Before you arrive at USask

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. Hence, it's a personal decision depending on the available resources for each student.


If in doubt about the above, please use our advising services.

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.

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. 

The University of Saskatchewan encourages all students, staff and faculty to take precautions that they believe are appropriate to help protect our community, including staying current with your Measles, Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations, as per public health guidelines.

Learn more about USask Health Alerts.

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.

USask has an excellent guide on Preparing for the cold winter weather which all students should read.

What if I cannot arrive on time to Canada for my academic program?

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:

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.

If your program start date has passed and it is too late to join USask now, it is highly advisable that you use international student advising services and do not make travel plans until you find out more information about your admission and courses. While some programs may allow you to defer (postpone your start date), for some you may need to reapply if the admission has expired. ISSAC advisers can connect you with the appropriate contacts so that you can find out the next steps. 

Welcome programming

Congratulations and welcome to the University of Saskatchewan! As a new international student to the University of Saskatchewan, there are a variety of programs available to ensure you experience a smooth and engaging transition to life at USask.

The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) offers programs at the beginning of each term for international students.

Connect with an International Education Officer at ISSAC

Start your journey at USask by connecting with an International Education Officer at the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC). Our team is here to support new international students with arrival and settlement needs through non-immigration advising appointments.

For immigration-related questions, please connect with ISSAC's Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) through our International Student Advising services.

After you arrive at USask

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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). If you did not receive a SIN at the port of entry, you must apply at Service Canada.

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

  • Watching for 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
  • Connecting with Faith Leaders
     

Other essential information

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

Stay connected

Global Connection Newsletter - The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) publishes a bi-weekly Global Connection e-Newsletter (GCN). The GCN provides important immigration updates, and timely information on programs, services, and events offered by ISSAC, colleges and departments at USask. International students are automatically enrolled to receive each edition via PAWS email for the latest news and information! 

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