10 Ways to Settle in Canada as An International Student

May 29, 2023

Moving from your home country to a foreign destination can make you full of anxiety. We understand! The anxiety gets even worse when you are completely clueless of what to do as soon as you arrive. As a newcomer to Canada, here are 10 tips you can follow so you can get settled as fast and seamless as possible;

1. PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR CANADIAN ADDRESS

Provide Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with your Canadian address. You have 180 days to update your address online.

2. APPLY FOR YOUR SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit unique number that you need to work and be paid in Canada and access government programs and benefits. It is also used to file taxes. (*If you are not eligible for a SIN, you can apply for an Individual Tax Number (ITN) for tax purposes.)

3. GET A BANK ACCOUNT

Canada has many different types of banks. Visit a bank to learn more about their services and packages for newcomers or search online for the bank that best fits the needs for you and your family. To learn more about banking, visit the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.

4. APPLY FOR A GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE

Apply for a government health insurance as soon as you arrive in Canada. Provincial and territorial governments have different health insurance plans and waiting periods.

If your province or territory requires you to wait before you are covered under their health insurance plan, it is a good idea to have private medical insurance to protect you and your family.

5. SORT OUT ACCOMMODATION.

Finding accommodation in a suitable location close to your university will save you LOTS of commuting stress. In picking your first accommodation, choose wisely from options like a hotel room, a short-term rental, an apartment, a house, or friends or family already living in Canada.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website helps newcomers with useful housing information in different languages. There are also real estate agencies that can help you buy or rent a house or an apartment.

6. GET ENROLLED AT YOUR CANADIAN UNIVERSITY. 

You definitely have to register physically at your choice university where you’ve received admission to finalize all the paperwork related to your admission process. Report to the International Student Office and get all the needed information you need to get started and stay above water on campus.

7. GET A SIM CARD.

This is important to keep in touch with family and friends and even for inquiry purposes. Luckily, mobile packages are provided for international students by telecommunication companies like Fido, Shaw, Fizz, Telus, Rogers, and Freedom. 

8. FIND A JOB OR GO INTO BUSINESS.

Finding a legal job as soon as possible is necessary to have a regular income and ensure your financial security. But remember working more than 20 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions and you can lose your student status for doing that. For more information on this, visit here.

9. REGISTER WITH YOUR COUNTRY’S CONSULATE

This is not mandatory, but often advantageous. Your country’s consulate help you with assistance in the event of a crisis or emergency, your passport renewal, your retirement pension (if you receive one from abroad), scholarships, information on settling in Canada, and organizations for newcomers.

10. SOCIALIZE

No man is an island, especially in Canada. Socializing can ease your settlement process in Canada as you build a network of support and connectivity. Try signing up for cultural activities, joining a sports team or club, taking part in your cultural community activities for newcomers, doing volunteer work, participating in professional events, and even religious activities.

Welcome to Canada! A life-changing experience awaits you.