Studying in…

CANADA

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

Looking for Essentials?

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VISA & Immigration

A visa is an official document that allows a foreigner to enter Canada for a specific reason or purpose, such as tourism, study, work, or immigration. It is usually just a stamp or a sticker in your passport

What Visa Do I Need to Study in Canada?

If you want to study in Canada, you need a study visa. Below is a detailed guide on what you you need to get a student visa:

How to apply for a Student Visa?

Before you go and apply for a student visa, let us go over which documents you need:

  • Letter of acceptance (from a recognized Canadian Designated Learning Institution)

  • Study Permit Application (submit the application online or on paper for a study permit)

  • Proof of Financial Support (to show you can cover tuition, living expenses and return transportation)

  • English or French Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)

  • Medical exam (some students may need to undergo a medical exam)

  • Police certificate (if required, to show you have no criminal record)

  • Valid Passport

  • Statement of Purpose (A letter explaining why you want to study in Canada, your educational goals and why you are choosing your specific program)

Now that you know what documents you need, here is how you apply:

  1. Apply to a Designated Learning Institution and get your Letter of Acceptance

  2. Create an Account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship website (IRCC)

  3. Submit your Study Permit Application

  4. Pay the visa processing fee

  5. Provide Biometrics (only if it is required)

  6. Attend Medical Exam (only if it is required)

  7. Wait for Approval (this can take anywhere from few weeks to several months, so please apply early)

Banking & Taxes

As an International Student in Canada, you will need to open a bank account and understand the Canadian Tax System.

What Do I Need for a Bank Account in Canada?

Here is a quick check list of what you need to open a bank account in Canada:

  • Passport

  • Study Permit

  • Proof of School Enrollment

  • Some banks are going to ask for a Canadian Address

Canadian Taxes and Tax System

As a International Student, there are taxes you should know about even if you are not working in Canada, so here is a quick breakdown.

What Taxes do International Students pay?

  • Income Tax (if you work, Canada deducts tax from your paycheck automatically)

  • Sales Tax (included in purchases like food and electronics)

  • Tuition Tax Credit (you can claim tuition fees to reduce tax to reduce future tax payments)

If you earn less than 15,000 CAD a year, you usually do not owe taxes but still need to file them

How to file Taxes as a Student?

Filing taxes is very simple in Canada, you use a free software such as TurboTax or Wealthsimple Tax. Or you can visit a free tax clinic at your university where they help you file your taxes as a student.

It is also definitely recommended hiring a tax professional if you have a little more complicated situation like having multiple jobs.

What documents do I need to have to file Taxes?

  • T4 Form (if you worked) - shows how much tax was deducted from your salary

  • T2202 Form (from your school) - confirms your tuition payments for tax credits

  • SIN (Social Security Number) - Required if you worked in Canada

When do I have to file my taxes?

You must file taxes by April 30th each year

IF YOU OVERPAID TAXES, YOU GET A REFUND FROM THE GOVERNMENT, SO DO NOT WORRY!

What is an SIN and how to apply for it?

SIN or Social Insurance Number is a 9 digit number that is issued by the Canadian government that is REQUIRED to have when working, paying taxes and accessing government benefits.

Who needs an SIN?

  • Foreign workers

  • International Students

  • Permanent Residents and Citizens

What do I need to apply?

  • Passport

  • Work or Study Permit

  • Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence

How to apply for a SIN?

  • Apply online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada Office

  • It is free to apply!

  • You will receive a SIN confirmation letter, there is no plastic cards

Healthcare

As an international student in Canada, you need to understand how the health insurance and medical care works. Unlike other countries, Canada does not have a nationwide healthcare system for students, each province in Canada has its own rules

Is Healthcare Free for International Students?

It depends on the province you move to, some provinces get provincial health insurance, which is free or at a very low cost, other provinces, you have to buy your own private health insurance.

But most universities offer student health plans to cover extra medical costs.

Here is a list of Provinces that have free health insurance and those that do not:

  • Ontario - No

  • British Colombia - No

  • Alberta - Yes

  • Manitoba - Yes

  • Saskatchewan - Yes

  • Quebec - No

  • Nova Scotia - Yes

  • Prince Edward Island - No

  • Newfoundland and Labrador - Yes

How to apply for Provincial Health Insurance?

If you are going to be in one of the provinces that have Provincial Health Insurance, here is a quick step-by-step guide how to apply for it.

  1. Apply Online, at a Service Canada or at a Provincial Health Office

  2. Provide your study permit, school enrollment proof and address

  3. Wait for your health card (this can take from 4-6 weeks)

If you just arrived and do not have health coverage, it is recommended to get a temporary private insurance until you get your provincial one.

Private Health Insurance for Students

If you are going to be in one of the provinces that do NOT have provincial health insurance, you will have to buy one. Unless, your home country insurance covers Canada.

Here are the 2 private health insurances you can get as a student:

    • Most universities offer mandatory student health insurance

    • Cost is around $600-$1000 CAD per year (this varies by university)

Housing Options for Students

Here are all the options, and details about your housing and renting options as a student:

    • University-managed dormitories or apartment style residences depending on which university you go to

    • Usually furnished with basic furniture

    • Shared or private rooms with common areas (kitchen, laundry, bathroom)

    • Included with Wi-Fi, electricity, heating in the price

    • Rented private apartment, condo or shared house

    • More freedom and independence

    • If you are renting a private room within a house, it is usually not furnished

    • You must pay for Wi-Fi, electricity and water separately

    • Living with a Canadian who provides a room and meals

    • Good for students who want a supportive environment

    • Less independence since you are living with a family

Renting & Housing

Finding a place to live in Canada as an International Student can be challenging and confusing, but knowing your options and rental process will make it a lot easier.

How to Rent an Apartment as a Student?

If you want to rent off campus, here is what you need and how to rent an apartment as a student:

What do I need to rent an apartment?

  • Passport and study permit

  • Proof of Student Status (acceptance letter)

  • Bank Statement or proof of income

  • References (from previous landlords or professors)

How to rent an apartment?

  1. Find a place using websites, student groups or rental agencies

  2. Check the rental contract thoroughly, especially look for lease terms, rent amount and deposit

  3. Pay the security deposit, this is usually first and last months rent (1-2 months of rent)

  4. Provide the documents listed above

  5. Sign the lease (PLEASE READ THE LEASE CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING!)

Driving & Transportation

As you are moving to Canada to study, you may need to drive or use the public transportation. This section will explain everything from getting a drivers license, renting a car and what type of public transportation is available in Canada

Can students drive in Canada?

Yes of course! If you have a valid drivers license from your home country, you are able to drive in Canada for 3-6 months depending on the province you are moving to. Some provinces allow you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along side your home country’s drivers license.

But, since you are moving, you will have to exchange your drivers license or get a Canadian Drivers License

How to get a Canadian Driver’s License?

Before you think you have to go do a Driving Test, check if your country have an exchange agreement with Canada, meaning you can swap your current drivers license for a Canadian one without taking a test.

If your country is NOT on the list, you will need to go through the mandatory Canadian graduated licensing system, which includes a written knowledge test, a learners permit, and a road test to get a full drivers license

Buying and Renting a Car in the U.S.

    • You can buy a car from a dealership (new or used) or a private seller.

    • If you are buying in cash, you have no need for a credit history which is very convenient for foreigners

    • If you want to finance the car, it is a lot harder since you need to build a Canadian Credit History first

    • Most rental companies require you to be at least 21- 25years old

    • You need a passport and a credit card for identification and deposit

    • You need a valid foreign drivers license and sometimes an International Drivers Permit (IDP).

Public Transportation in Canada

    • Available in big cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal

    • Available in most cities and towns

    • These are only found in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton

    • VIA Rail for is long distance travel and GO Transit are in the Toronto Area

    • Uber and Lyft are only available in major cities