The Complete Checklist Before You Fly to Canada

When an Indian student is about to go to Canada to pursue a course or a program, they are bound to feel very excited. Apart from having some of the most reputed educational institutions in the world, Canada is also a land filled with great professional opportunities. Along with its diverse and multi-lingual culture, the country has several fantastic tourist attractions which Indian students can have a look at during their stay.

Often, international and Indian students reach Canada with much happiness and excitement but then feel remorseful after realizing they have left some of their belongings or essential items behind.

From missing out on bringing crucial documents to not finding suitable accommodation, international students face a lot of issues when they arrive in Canada unprepared. Making a checklist and following it religiously, therefore, is very important. They would recommend the same if they speak to a study abroad consultant.

Here is what should be a part of an international student’s checklist before flying to Canada:

Documents Supporting Your Identity

Before leaving for Canada to pursue a course or program, Indian students must carry all the necessary documents that confirm their identity. They would need these documents while studying in a college or university and living in Canada. They must also make it a point to keep these documents carefully, as losing them would get them into a lot of trouble.

Instead of just one document as proof of their identity, an international student should carry multiple identity proofs. While their passport serves as proof of their identity, an international student should also carry a few other documents like a PAN card and an identity card with their picture. Indian students studying abroad must always have proof of identity.

Indian students must remember that many identity cards or documents that are valid in India might not be accepted in India. Before moving to Canada, they should contact the university administration they have been enrolled in and ask them if they are looking for any specific identity card. Before arranging for other documents, a student must procure documents that serve as proof of their identity.

The Letter of Acceptance

When a college or university in Canada accepts or approves a student's application, they receive a letter of acceptance. An international student gets very excited upon receiving a letter of acceptance as it opens the door to their dream college for them. It also fills them with hope and aspirations for a bright professional career ahead of them.

Without showing their letter of acceptance, an international student shouldn’t expect to get a study permit in Canada. A letter of acceptance can be non-conditional or conditional. If it happens to be conditional, it will have some special requirements that the student must follow before their course or program starts.

A Final Check on Your Financial Plans

Working on and putting together a concrete financial plan should feature at the top of an international student’s checklist. While trying to procure a study permit, an international student would be required to provide evidence confirming that they can look after their expenses while studying in Canada.

Apart from paying their tuition fee, international students will have to convince the authorities that they will be able to look after their living expenses. There are different ways in which international students can prove that they have adequate finances and will not suffer from any kind of financial crunch while living in Canada.

The Study Permit

An international student’s study permit can be described as a document that enables them to live and study in a foreign country like Canada for a certain time. International students often confuse between a study permit and a student visa. It is important to remember that a student visa is a document that just permits international students to enter a country.

The process of applying for a study permit is quite simple, but an international student must make it a point to follow all the steps carefully. An international student accepted by an educational institution based in Canada can apply for a study permit. Before providing an international student with a study permit, the authorities will verify a few things about them.

Ensure To Have Arranged The Accommodation Prior To The Landing

After arriving in Canada, many international students struggle to find the suitable accommodation for themselves. International students should find and finalize their accommodation before going to Canada. Once the acceptance letter comes through, the student should start their search and list a few suitable options.

If there is an accommodation facility inside the campus, international students should try to find a place for themselves there. Suppose the college is not offering any accommodation service. In that case, they should reach out to their friends or relatives based in Canada and seek their help finding suitable accommodation in the country.

The Right Health Insurance Policies, Medical Reports, and Prescriptions

Many students make the mistake of not including health insurance in their checklist. While some provinces in Canada offer health insurance for international students, there are many which don’t. International students should find out this while applying for admission to different colleges and universities based in Canada.

While enrolling in a Canadian university, students should check whether it offers health insurance. If not, they should contact a company offering well-structured health insurance policies to international students. In many Canadian provinces, international students possessing a study permit are entitled to a provincial health insurance card.

Open a Canadian Bank Account

Before leaving for Canada, international students should make the necessary arrangements to open a bank account for themselves in Canada. While there are many reputed banks in Canada, international students must open an account in a bank that understands their needs and priorities as a student in a foreign country.

Before signing up with a bank in Canada and opening an account with them, an international student must do adequate research on them. While some banks specialize in catering to the needs of jobholders and business owners, some prove to be very beneficial for Indian students. International students studying in Canada should opt for the latter.

Canadian Weather-Appropriate Clothes and the Required Electronic Gadgets

Investing in winter gear is essential for an international student who is about to study in Canada. Those who have never seen snowfall would be surprised to see how cold Canada gets during winter. While they can shop for a few things after coming to Canada, carrying winter essentials from their home country is essential.

When it gets freezing in Canada, wearing multiple layers of clothing almost becomes necessary. Winter kicks in during October and lasts for a couple of months. Apart from sweaters and jackets, international students should pack gloves, scarf, hats, waterproof boots, thick socks, rain jackets, and warm sleepwear.