How can we help

We are a team of professionals dedicated to international students’ success and well-being. We provide international student advising to all degree-seeking, exchange, visiting, ESL and EAP students. All newly admitted and current USask international students currently located within Canada or abroad can access any advising service to ask questions about life as an international student at USask, including immigration matters and information on working and living in Canada.

How to meet ISSAC advisors

We are available to meet with you in-person and virtually, in drop-in, or in 30-minute appointments. We may also be able to answer some questions via an email conversation. Or you can join our immigration workshops and events. We are here to help!

About advisors

In addition to professional background and training, we possess a diverse set of skills and experiences. These may range from extensive travelling, living and studying abroad, to being a first-generation immigrant or an international student in Canada, to being multilingual. 

Advisors who provide immigration advice to international students hold the Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation.

Immigration advising

Provided by ISSAC's Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA). Topics include:

  • study permits (initial and extensions)
  • visas
  • work eligibility
  • post-graduation work permit
  • spousal work permits
  • entry to Canada requirements
  • inviting family and friends to Canada, and more (not permanent residence questions). 

  • All drop-in advising are confidential one-on-one 15 minute virtual Zoom or in-person sessions with ISSAC's Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA), on a first-come, first-served basis (no appointment necessary). 
  • Both virtual and in-person drop-in will be closed once we reach capacity, or 15 minutes prior to the drop-in end time, whichever is earlier. 
  • Do you know your time zone? Use this online time converter if Zooming from another country or outside of Saskatchewan. 
  • Drop-in advising is available to all USask international students, unless otherwise advertised.
  • Please make sure to have your student ID and basic information about your immigration documents (e.g., study permit, visa validity) available when meeting with ISSAC's RISIA. 
  • We add new additional immigration drop-in advising sessions on a weekly basis, so please make sure to check back the drop-in schedule often for additional sessions. 

Virtual drop-in advising

  • When you access the Zoom link, you will be placed in a queue in a virtual waiting room. When it’s your turn, the advisor will let you in the session.
  • The wait times are determined by the number of students in the queue. Please do not leave the queue and be patient.

In-person drop-in advising

  • Please visit ISSAC office in Room 80, in Lower Place Riel. Our front desk staff will greet you and when it's your turn, the advisor will meet you. 
  • The wait times are determined by the number of students waiting. Please do not leave the waiting area and be patient.

*If viewing the schedule on your phone, please swipe left and right to see all Zoom and in-person options.
Weekly Via Zoom:  Weekly In-person: 

Every Monday (except statutory holidays) from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Central Standard Time, no appointment necessary

Every Wednesday (except statutory holidays) from 1:30 - 3:30 pm, Central Standard Time, no appointment necessary


Additional Zoom Sessions: Additional In-person Sessions:

Thursday, Dec 4 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pmCentral Standard Time, no appointment necessary

Tuesday, Nov 25 from 1:30 - 3:30 pmCentral Standard Time, no appointment necessary

*If viewing the schedule on your phone, please swipe left and right to see all Zoom and in-person options. 
**We add new additional drop-in advising times on a weekly basis, so please make sure to check back the schedule often for additional sessions.

If drop-in advising schedule does not work for you or your inquiry will require more time, you can book an appointment with one of ISSAC’s Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) by clicking the button below. Appointments are available in person or online.

For in-person appointments, visit us at Room 80, Lower Place Riel, and check in at the front desk. For virtual appointments, simply click the link in your booking confirmation to join—remember to convert the time to your local time zone! Our office is scent-free so please refrain from using and wearing scented products (such as perfume, cologne, aftershave) to your appointment.

Need to cancel or reschedule? You can manage your booking through the confirmation email or contact our office for assistance.

For Undergraduate International Students in The College of Arts and Science

The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC), in collaboration with the College of Arts and Science, continues to offer drop-in advising service exclusively for undergraduate international students in the College of Arts and Science.

This in-person service combines immigration advising with academic advising to provide tailored support for your unique needs. Whether you have questions about study permits, visas, course planning, or program requirements, we’re here to help!

  • Date and time: Every Thursday from October 30 to November 27, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Central Standard Time, no appointment necessary
  • Location: ISSAC main office (Room 80, Lower Place Riel)

Starting this Winter 2026, USask’s Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA) are hosting monthly drop-in immigration application review clinics designed to either help you get started on your application, or review the application you are about to submit to IRCC - e.g. study permit extension, PGWP, travel visa, co-op work permit. The clinic is great for students who need initial guidance or have already started their application and would benefit from additional feedback. Please bring your laptop and plan to spend 10-15 minutes one-on-one with a RISIA. If your situation is more complex, we may ask that you book a longer advising appointment. 

Non-immigration advising

Provided by ISSAC's International Education Officers. Topics include:

On-campus student matters: 

  • settling and transition at USask, pre-arrival and arrival supports, newly admitted and returning international student questions, health care, social insurance number, finance and tuition, on/off campus accommodation, general referral to immigration information, and more. 

Off-campus student matters: 

  • settling and living in Saskatchewan and Canada, making friends and connections, cultural and social adjustment, City of Saskatoon supports and services, banking and taxes general information, community referrals for international students’ family members - spouses, common-law partners and children (not immigration questions), and more.

We’d love to connect with you! Book a 20 minutes appointment (in-person or virtual) with one of ISSAC's International Education Officers by clicking the button below.

For in-person appointments, visit us at Room 80, Lower Place Riel, and check in at the front desk. For virtual appointments, simply click the link in your booking confirmation to join—remember to convert the time to your local time zone! Our office is scent-free so please refrain from using and wearing scented products (such as perfume, cologne, aftershave) to your appointment.

Need to cancel or reschedule? You can manage your booking through the confirmation email or contact our office for assistance.

In-Person

  • Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays), 8:30 am - 4:30 pm,  Central Standard Time, no appointment necessary.
  • Please visit ISSAC office in Room 80, in Lower Place Riel. Our front desk staff will greet you and connect you with an available International Education Officer. 

Online

Starting this fall, ISSAC is hosting monthly lunch-hour gatherings designed for first-year international students at USask. These sessions are a great opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and explore topics that matter most during your first year, all while enjoying a variety of culturally diverse meals.

For our 3rd First-Year Check-In, in collaboration with Peer Health, we'll focus on practical strategies for managing stress, staying motivated, and maintaining your well-being during the colder months and upcoming exam season.

  • Date and Time: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM CST
  • Location: ISSAC Training Room (Room 70.4, Lower Place Riel, 1 Campus Drive)
  • Reserve your spot now

New Check-In dates and times will be posted soon

More ways to connect

You may be able to find answers to many common questions by browsing our International Student and Arrival Guides. These comprehensive online resources provide information about the required immigration documents, working eligibility, how to prepare for your arrival to Canada, and much more.

We may be able to answer your questions over an email conversation depending on the level of complexity and supports required. If we are unable to answer your questions via email, we will refer you to drop-in advising or to book an appointment.

Do you have questions regarding the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)? You might be able to find answers to common questions here before counsulting with an immigration advisor.