Getting Started in Canada
What to Do When You First Arrive in Canada
- Get your Study permit before leaving the Canadian Airport. A study permit gives you the permission to stay in the Canada. All the instructions and directions to immigration are given at the airport. Just follow the directions and stay ready with your passport, IELTS results, and any other necessary documents, such as your passport and your letter of acceptance provided by your educational institution.
In case you left the airport without the permit, you can get it from the Border Services. Border Services also need your documents before assigning you a permit.
After, getting your work permit, please check all the fields wisely.
- Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can apply SIN anytime, but it would be recommended to apply within a week after your landing in Canada. It is unique 9 digit number (e.g., 123-456-789) issued by the Canadian Government to administer various programs. Only Employers, Financial institutions or Government bodies requires SIN, beware of fraudulent activities. CLICK HERE to get more information about SIN. You can apply your Sin Number in person or by email. You can use the following steps to apply in person. (You can access the link to forms by clicking and pressing ctrl on the underline words)
- Get an application form online or from your local Service Canada Centre.
- Fill it out.
- Collect the documents you need.
- Take your application documents to your local Service Canada Centre.
- Open a Bank A/C. International students have Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) invested in a particular bank, usually Scotiabank or ICIC from their home country. Students must open an A/C in that bank. You can open a bank account after getting your SIN and it is recommended to do so within 1-2 weeks. You can call the bank and book an appointment with them to open a new account. Make sure to get your passport, study permit, SIN number, and bank documents necessary for the appointment.
- Get a local Cellphone number. You can get a cellphone number anytime. It is better to get it within a week. Various cellphone companies are available in Canada such as Chatr, Freedom, Public, Fido, Rogers, Telus and Virgin. Sometimes, you can also get a student discount.
- If you already have a cellphone that supports Canadian carriers, then cheapest available carriers are Chatr, Freedom, Public, Fido.
- If you need a new cellphone then you can check the various deals, and you will be able to get discounted deals near Christmas.
- Apply for a Medical Service Plan (MSP). MSP is Public Health Insurance that pays for required medical service. There are number of services covered under a MSP. (To know about services covered under MSP, Click Here). SIN and Study Permit is required to apply for MSP, and it is recommended to get the insurance as soon as possible. Usually, students apply within two weeks. You can apply for MSP in two ways. (You can access the link to forms by clicking and pressing ctrl on the underline words).
- Get an application form online. Fill the form with your using your identification (SIN and Study Permit).
- Apply by Mail using a Paper form of application. Mail the application form to
Health Insurance BC
Medical Services Plan
PO Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC
V8W 9P7
Click here to get more information.
- Search for an accommodation. Ask from friends or relatives, or search on Facebook marketplace, craigslist, kijiji. You can look for an accommodation according to you.
You can look various options available in the market. Choose according to you budget and you can also look for shared accommodation.
THINK before you DECIDE. Do not be hasty.
- Begin search for a Job. It is not an easy task to find a job in Canada without any reference or experience. You can begin the search when you feel confident about yourself, and feel that you can manage work and university simultaneously. Ask from friends or relatives for a reference. Build a resume and apply on indeed or BCjobs (Jobs in Vancouver). Drop your resumes off at various workstations. You can also build a profile on LinkedIn. This will help you stay aware about the various entrepreneurs, and job opportunities available on the market.
YOU CAN USE A CHECKLIST TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERFORMANCE