studying in Canada

1. Get your Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) send Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) to accepted students. Your student visa application requires proof of admission to a Canadian university or college.

Your school will give you a few days to accept and confirm your enrollment. If you chose on-campus housing or a meal plan, you’ll also have to pay the first-year tuition at this point. Avoid delays by arranging your finances before receiving your LOA.

2. Explore Canadian housing options

Upon acceptance, you must select a residence. Register for on-campus housing at your university or institution after receiving your letter of acceptance. The demand for school accommodation frequently surpasses the supply.

International students frequently reside off-campus near their educational institutions. Inquire with current students at your new institution regarding off-campus housing. Off-campus pupils may benefit from temporary housing. Afterward, you may begin the process of locating longer-term rentals by conducting an exploration of the neighborhood and inspecting a few properties.

3. Check your Student Direct Stream eligibility.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) has the potential to expedite the processing of study permits for 14 countries, including Brazil, China, the Philippines, and India. Additionally, your study permit application may be processed within 20 business days through the Student Direct Stream.

In order to demonstrate financial support, students who are applying for a study permit under the Student Direct Stream are required to purchase a $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). Additionally, documentation of on-campus accommodation and first-year tuition is required.

4. Get study permit documents.

a) Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

$10,000 GICs are required for SDS study permits. Financial support for a general stream study permit may be demonstrated through a GIC.

CDIC guarantees GICs. You will receive a portion of your GIC each month during your first year of study until you receive the full amount (plus interest).

To apply for an RBC International Student GIC, submit an online application after receiving your Canadian DLI Letter of Acceptance. Banks send GIC certificates, Investment Directions Confirmations, and Investment Balance Confirmations following the purchase. This is mandated by the SDS.

b) Proof of financial support

The evaluation of study permit applications by visa personnel is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to demonstrate their financial capacity to pay for education and living expenses in Canada. Students who are submitting applications for a general stream study permit may also provide documentation of their financial resources, such as:

• Your Canadian bank account is the recipient of the funds you transmitted to Canada.
• Student loans issued by financial institutions.
• Bank statements for the previous four months.
• bank draft denominated in Canadian dollars.
• Tuition and housing receipts.
• A scholarship letter from an institution or individual.
• Evidence of educational programs or scholarships that have been funded by Canada.

c) Letter of Intent (or Statement of Purpose)

A statement of purpose or letter of intent is not necessary for study permit applications. A well-crafted letter of intent (LOI) can persuade the visa officer that you are a genuine student, that your career will be enhanced by studying in Canada, and that you will not exceed the duration of your study permit. This increases the number of applications for study permits. The issuance of study permits is justified by LOIs.

d) Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

A provincial certificate d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is required prior to the submission of an application for a study permit in Quebec. For information on the cost of the CAQ application and the application process, please contact your institution.

5. Canadian study permit Application

Submit all required documentation for an IRCC study permit online. Before applying for a study permit, it is necessary to complete the form, attach documents, and pay the processing fees.

Immigration or educational consultants are the sources from which international students can obtain study permits. Consult the consultants at the CICC. The Canadian government will not communicate with unauthorized consultants, which is a risk. Attempt to avoid individuals who are offering admission to a Canadian university or requesting a study permit through a false claim.

RISIAs assist with study permits, RCICs assist with visas, employment, and study applications, and PR applications.

RISIAs are Canadian organizations that are affiliated with universities. They are able to provide guidance, but they are unable to submit your study permit application.

Three months before studying in Canada

1. Get a Driver’s license extract

A driver’s license extract is issued by your regional transportation authority to confirm that you possess a valid license in your native country and have a history of driving. A driver’s license extract can expedite the Canadian driver’s license procedure for individuals who have two or more years of foreign driving experience.

In Ontario, individuals who have completed the G1 knowledge exam and have accumulated over two years of foreign driving experience are eligible to take the G road test immediately, bypassing the G2 road test and the waiting period. A complete license could be obtained within weeks or months.

Begin the driver’s license extraction process at least a few months prior to your departure, as it may require weeks or months in certain countries.

2. Collect other official documents

Using the Canadian student visa document checklist, compile your academic or professional references, identity documents, academic transcripts, prior employment letters, and other critical documents.

In addition to your study permit application, you may require additional critical documents while in Canada. Bring your marriage certificate, birth certificates, school records, and health records with you if your family is visiting you in Canada.

3. Canadian student bank accounts

Money management is simplified with a Canadian bank account. Before arriving in Canada, it is possible to transmit your savings and have them readily accessible by opening a bank account. Begin the process of opening a student bank account with an RBC Advisor six to eight weeks prior to your arrival.

Open a chequing account in Canada for daily expenses. GIC funds will be transferred to your checking account. Upon your arrival in Canada, you are eligible to register for a credit card.

One month before studying in Canada

1. Choose what you want to bring.

Decide on the items you will bring and commence the preparation process, despite the fact that it is too early to prepare. Verify the government’s import restrictions.

Transport substantial goods, such as furniture. Please be advised that the majority of on-campus housing in Canada is either entirely or partially furnished. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with your university or college. You may require a laptop or phone for academic purposes.

2. Manage your finances

During vacations, you may be able to visit family, even though your academic program may require you to be away from home for a year or more. To prevent tension, consolidate your finances before your departure.

To pursue your education in Canada, you will require an adequate amount of savings. It will also be essential to have convenient access to your savings or home funds. To prevent being charged for services that you will not utilize, it is recommended that you close bank accounts, pay off credit cards, and terminate recurring payments or subscriptions.

Gather bank statements, GIC, education loan, and scholarship documents one month before you arrive in Canada.

3. Find part-time job opportunities

Many international students in Canada are eligible to work part-time. Your study permit specifies whether you are permitted to work.

If you are eligible, begin researching part-time employment before you arrive in Canada. To identify part-time employment opportunities in your vicinity, consult Canadian job portals and consult with current students. Seek opportunities that are consistent with your academic program or that will assist in the development of transferable skills.

You have the option to work part-time after enrolling in education. Once you have obtained information regarding your academic schedule, make employment decisions.

4. Comprehensive health checkup

Consult with your physician, dentist, or ophthalmologist before departing. Obtain a copy of your medical and dental records, update your vaccinations, and obtain prescriptions for any ongoing medications.

It is recommended that you undergo exams and last-minute dental cleanings and fillings prior to departing, as regular vision and dental care is not covered by Canadian provincial and student health insurance plans.

Two weeks before studying in Canada

1. Buy health insurance, if needed.

Canadian study permit bearers are required to maintain health insurance. Some provinces (excluding Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec) provide publicly funded healthcare to international students if their study program is sufficiently lengthy. Consult your province or territory’s healthcare registration requirements. Before enrolling in the provincial plan, it may be necessary to obtain private insurance.

UHIP or MISHP primary health coverage is mandatory for students enrolled in Ontario or Manitoba. Dental and vision insurance may incur expenses.

2. Gather or buy your first-week essentials.

Arrange your belongings one week before your departure. Weather-appropriate attire should be worn during the initial week. Winters in Canada necessitate the use of hefty jackets, snow boots, and layers. Students from countries with milder climates are particularly fond of Canadian winter attire. It is not advisable to bring solely winter clothing, as the summers in Canada are exceedingly hot.

If you have not yet registered for a meal plan, please inspect the kitchen of your lodging. In order to prepare your native cuisine, it is advisable to purchase pressure cookers and works in your home country, as they are both costly and difficult to locate in Canada.

A week’s worth of toiletries, seasonings, and other essentials should be transported.

3. Spend time with family and friends

Following the completion of critical duties, allocate time for socializing with family and friends. You may not have the opportunity to meet for months or even years. No issue—email, video call, or telephone.

Prior to their arrival in Canada, international students are required to fulfill a number of tasks. Prepare in advance for the purpose of budgeting, studying, and locating student housing.

Print the complimentary international student checklist before you depart for Canada.

Check Also: Challenges Faced by International Students in Canada

Benefits for Predeparture Checklist for Foreign Students Studying in Canada

• Preventing Last-Minute Rush: A pre-departure checklist guarantees that students do not postpone critical tasks until the last minute, thereby reducing tension and disorder before their departure.
• Clear Timeline: It offers a structured timeline for critical activities, including the acquisition of accommodation, the registration of flights, and the arrangement of health insurance, enabling students to follow it in a step-by-step fashion.
• Visa and Immigration: The protocol assists students in verifying the validity and order of their passport, visa, and study permit, thereby preventing potential travel or immigration complications.
• Insurance and Health Records: Guarantees that the student has obtained the necessary health insurance, medical records, and vaccinations as required by Canadian institutions or the government.
• Financial Documentation: Students are advised to prepare financial documents, such as verification of funds, which are frequently required for visa applications.
• Secure Housing: The checklist may serve as a reminder to students to reserve on-campus or off-campus accommodations in advance, guaranteeing that they have a place to stay upon their arrival.
• Flight Arrangements: Assists students in the early booking of flights, thereby enabling them to secure the most favorable prices and circumvent last-minute ticket availability concerns.
• Airport Pickup: Encourages students to either schedule a pick-up service from their university or make alternative transportation arrangements to facilitate their arrival.
• Budgeting: Students are advised to establish a Canadian bank account or arrange for international banking services to facilitate the management of their finances upon their arrival.
• Foreign Currency: The checklist advises students to bring a small amount of Canadian currency to cover any immediate expenditures, such as transportation, food, or unforeseen costs, upon their arrival.

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