International Student Welcome (Online)

On Monday, January 4, the International Student and Study Abroad Centre hosted our International Student Welcome for students starting their studies at USask in the 2021 Winter Term. Watch the recording of the event above to learn about support services for international students, immigration and travel requirements during Covid-19 as well health and wellness information.

Best of luck this semester!

Transition workshops 2021 Winter Term

Nervous about what to expect from learning online this fall? On January 6, 9-10 am (Central Standard Time), join ISSAC and Student Learning Services for an hour-long session for practical tips and strategies to help you make the most out of your online learning experience. We'll also discuss some of the cultural expectations that inform teaching and learning in a Canadian context, so that you can approach your first term at USask with confidence. Those who sign up will receive a confirmation email with the event details.

On January 7, 9-10 am (Central Standard Time), join ISSAC and Student Learning services for an-hour session to learn about the library, its many services and all the academic help it offers. We will cover library services, navigating the library website, setting up your PAWS account for easy access to library content, an intro in searching the library, accessing our academic help and lots of time for questions. Those who sign up will receive a confirmation email with the event details.

On January 11, 9-10 am (Central Standard Time), Join ISSAC and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for a session to learn about some technology tips and tricks to make the most out of your remote learning experience. Topics covered include minimum recommended connectivity requirements, email and scanning, software available to students, file storage, cyber security awareness, and how to contact IT Support. Those who sign up will receive a confirmation email with the event details.

Available throughout the semester. Find information on upcoming sessions on our Events Calendar.

Preparing for USask

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Learning Modules to Assist your transition to Canada

Preparing for life in Canada as an international student doesn't need to be difficult. Sure, there's lots you need to do, but that's where our office can help! Take a quick 20 minutes to review our International Student pre-arrival learning modules. These modules will ease your transition and make you prepared for your life in Canada! 

All students require a valid NSID and password to review the view the module content.

Module 1: Study Permits and Immigration

Module 2: Working in Canada

Module 3: Managing Cultural Adaptation

Module 4: Healthcare in Canada - See videos below

Health care coverage required in Saskatchewan

All international students are responsible for ensuring they have adequate health care coverage while studying in Saskatchewan. We have prepared the below videos to help you understand the following:  

  • Healthcare coverage international students should apply for in Saskatchewan   
    • Saskatchewan Health Card  
    • USSU/GSA Student plans 
  • A tutorial on applying for the Saskatchewan Health Card 

Health care coverage needs for study permit holders

Saskatchewan Health Card application tutorial

Applications for the Saskatchewan Health Card and USSU/GSA student health plans can take 2-3 months to process. Thus, international students are advised to purchase travel health insurance before traveling to Canada which will cover them for their immediate stay in Saskatchewan. 

Immigration and Quarantine

International students should be aware of all travel restrictions in place due to Covid-19 before making any plans to travel to Canada.

Immigration and travel restrictions

A majority of USask academic programming will be delivered remotely for the 2021 Winter Term. Some students may be required to begin their classes on campus in Canada. 

Please monitor our USask updates page for international students to learn current travel and entry requirements for international students. 

Quarantine upon arrival

Students who will be taking their classes on-campus in Canada and who meet travel restrictions, are required to complete a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Failure to comply with this Government of Canada mandate may result in a severe fine or removal from Canada. 

USask is offering two self-funded quarantine options to international students.

Emergency assistance

If you need urgent assistance upon your arrival in Canada and are unsure how to get help, please contact USask Protective Service at 306-966-5555. Be prepared to provide your name, describe your emergency and provide a contact number or email where you can be reached. A staff member from ISSAC will contact you to discuss your situation in more detail.

Accommodation and housing

All international students starting their studies in Canda should obtain permanent housing before traveling to Canada.  

Please visit the Residence Services office's website for more detailed information about on-campus housing. They have Covid-19 FAQ page about their services during the pandemic. Please contact the Residence Services Office at residence@usask.ca if you have any questions. 

USask has an extensive guide to off-campus housing as well. 

Other Essential Information

Check out other resources that may help your transition to your studies in Canada. 

Connect with ISSAC

Our staff members are working remotely to ensure we stay connected during this unfamiliar time – we are here to support you. 

There are many ways for you to get involved and meet new people outside of the virtual classroom — Follow the ISSAC facebook page, attend our online immigration workshops and social events, and join a student group. Together apart, let us stay connected. 

Our current online programming offering includes 

You can contact our office via email at international.students@usask.ca or by phone at +1-306-966-4925.