Some reminders for International Students going to Canada

Here are some reminders and important information you should be aware of:

• Eligibility to travel. With the constant changes in the travel restrictions, check if you are eligible to travel before booking your tickets: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/wizard-start
• Travel Checklist. Print this checklist for easy reference https://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/travel-checklist-for-international.html 

• Booking your flight. There is no set time frame for you to arrived in Canada begin your studies. An officer may have concerns if you are traveling several months before you begin your studies. Arriving up to 4 weeks before you begin studies would be considered reasonable. If you must travel earlier, prepare a detailed explanation for the airline and border officer if asked. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer you meet at the airport/border crossing will make the final decision on whether or not to admit you to Canada. It is always best to book your flight early and consider the peak season where the fare is usually high. Try to check as many travel agencies or online booking sites to get the best rates. But you will never go wrong if you opted for CIC Travel Services: http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/2013/11/peak-season-reminder-book-your-flight.htm

• Packing and Shipping. Traveling to Canada for study can be a major event for students—especially if they’ve never been away from home before or on a flight. Just getting from one point to another—the taxi to the check-in desk, the check-in desk to security, security to the right gate, etc.—is enough to think about without worrying about having too much luggage or whether they’ve forgotten something along the way. http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/packing-and-shipping-travelling-to.html

• Arriving in Canada.  There will generally be one of two circumstances for international students arriving in Canada: They will have already arranged for accommodation or They will have yet to arrange for permanent accommodation and will be either staying with a friend/family or need to go to a hostel/hotel for temporary accommodation. http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/there-will-generally-be-one-of-two.html

• Permanent Accommodation. International students generally receive abundant personal support for their studies from the education institution they have chosen. Right now, there are more than 200,000 international students in Canada benefitting from the orientation programs, international student advisors, study skills programs, disability support, career counselling, student associations, social clubs, and other programs at their educational institutions. http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/permanent-accommodation.html

• Money Matters. Canadian banks are similar to their American or European counterparts in many respects. Most charge a fee for customer service and offer a variety of packages. A basic bank account will cost approximately $5 per month. http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/money-matters.html

• Working. If students are eligible to work in Canada, they will need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and they should be aware of their rights while employed in Canada.http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/working.html

• Health Care and Insurance. Virtually all Canadian post-secondary institutions have medical insurance plans available to international students. Students should contact the Canadian educational institution they plan to attend for information about health insurance coverage. However, coverage of school's health insurance starts only on the 1st day of class. You should get a travel insurance to cover you from landing until 1st day of class. https://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/travel-insurance.html

• Safety. Canada is one of the most peaceful and orderly countries in the world. Despite this, international students should follow the same common-sense safety precautions in Canada as they would anywhere in the world. Here are some safety tips agents can pass on to students:http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/safety-canada-is-one-of-most-peaceful.html

• Adjusting to Canada. However much practical information, web links, advice, and contacts agents provide international students, there will be one issue they cannot totally prepare them for: culture shock. http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/p/adjusting-to-canada-however-much.html

• How to Dress for Canadian Winter. Before you venture out into the world of heavy coats, down jackets, and snow boots, let’s get to know some fall/winter basics. The key to staying warm and safe is all about choosing clothes that suit your level of activity during the day. https://arrivein.com/daily-life-in-canada/how-to-dress-for-canadian-winter-tips-for-newcomers

If you are thinking of applying for permanent residence in Canada in the future, it will definitely help you if you will finish your program.  Do not work beyond the allowed number of hours while you are still a student.

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