Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not mandate a specific date for when international students should arrive in Canada. Instead, IRCC indicates that students "should just arrive to give yourself a reasonable amount of time to prepare before you start studying."

Please note that international students cannot work on or off campus in Canada until they start their academic program.

Many students also align their arrival to when their accommodation arrangements start, or when they can move into the Campus Residence, so they do not incur extra living expenses with an early arrival.

Some students like to arrive earlier, about 3-4 weeks before their program start to give themselves more time to settle, especially is planning to live off-campus.

In most casess, it's a personal decision depending on the available resources and other circumstances for each student. If in doubt about the above, please book your check-in/arrival appointment. 

Apply for your required immigration documents as early as possible so that you can start your studies here as planned. Please read the immigration section in the International Student Guide as well as the study permit section on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for more information about study permits and entry requirements.

Before making travel plans, to know what to expect, and how to prepare, please review:  

• Prepare for Arrival information for international students by IRCC. This website has important information on how to prepare for your arrival, including which documents to prepare for your travel and entering Canada. Failure to adhere to the provided information may lead to being denied boarding and/or entry to Canada. 

If you are experiencing delays and difficulties in obtaining your immigration documents, please use our advising services. We are here to support you.

Here’s a helpful overview for arriving at Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE): 

Arrival Tips 

• Location: The airport is located in the northwest part of Saskatoon, about a 15-minute drive from downtown .
• Terminal Layout: YXE has a single terminal with two levels—Arrivals and Baggage Claim on the main level, and Departures and Check-in on the upper level .
• Navigation: The airport is compact and easy to navigate, with clear signage and information desks available.

Ground Transportation Options

Once you land, you have several convenient ways to get into the city:

• 🚕 Taxis: Available curbside right outside the Arrivals area.
• 🚘 Rideshare: Uber and other services pick up at a designated zone on the public curb.
• 🚍 Public Transit: Saskatoon Transit offers bus service from the airport to downtown and other parts of the city.
• 🚗 Car Rentals: Six rental agencies are located on-site, with vehicles just outside the terminal 

You should find permanent housing before travelling to Canada. 

Visit the USask Residence website for more detailed information about on-campus housing for the upcoming summer, fall and winter terms. Contact the Residence Services Office at residence@usask.ca if you have questions. USask has an extensive guide to off-campus housing as well. 

Learn more about housing and residences

Saskatchewan's cold winters can be quite intimidating to international students. Winter temperatures are, on average, near -20C with temperatures reaching -40C, which is not uncommon. However, with the right preparation, you will be able to adapt and enjoy the winter season.

Students arriving in September (Term 1) will have time to purchase winter clothing in Canada, as the winter temperatires usually don't start until October at the earliest. Student arriving in January (Term 2) should look to arrive in Canada with thick clothing and several layers to endure their intitial days in Saskatoon.

You can visit Environment Canada , Weather Network and About Sasktachewan to learn more about the weather and climate in our country and province. 

• Prepare for winter weather

As you prepare for your arrival to USask, be sure to pack essentials for both travel and your first few days upon arrival. Bring important documents (passport, letter of acceptance, letter of introduction, proof of funds, etc.), a few days’ worth of weather-appropriate clothing (layers and a warm jacket, especially for fall/winter arrivals), basic toiletries, prescription medications (with documentation), and electronics with adapters. It’s also helpful to bring some local currency or a credit card for immediate expenses. For your first few days, you may want to pack a small comfort item from home and any important academic materials. Don’t worry—you can purchase most things you need in Saskatoon after you arrive!

Saskatoon is the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It straddles a bend in the South Saskatchewan River in the central region of the province. It has an urban population of about 257,000 and is Canada's Science City. With more than 2,300 hours of sunshine annually - Saskatoon shines!

Learn more about Saskatoon

All international students are responsible for ensuring they have adequate health care coverage while studying in Saskatchewan, and are encouraged to apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card as soon as they arrive. We have prepared the videos below to help you understand the following:

• Health care 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

• Apply for Sask. Health Card
• Student health plans

All USask students should obtain a USask student card immediately upon arriving on campus. Your Student ID card is used to

• take out books at the library
• track your meal plan balance
• get into your residence room and building
• access the Physical Activity Complex (PAC)
• get discounts from businesses that offer deals to students

Full-time on-campus students should look to obtain their U-Pass bus pass -- now available on your smartphone.

Explore Experience Transit online learning tool today to learn everything you need to know about using public transit in Saskatoon.

• Apply for a USask Student ID card in PAWS

Looking after one's finances is an important aspect of your stay in Canada as an international student.

You'll want to set up a bank account in Canada as soon as possible. This will allow you to deposit any currency you brought with you on your travels, and for any future employment you obtain in Canada. Learn about how to set up a bank account and the documents required below.

Financial budgeting is a key skill to develop early during your studies at USask as well.

• Set up a bank account
• Make a budget

Photo identification may be required when visiting certain venues or accessing services outside of the Univrsity of Saskatchewan campus. Many non-Canadian national ID cards are not always permitted within Canada.

Instead of using your passport -- which should be kept secure -- USask international students are encouraged to obtain a Non-driver photo ID (informally known as a Saskatchewan ID Card) from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).

• Info on the Non-driver photo ID

Tips and general information for new students: 

• Compare plans online before choosing
• Ask about newcomer or student discounts
• Use Wi-Fi where possible to save mobile data
• Download offline maps and apps
• Installation: May take a few days - book early
• Bundling: Combine internet with TV or mobile for discounts
• SIM Cards: Available at airports, malls, and convenience stores
• ID Required: Valid ID needed to activate a plan
• Prepaid vs. Postpaid
  • Prepaid: No contract, pay-as-you-go
  • Postpaid: Monthly billing, often requires a credit check

Top Providers in Saskatchewan and Canada: 

• SaskTel, TELUS, Bell, Rogers, Virgin
• Freedom Mobile: Budget-friendly, limited to major cities
• Prepaid Options: Public Mobile, Chatr, Lucky Mobile (great for short-term or budget-conscious users)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a government issued number that is legally required for all work in Canada and is issued for employment purposes only. If you are going to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in-person at Service Canada on Preston Avenue.

• Social Insurance Numbers

Get access to job postings and guidance on defining your job search goals, preparing your job search documents and developing your interview skills. Learn more about Career Planning

You must be eligible to work and learn about the work eligibility, before you start working. Learn more about Working in Canada as an international student

Building a community of friends is an important part of your time at USask. Make friends and connect with others at USask:

• Learn about international student events in the Global Connections Newsletter sent to your PAWS email on a bi-weekly basis
• Join an international/cultural association in the Global Connections Network
• Connect with Faith Leaders
• Remember to take time to take care of yourself, meet new people and have fun! It can take time to adjust to the new environment. 

Saskatoon also has a rich selection of leisure and recreation events and opportunities, while Tourism Saskatchewan provides information on how to explore and enjoy the great Saskatchewan outdoors. 

• Get involved

Most Saskatoon residents shop at large supermarkets for their groceries and other needs - clothing, cosmetics, furniture, sporting equipment, kitchenware, appliances, books, toys, and everything else. There are several major grocery chains, offering a wide variety of products to meet diverse dietary needs, including international foods:

• The Real Canadian Superstore
• Co-op Marketplace
• Safeway
• Sobeys
• Walmart
• Costco

You’ll also find many specialty food stores that focus on specific dietary or cultural needs, such as halal, kosher, or Asian groceries. A quick Google search will help you find nearby options.

There are also many malls and retail shops, offering both new and gently-used clothing:

• Lawson Heights Mall
• Midtown Plaza
• The Centre Mall

Learn more about shopping in Saskatoon and shopping malls

Please note that most programs require that you start on time and do not miss any classes. Please contact your program/college adviser if you have more questions about your program requirements and courses.

Please note that USask also follows set registration and withdrawal deadlines. If you cannot start your program on time, it is important that you drop your classes before the deadline for registration changes to avoid financial penalties.

It may be possible to defer your admission to a later term. Please contact the appropriate admission office:

• For undergraduate admissions, please contact admissions@usask.ca
• For graduate admissions, please contact your program/supervisor

Please note the date your application was received by IRCC. If the application is in process more than the posted processing times, you can ask IRCC about your application . If there is no answer, you can contact IRCC again. However, as disappointing as this may sound, please note that you must wait for the decision to be made and that processing times are a rough estimate while all applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

USask has no decision-making power and influence. We cannot expedite anyone's application or call embassies and the Canadian government on your behalf.

Once the study permit is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction (a study permit approval letter) which will say by which date you must enter Canada to obtain your study permit.

Ensure you have all the necessary immigration documents. We also recommend students bring a confirmation of enrolment for current and future semesters. Students should also bring all documents used as part of their study permit application.