Congratulations, future Canadian scholar! ✨ You've secured your study permit, chosen your dream program, and now, it's time to embark on this exciting educational journey to Canada. To ensure a seamless transition, we've put together this comprehensive study in Canada pre-departure checklist just for you. Let's dive in!
📋 Pre-Departure checklist to Study in Canada
1.🗓️ Important dates
Keep an eye on the Study in Canada timeline for important dates. This will help you plan when you should arrive and leave Canada and plan for holidays. For example, Orientation start date, study program start date and end date, term start and end date, accommodation start date and end date
2. 🛂 Passport matters
Check your passport's validity; it should remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date to your home country. A valid passport is essential for scholarship application, US visa application (if you plan to visit the US), Post Graduate Work Permit application upon graduation etc. If your passport is going to be expiring while you are still doing your program, find out if you are able to apply for a passport when you are in Canada and take note of the process and when you need to apply.
3. ✈️ Book your flight
If you are from one of the 30+ countries that do not require a Canadian visitor visa to enter Canada, you will need to apply for an electronic Travel Authorization (more commonly known as eTA) if you do not already have a one. This is very similar to Electronic System for Travel Authorization (more commonly known as ESTA) for the USA. This is a simple process that will take a few minutes and it costs $7. Please click on this link to apply for eTA). You will need this before you can purchase your air ticket. You do not need an eTA if you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa. You can use the visa to buy your air ticket.
Purchase your airline ticket to Canada. It is usually cheaper to purchase a return ticket than a one-way ticket. It also gives you the flexibility to fly back to your home country in case of an emergency without having to pay exorbitant prices.
4. 🏥 Health and Travel Insurance
Invest in travel and health insurance for peace of mind. Canada’s medical coverage for international students usually start three months after your arrival date. Canadian schools usually provide some health insurance coverage for your first three months.
If you plan to travel around Canada or to the USA during your studies, it is a good idea to invest in a travel insurance plan. It is usually cheaper to buy the travel insurance plan for multiple trips than single trips. It is also easier to get this done in your home country than in Canada.
5. 🩺 Medical records
Obtain copies of your medical and immunization records. In a post COVID era, please make sure that you have a copy of your COVID vaccination records on standby should there be a resurgence or new border security measures.
6. 🏨 Accommodation arrangements
Decide and secure your housing options. You can request on-campus housing or explore private options upon arrival in Canada. This is a huge topic on its own and require dedicated time. We highly recommend that you secure housing for at least for 1 month before your arrival in Canada. This is because rental market conditions can be tight especially during the peak season when school starts in September. It will be very stressful and expensive if you arrive in Canada without any prior accommodation arrangements.
Your school’s international student liaison office should be your first stop for acommodation arrangement. You can also search for other options online. Some good websites to use are padmapper, Airbnb, Facebook marketplace, Kijiji.
7. 🚖 Airport Transfers
It is important to figure out your transportation to and from the airport both at home and in Canada before your trip. Make sure you have sufficient funds and download the relevant transport app for public transport, taxi, Uber or Lyft. As Canada is a big country, make sure you research on your transport options from the correct airport’s website.
8. 💳 Banking
Plan your banking needs, including setting up a Canadian bank account or purchasing traveler's cheques, bank draft. Don't forget to carry some Canadian cash and your credit card. Most places in Canada accept credit cards.
9. 🧳 Packing Wisdom
Familiarize yourself with baggage limitations and customs requirements for efficient packing.
Here’s a link to what you can bring into the Canada and what you need to declare.
In Canada (same as USA), the standard voltage is 120 V (with a standard frequency of 60 Hz) rather than the 220 volts used in Europe and some parts of Asia. You can use appliances meant for 110V.
Please bring at least 2 adapters if your home country’s electrical socket is different from Canada’s.
Make sure you bring some warm clothing as the night can get quite chilly in Canada even in fall. Make sure you pack in some winter clothing.
10. 🍁 Research on Canada
Dive into research about Canada, your new town or city, and your school. The more you know about your new Canadian town/city, the easier your first month of transition is going to be.
11. 🏫 Connect with your school
Reach out to your Canadian school, college, or university for any questions or concerns you may have. We highly encourage that you participate in as many orientation programs and social activities organized by your school. This is the most effective way for you to make new friends and start your new life in Canada.
12. 📄 Important Documents
Scan and photocopy vital documents for your luggage, home, and email archives, including passport, airline tickets, travel insurance, acceptance letter, addresses, bank statements, prescriptions, traveler's cheques, medical records, academic history, and transcripts. Make sure you keep additional printed copies and softcopies on cloud such as google drive and leave a copy with someone you trust at home, so that in case you lose your any of your documents, someone can send it to you readily.
Put all your important documents, especially your approval letter for your study permit (i.e. Port of entry Introduction letter),, including all the supporting documents for your study permit appliation in your hand luggae and NOT your check-in luggage. You will need them to present them to the immigration officer at the first Canadian airport upon arrival.
Here is a quick summary of the checklist:
1. 🗓️ Important dates
2. 🛂 Passport matters
3. ✈️ Book your flight
4. 🏥 Health and Travel Insurance
5. 🩺 Medical records
6. 🏨 Accommodation arrangements
7. 🚖 Airport Transfers
8. 💳 Banking
9. 🧳 Packing Wisdom
10. 🍁 Research on Canada
11. 🏫 Connect with your school
12. 📄 Important Documents
👍 Ready to Begin? 👍
The pre-departure checklist might seem overwhelming, but with our expert guidance and your determination, you've got this! Start your preparation early, stay organized, and don't hesitate to ask for help if needed.
The more well prepared you are, the smoother and more enjoyable your initial few months in Canada will be. You will also save more money by being prepared. This means more budget to enjoy yourself instead of spending it on last minute purchases like warm clothing, adapters and hotel accommodation.
Studying in Canada offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural immersion. With careful planning, thorough research, and a proactive approach, you can unlock a world of opportunities and create unforgettable memories during your time in Canada.
📚 Stay Tuned for More! 📚
If you're new to "The Ultimate Guide to Study in Canada" blog series, welcome! You can catch up on earlier blogs by clicking on the link. For those of you who have read our earlier blogs, thank you for joining us again. Here's what's coming up:
7️⃣ Pre-departure Checklist 🧳(You're reading it now! 🤩)
Excited to read more? Follow us on our blog or social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest) to get the latest Canadian education and immigration related news. Please contact us if you are keen to work with us to fulfill your Canadian dream.
🔜 📚 Stay tuned for Part 8, where we'll delve into your Post Arrival Checklist, ensuring you're fully prepared for your Canadian adventure! 🧳Whether you're still thinking about studying in Canada or have you already decided on doing so, we're here to help you at every step of the way.
Let's make your dream of studying in Canada a reality! 🌟🤝
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