Your First Week In Canada As An International Student
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During your first week in Canada as an international student, your top priorities are confirming your immigration documents, applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), setting up a local phone plan and bank account, sorting out health insurance and connecting with your institution's support services. Getting these essentials done early sets you up for a smooth, stress-free start.
Landing in Canada for the first time is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. New city, new culture, a to-do list that feels never-ending. Whether you have just touched down in Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, Guelph, Edmonton, Oshawa or Winnipeg, the first week is less about exploring and more about getting your foundations in place.
This guide walks you through every essential step so you can spend less time stressing and more time actually enjoying this chapter of your life.
What Documents Do You Need When You First Arrive In Canada?
Before anything else, make sure your documents are in order. Border Services Officers will check these upon arrival, so keep them in your carry-on bag, not buried in your checked luggage.
You will need:
- A valid passport
- Your Letter of Introduction (also called the Port of Entry Letter), issued when your study permit was approved
- Your Letter of Acceptance from your Canadian institution
- Your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your country of citizenship
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or scholarship letters
Check your study permit carefully the moment it is issued at the port of entry. Confirm your personal details are correct and that the permit includes work authorisation remarks, such as "may accept employment." If anything looks wrong, raise it with the border officer immediately.
How To Apply For A Social Insurance Number (SIN) In Canada
Your SIN is a nine-digit number issued by Service Canada. You need it to work legally in Canada, access government programs and receive scholarships or stipends. Applying is straightforward and should happen within your first few days.
You can apply in person at any Service Canada location near your accommodation. Bring your study permit, passport and any other government-issued ID. Avoid applying at the airport where long queues are common. Locate the nearest Service Canada office to your campus and go during the week.
Your study permit must include work authorisation remarks for your SIN application to be approved. If those remarks are missing, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have the document amended before applying.
How Do You Set Up A Canadian Phone Plan As An International Student?
Staying connected is non-negotiable. You will need a Canadian number for banking, job applications and everyday communication. The major providers in Canada include Telus, Bell, Rogers, Koodo, Fido and Lucky Mobile, with monthly plans typically ranging from $30 to $90 CAD depending on your data needs.
If you are just starting out, a prepaid plan is the smarter move. It lets you gauge how much data you actually use before committing to a contract. Avoid post-paid contracts early on, as cancellation fees can catch you off guard.
Some providers offer eSIM options that can be activated before you even land, which means you hit the ground connected from the moment you step off the plane.
How To Open A Bank Account As An International Student In Canada
Opening a Canadian bank account early protects you from excessive foreign exchange fees and makes managing your money far simpler. Most major banks offer free or low-fee accounts specifically for students, with no monthly account fees and unlimited transactions.
What you will need to bring:
- Your passport
- Your study permit
- Your SIN (once obtained)
- Proof of enrolment or your Letter of Acceptance
Banks like Scotiabank, RBC, TD and CIBC all offer student banking packages. Many financial advisors working with international students also recommend applying for a student credit card early. Building a Canadian credit score takes time, and starting sooner gives you a stronger financial profile for future rental applications and loans.
What Are Your Health Insurance Options As An International Student In Canada?
Health coverage in Canada varies significantly by province, and not all international students are automatically enrolled in public healthcare. Getting this sorted early is critical.
Province | Public Coverage Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Alberta | Yes | Apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) immediately upon arrival |
Ontario | No | Purchase through your institution, i.e., University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) or private insurer such as Guard.me and Morcare |
Quebec | Varies / No (Most) | Mandatory group health insurance (e.g., Cowan, Desjardins) is provided by institutions. Public coverage (RAMQ) is only available if your home country has a social security agreement with Quebec (e.g., France, Belgium, Scandinavian countries). |
British Columbia | Yes (some students) | Eligible for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). Must apply upon arrival where a 3-month waiting period applies (private coverage required during wait). |
Manitoba | No | Must purchase primary coverage through your institution’s plan (e.g., Manitoba International Student Health Plan - MISHP). |
If your province does not automatically cover international students, your university or college will typically offer a mandatory or optional health insurance plan. Attend your institution's orientation and visit the international student office to confirm your coverage start date, what is included and how to use your insurance card.
How To Find Housing Or Settle Into Your Accommodation In Canada
If you have not secured long-term housing before arriving, book short-term accommodation first, such as a hostel, hotel or Airbnb. This gives you time to visit properties in person and make a considered decision rather than rushing into a lease.
Popular platforms for finding rentals include Kijiji, Craigslist or Collabil.app. In competitive cities like Toronto, landlords often request employment letters, credit references, bank statements and even post-dated cheques. In smaller cities like Guelph, Waterloo or Oshawa, the rental market tends to be less intense, giving you more breathing room.
When viewing properties, consider proximity to your campus, access to public transit and the cost of utilities. Setting up essentials like internet and electricity quickly will help your new space feel like home.
How To Connect With Your Campus And Explore Your New City
Do not underestimate the power of showing up. Your institution's international student office is one of the most valuable resources you have access to, especially in your first week. Orientation sessions cover everything from academic expectations to mental health support, and they are often where you will meet your first friends.
Beyond campus, connect with local communities. Cities like Winnipeg, Edmonton and Ottawa have active multicultural communities that welcome newcomers and can point you toward affordable grocery stores, cultural events and job opportunities. Student unions and cultural associations also run events throughout the year that make the transition feel less isolating.
Explore your neighbourhood on foot. Find your nearest pharmacy, transit stop, grocery store and green space. The more familiar your surroundings feel, the more settled you will become.
First Week In Canada: Essential Checklist
Task | Where To Go | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
Confirm immigration documents | Port of entry / CBSA | Passport, Letter of Introduction, Letter of Acceptance |
Apply for SIN | Service Canada | Study permit, passport, ID |
Get a phone plan | Telus, Bell, Koodo, Fido etc. | Passport or ID |
Open a bank account | Scotiabank, RBC, TD etc. | Passport, study permit, SIN |
Set up health insurance | Institution or provincial office | Study permit, enrolment proof |
Confirm housing or temporary stay | Kijiji, Collabil.app, Craigslist | Lease agreement or booking confirmation |
Attend orientation | Your institution | Student ID or enrolment letter |
Locate nearest clinic | Campus or local walk-in | Insurance card, ID |
Your First Week Sets The Tone For Everything That Follows
The administrative matter is not glamorous, but getting it done in week one means you can actually focus on why you came here: studying, growing and experiencing everything Canada has to offer. Apply for your SIN, open your bank account, confirm your health coverage and then give yourself permission to breathe.
You are not just a student abroad. You are building a life. The first week is the foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing international students should do upon arriving in Canada?
The first priority upon arriving in Canada is presenting your documents to the Canada Border Services Agency officer, including your passport, Letter of Introduction, Letter of Acceptance and TRV or eTA. Once through, verify your study permit details, then focus on obtaining a SIN, setting up a phone plan and opening a bank account within your first few days.
How long does it take to get a SIN in Canada as an international student?
Applying for a SIN in person at a Service Canada office is typically completed on the same day. Bring your original study permit, passport and identification documents. Avoid applying at the airport where wait times can be long.
Do international students in Canada automatically get health insurance?
No. Health insurance coverage for international students varies by province. In Alberta, students can apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) immediately upon arrival. In Ontario, most international students are not covered by public health insurance and must purchase a plan through their institution or a private provider.
Which Canadian banks are best for international students?
Scotiabank, TD, RBC and CIBC all offer student banking packages with no monthly fees and unlimited transactions. Scotiabank is frequently recommended for its student credit card options, which help international students begin building a Canadian credit score early.
Can international students work during their first week in Canada?
International students with valid study permit that include work authorisation remarks can generally work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. However, you cannot begin working until you have your SIN and your studies have officially commenced.
Is it difficult to find housing in cities like Toronto or Edmonton as an international student?
Housing competitiveness varies by city. Toronto is among the most challenging markets, with landlords often requesting extensive documentation. Cities like Guelph, Waterloo and Oshawa tend to have more accessible rental markets. In Winnipeg and Edmonton, international student communities are well-established, making it easier to find guidance and accommodation through community networks.
