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International Student Pre-Departure Checklist
Now that you have decided to pursue your studies in Canada, it's time to get your documents and travel plans in order.
It's important to accept your offer for study from City College of Business, Health & Technology, and pay your deposit, this will ensure your spot and desired start date.
If needed, apply for a passport. If you all ready have a passport check that it will be valid for at least 6 months past your return date. Next you will need to apply for a study permit through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. A study permit allows you to enter and study in Canada and grants you legal permission to reside in Canada for the duration of your studies. To be issued a Study Permit you will need to follow the procedures outlined by the Canadian government office in your country of residence.
To enter Canada you may also need an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which would be issued as part of your study permit application.
Once you have been approved for your study permit, you can book your airline tickets. *If you are only booking a one way flight it is important to have evidence of adequate funds to purchase a return ticket. You will also want to check the baggage restrictions and limits for each airline you will be using.
Keep Yourself On Track
Download Our International Student Pre-Departure Checklist
Plan Before You Leave For Canada
Arrange for a place to live before you enter Canada. A great option is Canada Home-stay which provides housing for students coming into Canada. You also may choose to rent an apartment/room, we recommend not signing a lease until you have viewed the place. If this is the route you choose, ensure you have a place to stay ie. hotel, with friends or family until you have signed your lease and received your keys.
You will also want to arrange for transportation from the airport to your new place of living. If you are an international student arriving in Toronto for your first semester of study, City College provides airport pickup (must be arranged 96 hours in advance). Students may also utilize public transit or taxi services.
It is also a good idea to set up your banking, have a plan for how you will access your funds and plan how you will take care of any financial responsibilities you have back home.
Having a list of any important contacts and addresses may come in handy, as well as, a list of all personal items you are bringing/having shipped to Canada.
Before you leave, do some research on Canada and the city where you will be living. Toronto has a lot of fun things to do and interesting things to see. Make note of the amenities around your home, such as as grocery stores, shopping centers, libraries, transit stops etc. This will help you feel more familiar with the area.
Canada experiences four distinct seasons, it gets well below -20 degrees in the winter and above +30 degrees in the summer. Make sure you have adequate clothing to endure the weather especially if you are arriving between October and March.
As a safety precaution make a photocopy of all your important documents. Leave a copy with a trusted person and another copy in your bag.
Most importantly, have fun, study hard and immerse yourself in all that Canada has to offer!
