Study Abroad in Canada: A Helpful Checklist for International Students

Coming to study in Canada as an international student is a big step, but don’t worry: this article will help you start your journey with confidence.

Before you arrive in Canada, there are a few things you can do to make everything go smoothly.

Here is a useful checklist before arriving in Canada as an international student.

1. Secure your admission offer

The best place to start is with your offer of admission to a Canadian university or college. Make sure you have your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on hand. This is key to applying for your study permit, something you will need as an international student planning to study in Canada.^[1]

Benefit from TD’s GIC Program for International Students

2. Apply for a study permit

Has your acceptance letter arrived? Excellent! The next step is apply for a study permit. Firstly, you should check the Canadian government guidelines to make sure you are eligible to study in Canada.^[2] If everything is in order, you will need to gather all the required documents, including your admission letter, a certification letter from the province or territory where you plan to study.[3]passport and evidence of financial support before starting your application.^[4] When you are ready with your documents, you can apply online.^[5]

Do you need to speed up the permit process? Just do it online. You can get your permit faster by applying online through Student Direct Stream (SDS)^[6], a fast track available to legal residents in one of the 14 specified countries. Accelerate your path to study in Canada with this efficient option.

Requirements to request a Study Permit using the SDS?

You must:

Live outside of Canada and be a legal resident of one of the designated countries.
Possess a letter of acceptance from a post-secondary DLI in Canada.
Have the minimum score required for one of the qualified language tests.
Present proof of a GIC for international students ^[7]

For more information, see an updated guide to applying for SDS in 2024 here.

3. Get health insurance

For international students in Canada, having health insurance is a must. It is essential to obtain it before arriving. Health insurance helps cover emergencies and unexpected medical costs, giving you peace of mind while you focus on your studies.^[8]

International students should also check what medical coverage is available in their intended province of study. Some provinces offer coverage, while others may require you to take out private insurance or sign up for the health plan offered by your school.^[9]

And here’s a tip: It helps to know Canada’s healthcare system, which provides universal coverage for all Canadians and permanent residents. Stay informed and stay healthy!^[10]

4. Make copies of all important documents

Prepare for your trip to Canada by gathering and copying all essential documents. Pack your passport, acceptance letter, medical and travel insurance details, bank statements with proof of funds, and vaccination records. For added security, store digital copies to protect against loss or theft. Make sure your journey starts well prepared and heads in the right direction.^[11]

5. Find suitable housing

Before you embark on your study trip in Canada, make sure you find a suitable place to call home. Explore a variety of options, from university residences to apartment rentals, and choose the style of accommodation that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Don’t forget to plan and budget for accommodation costs, considering the location and type of housing that is right for you. Remember, your successful study experience in Canada starts with the right place to stay.^[12]

6. Select a Canadian bank

Start your trip through Canada open a bank account in a Canadian bank: an important step for international students. You can open checking or savings accounts and get access to many optional services. Take the time to explore various available options by comparing rates, rates and student discounts to find the perfect option for your needs.^[13] TD provides a range of banking options for studentsDesigned for international students that includes a checking account with no monthly fee.^[14] Make your financial journey in Canada as smooth as possible!

7. Open a GIC for international students

TO Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) It is an investment that guarantees financial security and helps you pay for your studies and living expenses in Canada. When opening a GIC for international students, Not only can it meet your financial needs, but it can also expedite your international study permit application through the SDS program. Be sure to choose a financial institution that provides a GIC for international students that meets the SDS criteria.^[15]

Learn more about TD’s international student banking package

8. Discover Canada!

Before you arrive, take the time to learn about Canada’s culture, customs and laws. Understanding these aspects can help you adapt to your new environment and make your transition smoother. Research Canada’s culture online, Attend orientation sessions provided by your educational institution or connect with other international students for advice and support.

Embarking on the adventure of studying abroad as an international student provides exciting opportunities. While it may seem like a lot to prepare for, fear not! Following this helpful checklist can help ease the transition.

Why choose TD?

150 years helping Canadians:

TD has a proud history of providing financial solutions to Canadians for more than 150 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.

With more than a thousand branches, a reputation for excellence in financial services, and the ability to serve you in more than 80 different languages, too, TD has become one of Canada’s largest and most trusted banks, now serving 16 million Canadians.

TD offers online support and resources relevant to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score basics, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.

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Schedule an appointment to speak with a TD Personal Banking associate about the TD New to Canada banking package. Can online book immediately or visit the TD website Learn more.

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[1]https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operative-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/letters-acceptance.html

[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibility.html

[3] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/student-direct-stream/eligibility.html

^[4] https://www.canadavisa.com/canadian-temporary-study-visa.html

[5] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html

[6] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/student-direct-stream.html

^[7] https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/international-students-in-canada

[8] https://www.educanada.ca/study-plan-etudes/before-avant/health-care-assurance-maladie.aspx?lang=eng

[9] https://www.canadavisa.com/student-health-insurance-across-canada.html

[10] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/health-care/universal-system.html

[11] https://www.educanada.ca/study-plan-etudes/before-avant/getting-to-canada-venir.aspx?lang=eng