Settlement services
The International Student and Study Abroad Centre is here to assist all international undergraduate, graduate and exchange students and their families in their transition to the U of S and Saskatoon.
After students’ arrival, international students are encouraged to come to ISSAC to receive an arrival package, the U of S Student Guide, and settlement support and referrals. ISSAC has a team of Student Assistants who provide one-on-one and small group arrival and settlement support, and a team of International Education Officers who offer individual advising during drop-in hours. Where necessary, International Education Officers may also set up longer appointments to help international students address more complicated issues.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the University of Saskatchewan. Please see below for more information about our welcome events. We wish you a great start at the University of Saskatchewan!
Fall International Student Welcome
Fall International Student Welcome takes place Friday, August 31st, 2018. This event will be a great opportunity for you
Airport Reception August 28-30
International Student and Study Abroad Centre staff and volunteers will be greeting you at the Saskatoon airport when you arrive in Saskatoon August 28-30, 2018 (4:30 p.m. to midnight). We will be present to provide arrival support and answer any questions you may have.
ISSAC Welcome Centre: August 27 - September 7
Need a helping hand when you arrive at the U of S? Head over to the ISSAC Welcome Centre! The Welcome Centre will run from August 27 and September 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Volunteers, student assistants, and staff will be present to help you with your settlement questions including how to obtain a Saskatchewan Health Card, information on setting up a bank account, help
Visit the ISSAC Office and Connect with a Student Assistant
Ease your transition to life at the UofS by meeting an ISSAC student assistant. In a one-on-one session our Global Friends can assist you in obtaining a Saskatchewan Health Card, help you find places on campus and answer any questions you may have about academic and personal success at the U of S. If you would like to sign-up for the program please contact peer.support@usask.ca, or visit the ISSAC office when you arrive in Room 80, Lower Place Riel, Global Connections Lounge.
Settlement support for all international students
- Set up a bank account and transfer money from home
- Find housing and childcare
- Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card
- Learn about taxes in Canada
- Learn about driving in Saskatchewan
- Connect you with new community
- Connect you with Student Learning Services
Port of entry
When you arrive at the port of entry, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agent will speak to you. They must be satisfied that all admissibility requirements have been met before issuing you your study permit and allowing you to enter Canada.
Be prepared to answer any questions calmly and honestly and have the following documents with you:
- A Letter of Introduction from the visa office confirming that your study permit application has been approved. (This letter contains your permit reference number. This letter is necessary for the officer to issue you your study permit);
- Your passport;
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which ever applies to you depending on your country of citizenship;
- Copy of your acceptance letter from the University of Saskatchewan.
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by an immigration lawyer in compliance with the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to www.cic.gc.ca for the most up-to-date information, or contact ISSAC.
Getting help
Use the International Student Guide to learn about life as an international student at the U of S including immigration matters and information on working and living in Canada.
If you can't find what you need in the International Student Guide contact The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC). We are here to help! Drop-in advising is available.