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 your 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 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!
Emergency accommodation upon arrival: If you are unable to move into your residence on the day of your arrival and you are in need of emergency accommodation for your first night in Saskatoon, please contact international.students@usask.ca or stop by the ISSAC office to discuss your situation in more detail.
Sign up for January Orientation
January Orientation is your official welcome to the university. At Orientation on Wedesday, Jan. 2, you will have a chance to meet new people, learn how to succeed in your studies, ask questions and enjoy free snacks and dinner. Sign up here.
We encourage all new international students to attend the International Student Session from 12:30 -1:30 pm, Jan.2, at Room 200, Arts Building. We look forward to meeting new internationl students!
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.
ISSAC Welcome Centre
Looking for a friendly face when you arrive in Saskatoon? Come to the ISSAC Welcome Centre from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm between Jan 2 to Jan 4 inclusive (Room 70, Lower Place Riel, Global Connections Student Lounge). You will have an opportunity to meet fellow international students, engage with ISSAC staff members and obtain information on campus and community organizations that can help you with housing, employment, banking, academic success and more.
Saskatchewan Health Card Registration Clinics
Every international student must have a Saskatchewan Health Card while studying in Canada. Come to an ISSAC Saskatchewan Health Card Registration Clinic and we can help you apply online. We will be holding clinics on the following dates:
Friday, January 4 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Register here.
Monday, January 7 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. - Register here.
Thursday, January 10 from 11:30 to 12:30 noon - Register here.
All sessions will be held in the ISSAC Training Room, Room 70.4 Lower Place Riel. Students must bring their own laptop to
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.