The New International Student Welcome for the 2021 Fall Term (September – December) will be held in September 2021, more information is coming soon. In September, we also offer various workshops and programs in collaboration with other campus partners to help international students get ready for their first-year studies in this remote learning environment.  Examples of our transition workshops and sessions held in the past include: 

• Online learning in a Canadian context 
• The Library and academic help 
• Technology tips and tricks for remote learning 
• Workshops on immigration, study permits and working in Canada 

More information about 2021 fall online sessions will be available soon.  

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

• Note: The Study Permits and Immigration module is for information purposes and does not subsitutte for immigration advice. Further, it does not contain information related to COVID-19. All students should refer to the COVID-19 International students page for information on traveling to Canada during COVID-19.

Module 2: Working in Canada

Module 3: Managing Cultural Adaptation

Module 4: Healthcare in Canada - See videos below

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

• Apply for Sask. Health Card
• Undergrad health plan
• Grad health plan

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. 

• Immigration and travel restrictions

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.

• Mandatory quarantine options

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. 

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

• Set up a bank account and transfer money from home
• Learn to budget your finances during student life
• Sign up with Access and Equity Services (AES) if you have a medical or learning-based disability
• Find your community on campus with the USask Faith Leaders
• 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 to receive academic help or tutoring

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 

• Daily online drop-in advising from 9:00 to 12:00 noon Central Standard Time (CST)
  
• Virtual social events
• Virtual immigration workshops 
• Weekly Global Connections Newsletter on Thursdays (sent to your USask email). We try our best to help you stay informed of our operations. 

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