A Checklist For International Students Studying In Canada
Moving to a new nation can be exciting and overwhelming, specifically when taking on the responsibilities of a student at the same time. This is why, here’s a checklist for international students studying in Canada.
Getting Started
Regional Tenant Regulations
From requiring written notice to inspect a property to maintenance time frames and eviction notices, taking the time to research your rights and responsibilities as a tenant might help avert many house-related crises.
By-laws regarding property maintenance can be a two-way street, with landlords & tenants having separate obligations to fulfill. Tenants need to keep the building clean & in good order & report any faults or incidents as soon as possible.
In the event of a dispute between a tenant & landlord, the resolution will be handled differently depending on the province. For instance, tenants living in Ontario will consult the LBT, whereas the RTB will handle disputes in British Columbia. It’s best to check your local government website to see how disputes are handled in your province.
Rent Control
Some regions of Canada have rent control. For instance, British Columbia recently enforced a rent increase limit of 3.5% for the year 2023, & landlords are required to give three months’ notice before increasing the rent.
Below is the table showing the rent breakdown.
| Province | Rent Controlled | Annual Increase For 2025 |
| Alberta | No | NA |
| British Columbia | Yes | 3% |
| Manitoba | Yes | 1.7% |
| New Brunswick | No | NA |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | No | NA |
| Northwest Territories | No | NA |
| Nova Scotia | No | NA |
| Nunavut | No | NA |
| Ontario | No | 2.5% |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes | TBA |
| Quebec | No | NA |
| Saskatchewan | No | NA |
| Yukon | No | NA |
Campus Rules & Regulations
The next step in the checklist for international students studying in Canada is to learn about campus rules and regulations.
Campuses often feature different regulations than the surrounding communities. For instance, although smoking tobacco as well as cannabis in public is legal in most Canadian jurisdictions, university & college campuses are private property, & many campuses enforce ‘smoke-free’ rules that prohibit smoking anywhere on campus.
Other examples include residential quiet hours to minimize disruption or rules regulating the use and parking of vehicles on campus.
It’s worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with campus regulations, which are typically available on your university website or in paper form from the student union.
Local By-Laws
As the name implies, these vary across Canada. For instance, the city of Toronto has quiet hours spanning 11pm to 7am on weekdays & from 11pm to 9am on weekends.
In case you are coming to Europe, or another part of the world with more relaxed attitudes towards drinking, you will want to pay attention to the laws prohibiting alcohol consumption at specific times & public spaces.
You can find your city’s by-laws on your municipal government website.
Social Insurance Number
Assuming your study permit allows off-campus work, you must apply for SIN upon entering Canada. This can be done on the Government of Canada website & requires your study permits as well as your passport & supporting documents.
The process does not take long to complete. Once a SIN has been issued, you can work for any employer permitted under the conditions of your study permit. It will also be used by the Canada Revenue Agency to collect income tax & to remit tax benefits or tax refunds.
Health Insurance – Emergency & Major Medical
Some students will be automatically enrolled in a ‘group’ health through their university, charged as part of student fees. This typically covers immediate emergency care situations, like broken bones or head trauma. It also offers coverage for unforeseen life-threatening health conditions such as cancer.
While some provincial health insurance plans will cover international students, others will require you to find & pay for your own coverage. Also, even if your province of residence offers coverage, you might be subject to a waiting period.
Health Insurance – Extended Health Coverage
Health insurance is next on the checklist for international students studying in Canada.
It is not covered under a provincial or territorial plan is generally referred to as ‘extended health coverage.’ In Ontario, extended health coverage would include:
- Prescription drugs
- Dental care
- Paramedical
Many students might have access to extended health coverage through group health insurance plans offered through their university or student union. Buying this coverage might be optional or mandatory if your institution offers it. You might also be able to enroll your spouse or dependents or both in this plan.
Primary Care Provider
Most universities will offer healthcare facilities through campus health services. Student medical clinics will provide on-campus care, allowing students to access non-emergency care, like check-ups, prescriptions, & vaccinations.
Usually, the initial use of these services will need filling out an online form. Also, seeing a practitioner will be on an appointment basis.
Settling In
Waste Collection
In order to complete the checklist for international students studying in Canada, the final thing is to settle in.
Waste collection will vary depending on where you live.
If you live on campus or in an apartment building, ask your university or building management/ landlord for information about waste disposal.
If you live in a detached home, townhouse, duplex, triplex, or fourplex, you will likely have a curbside waste collection, usually weekly. Check your municipality’s website for more information on waste collection. Most urban regions in Canada divide household waste into garbage, recycling, & green bin waste.
Phone & Internet
Moving to another nation is a potentially isolating experience. Reliable, fast internet, & a phone plan with ample data & minutes will help bridge the gap between you and back home. It will also help you keep in touch with all your new friends on campus.
It’s no secret that Canada has some of the most expensive data plans out there. However, shopping before the fall term will enable you to take advantage of back-to-back school deals that can offer considerable savings.
Shopping for home internet access at the same time might also open you up to package deals from service providers.
If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].
