Canada has outlined eight key steps prospective international students should complete before travelling to the country for their studies.
The guidance was published by CIC News and shared on CanadaVisa’s X account on Thursday. It noted that relocating to Canada as an international student requires more than gaining admission and booking a flight, stressing the need for proper preparation before departure.
The first step is for students to accept an admission offer from a Canadian institution.
International students generally require a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution before they can apply for a study permit.
Students have also been advised to apply for their Canadian study permits as early as possible.
Most international students intending to study in Canada for more than six months are required to obtain a study permit.
Depending on their individual circumstances, applicants may need to submit details about their education, finances and identity, along with other supporting documents.
The third step is to prepare a travel and document checklist before departure.
Students are advised to have important documents such as a valid passport, letter of acceptance, study permit approval documents, proof of funds and health insurance details readily available.
They should also keep both physical and digital copies of their important documents for easy access when needed.
The fourth step involves understanding health insurance options before travelling. Health coverage for international students differs across Canadian provinces and territories. While some students may qualify for public health insurance, others may need private coverage or a health plan provided by their institution.
Students are also encouraged to research accommodation options ahead of their arrival. These may include student residences, shared apartments and private rentals.
When selecting accommodation, students are advised to consider factors such as cost, location, transportation and how close the housing is to their campus.
Another important step is financial planning. Students are encouraged to prepare a budget that covers tuition, accommodation, transportation, food, books and other personal expenses.
For the sixth step, depending on their circumstances and applicable immigration requirements, some students may also use a Guaranteed Investment Certificate to demonstrate available funds.
The seventh step is opening a Canadian bank account. Having a local account can make it easier to manage day-to-day expenses.
Students comparing banking options are advised to consider fees, transaction limits, digital banking services and access to automated teller machines.
Finally, prospective students are encouraged to learn about everyday life in Canada before travelling.
The guidance also encourages students to prepare for everyday life in Canada by learning about local transportation, weather conditions, cultural norms and essential services.
Students can also attend pre-arrival sessions organised by their institutions and connect with current students to get practical advice about living and studying in the country.
According to the guidance, making these preparations ahead of time can help international students settle in more easily and focus on their academic goals after arriving in Canada.