Before you begin your studies in Canada, there are a few important steps you need to take. This article outlines the process and will guide you through everything you need to know.

Disclaimer: The majority of the following information is specific to the province of British Columbia (BC) in Canada. Each province/territory in Canada has its specific immigration regulations. Please, make sure that you comply with the province/territory of your destination.

Social Insurance Number

All relevant information on Social Insurance Number (SIN) can be found here

• A SIN is a 9-digit number that will allow you to work in Canada and access government programs and benefits
• Service Canada is the organization that issues SINs
• Your SIN is private and ONLY you can use it. You are responsible for protecting your SIN. If your SIN is lost or stolen, Service Canada will NOT issue a new SIN. A new SIN may be issued only if there is a proof that the SIN was used fraudulently

• As a permit holder in Canada (i.e. student/worker), your SIN begins with a “9”. You need to make sure that your SIN is up-to-date, and matches the expiry date of your immigration documents (i.e. study/work permit)
  • If your SIN is expired, you can continue working in Canada, as long as you have applied for your new immigration document. During this period, you cannot travel outside of Canada and you need to stay in the country until your new document is physically arrived.

• You do NOT need to pay a fee to apply for SIN

How to apply for a SIN in Canada?

• Prepare your documents
• As an international student, you will need:
  • Study permit
  • Passport or a Canadian-issued government photo ID
  • Proof of address
• To find out which documents you must provide, visit here.
• To apply online, visit here.

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Apply for a government-issued identification card

BC Services Card

You can find all the information about how to get a BC Services Card here

• There are two essential cards that you need to apply for:
  • A BC ID Card
    • Provides access to government services
  • A Care Card
    • It provides access to insured provincial health care benefits
• If you drive, you can also apply for a combined BC Driver’s Licence and Services Card
• To apply, you need two pieces of ID

How to apply for a BC Services Card?

• Visit the nearest ICBC driver licensing office, take your IDs, and confirm you are a BC resident
  • *ICBC stands for Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. It is a provincial crown corporation in BC that provides insurance

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Medical Services Plan

• In Canada, all eligible residents benefit from a public health insurance and access to universal health care
• In BC, the public health insurance is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It covers the cost of medically necessary insured doctor services
• Each B.C. resident enrolled with the MSP is given a unique lifetime identifier for health care called a Personal Health Number (PHN)

• You can learn how to apply here
• Apply online by clicking here

• You have the option to apply online, by mail, or in-person
• If you are new to Canada, make sure you apply for MSP as fast as you can. There is a wait period of three month for your coverage to start after your arrival to BC. You should carry a private insurance until this wait period ends
  • The University of British Columbia offers iMED, which is a temporary private health insurance to cover you while you wait

• You can learn here what services are and are not covered by MSP
• Effective September 1, 2019, international students (includes K-12 & post secondary students) studying on a valid study permit for at least six months of the year in BC pay a health fee to contribute to and benefit from BC’s health-care coverage. As we speak, the fee is $75/month
  • You can learn more about the health fee for international students by visiting here
  • This fee is removed when your status is changed to a worker

Extended Health Insurance

• Depending on your school, after registering in your classes, you are automatically enrolled in extended health and dental plan. Your coverage depends on the health plan that your school offers. It is your responsibility to understand the extended health options your school provides
  • For instance, the University of British Columbia offers an extended AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan through Pacific Blue Cross Insurance Company. The plan covers up to 80% of the cost of prescription medicine, dental care, vision care, and travel insurance.

• Depending on your physical and dental health, you may need additional coverage on top of your MSP and school extended health insurance. In this case, there are different insurance companies that you can consult with.

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Open a bank account

Be wise with your banking

• As an international student in Canada, it is essential to know how your bank works. This is one of the golden tips that no one gives you! When you come here as a student, you mainly receive tips regarding strengthening your academic skill. However, knowing how your bank works is just as important.

• There are many banking options available to students in Canada. However, not all of them are created equal. Many banks offer special deals and services for students. It is important to do your research to find the right bank for you.

• When you open a bank account in Canada, the simplest package will come with a checking and a saving account. If not a student, you will need to pay a monthly fee to the bank to hold your account. As a student, you can enjoy a free checking and saving account with no monthly fee.

• The last thing you want as a student is to get caught up in fees and charges. Be sure to ask about any fees associated with your account before you sign up. And, if you’re planning on using your bank account while you’re travelling, be sure to let your bank know in advance.

Reputable Banks in Canada

Almost all Banks in Canada usually offer good student packages. While most Canadian banks operate within Canada, there are “Big Five” banks that are multinational financial conglomerates and each have a large Canadian banking division.

• Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
• Toronto Dominion Bank (TD)
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

How to open a bank account

Opening a bank account is easy! By providing two documents, your name, address date of birth, as well as your status in Canada (usually passport & study permit), you can ensure that you can open a student bank account in Canada. This will allow you to have access to a variety of financial services, including transferring money to and from your home country, as well as paying for tuition and other expenses.

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