TL;DR — Get your SIN in Week 1 (you need it to work and file taxes). Open a student bank account at a big bank such as RBC, TD or Scotiabank. Health coverage varies by province: Ontario students use UHIP (not OHIP), BC's MSP has a wait period and a monthly fee, and Alberta's AHCIP needs a 12-month permit. Off-campus work is capped at 24 hours a week during classes. Keep your address current with IRCC.

Week 1: Arrive and settle

  • Clear CBSA at the airport — have your study permit approval letter, passport, letter of acceptance, and proof of funds ready. The officer issues your actual study permit at the border.
  • Get a SIM card — budget brands like Public Mobile, Fido, Koodo and Freedom change their plans and prices often, so compare current offers. Buy online (many offer eSIM) or at retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. You need a Canadian number for almost everything.
  • Apply for SIN — apply online or at a Service Canada office with your passport and study permit (your permit must say you're allowed to work). It's free. You need a SIN for any job and for filing taxes.
  • Open a bank account — RBC, TD and Scotiabank all have student accounts, typically with no monthly fee. Bring your passport, study permit and letter of acceptance. You don't need a SIN to open one. Set up Interac e-Transfer.
  • Settle into housing — check in to residence or rental, get keys, buy bedding at Walmart or Canadian Tire. Download the Flipp app for weekly grocery deals.

Week 2: Academics and admin

  • Campus orientation — attend the international student orientation. Meet your advisor, get your student card, and learn the campus layout.
  • Health insurance — this varies by province:
    • Ontario: International students aren't eligible for OHIP. UHIP is mandatory and your university enrolls you, billed through your fees (the rate rose in 2026, so check your school's figure). Accompanying family members must be added manually.
    • BC: With a study permit valid for 6+ months you join MSP after a wait period (the rest of your arrival month plus two months), then pay a $75/month international student health fee. Apply as soon as you arrive, and use your school's plan or private insurance during the wait.
    • Quebec: RAMQ covers students from countries with reciprocal agreements (France, Belgium, etc.). Others need university insurance.
    • Alberta: With a study permit valid for 12+ months you can usually join AHCIP. Apply within 3 months of arriving and coverage generally starts from your arrival date. It doesn't cover prescriptions or dental, so keep your school's extended plan.
  • Set up university email — you'll use this for student discounts (Spotify, Amazon Prime Student, Apple Music).
  • Register for classes — if not already done. Meet your academic advisor to confirm your course load meets full-time requirements (required by your study permit).
  • Buy textbooks — check the university bookstore, but also try: your library's course reserves, campus buy/sell groups on Facebook, and Amazon.ca used books.

Week 3: Life setup

  • Grocery shopping — find your nearest Indian grocery store using SmartBazaar. For mainstream groceries: No Frills and FreshCo are the cheapest. Costco membership ($65/year) is worth it if you share with roommates.
  • Transit card — get a Presto card (Ontario), Compass card (BC), Opus card (Montreal), or your university U-Pass. Many schools include a U-Pass in your fees, and most transit systems offer student fares.
  • Explore your neighbourhood — find the nearest walk-in clinic (for non-emergency medical), pharmacy (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and others), and library (free WiFi + printing).
  • Set up utilities — if in a rental (not residence): internet (Bell, Rogers, or budget options like TekSavvy; compare current prices), hydro (usually included in rent for apartments).

Week 4: Financial and social

  • Join student clubs — your university's Indian Students Association (ISA) is the fastest way to build community. Also check out volunteer groups for Canadian experience on your resume.
  • Build credit — apply for a student credit card (RBC or TD student Visa). Use it for small purchases and pay in full monthly. Canadian credit history starts from zero — you need to build it.
  • Set up remittance home — use Wise or Remitly for sending money to family in India. Much cheaper than bank wire transfers.
  • Keep IRCC up to date — study permit holders must keep their contact details current with IRCC. Update your address online whenever you move, and tell IRCC if you change schools.
  • Apply for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — this is the former GST/HST credit. In your first year as a tax resident, newcomers apply with CRA Form RC151. After that, file a tax return every year, even with $0 income (due April 30), and the CRA works out your eligibility, including for some provincial benefits. Several certified tax programs have free options.

Documents to keep handy

Keep these accessible at all times (digital copies on your phone + physical copies in a folder):

  • Passport + study permit
  • Letter of acceptance
  • SIN card / confirmation letter
  • Proof of funds / bank statements
  • Health insurance card (UHIP/MSP/RAMQ)
  • Lease agreement
  • CAQ (Quebec students only — Certificat d'acceptation du Québec)
  • Vaccination records

Common mistakes

  • Not getting SIN early — you can't start a job (on or off campus) or file taxes without it. Apply in your first week.
  • Leaving a gap in health coverage — in BC, apply for MSP right away and keep other insurance for the wait period. In Alberta, apply within 3 months of arriving. In Ontario, check your UHIP enrolment and add any family members yourself.
  • Not filing taxes — even with $0 income, you should file. It's how you get the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit), and it keeps your records complete for later applications.
  • Working more than 24 hours/week off-campus — during classes the limit is 24 hours a week (raised from 20 in November 2024, even if your permit still says 20). IRCC treats going over it as a violation of your study permit conditions.
  • Not updating IRCC — keep your address and school details current; missed IRCC letters and unreported school changes cause real problems.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work in Canada as an international student?
Yes, if your study permit allows it: up to 24 hours/week off-campus during academic sessions (raised from 20 in November 2024), and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter. On-campus work has no hour limit. You need a SIN. No separate work permit is needed.
How do I get a Canadian driver's license?
Requirements vary by province. In Ontario, licensing starts with a G1 knowledge test at a DriveTest centre, followed by road tests. Proven driving experience on an Indian licence may let you skip some waiting time. How long you can drive on an Indian licence with an International Driving Permit also varies by province, so check with your provincial licensing authority.
Should I apply for PR while studying?
A common route is to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduating, gain at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience, then apply through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in Express Entry. Canadian education can also add CRS points. PGWP eligibility tightened in 2024, with language-test requirements and, for many college programs, field-of-study requirements, so check that your program qualifies before you rely on it. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always verify with your university's international student office or IRCC. Last reviewed: October 2026.