The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) is here to assist all international undergraduate, graduate and exchange/visiting students and their families in their transition to the university and Saskatoon.

After your arrival in Saskatoon, please visit ISSAC to receive arrival infomation, learn about our social events and to access settlement support and referrals.  We are looking forward to seeing you at the University of Saskatchewan

Prepare for your arrival: Moving to a new country and city is an exciting venture. It is important that you prepare for your travel and arrival day ahead of time. Here are some tips to help everything go smoothly.

First-night Accomodation and Transportation Service

You can apply for subsidized first night accommodation through ISSAC. The cost of housing for your first night through this program will be $50. You can also use this same form to apply for free transportation from the airport to your accommodation in Saskatoon on the day of your arrival. To apply for this service, log in below using your NSID and password. Note: Only degree-seeking and incoming exchange students are eligible to apply. 

• Apply

Accommodation and Housing

• Find Accommodation and Housing: It is the responsibility of each student to arrange their own accommodation. Apply for housing before you leave your home country so you know where you will be living in Saskatoon. We have a guide to on-campus and off-campus housing available online.

• Short-term Accommodation: If you would like to find short-term housing close to the university, there are several smaller hotels located on College Drive, which is across the street from the USask campus. You may inquire if the hotel you are interested in offers student rates and ask for your room to be guaranteed for late arrival in case of any flight delays. Depending on your preferences, you may also consider other hotels and housing options in the city.

Residence move-in

• Early or Late Arrival: If you are looking for Early or Late Arrival, please fill out the required form from Residence Services Office, who will inform you later if they are able to accommodate your request. Questions in this respect can be directed to residence@usask.ca.

• Express move- in process: You will be able to use the express pick-up line on the move-in day if you apply for your student ID through PAWS. Resident Student ID cards will be sent to the Residence Services Office allowing you to obtain a move-in package in an expedited manner on the Move-in Day. Please note that you must be registered in at least one class before you can apply for your ID card. To apply for your ID card, click here.

• Moving into Residence: Please visit Residence Move-in information and arrange your hotel and travel accordingly. 

• Residence payment plans: You may be able to apply for a monthly payment plan from Residence Services office by submitting a Residence payment plan form. Residence payment plan related inquires can be directed to residence@usask.ca.

Travel and Flights to Canada

• Preparation: Before you start traveling, pack all valuables such as your passport, important immigration documents and money in your carry-on luggage and keep them safe at all times. You may also want to pack a spare set of clothes, a toothbrush etc. in your carry-on luggage. 

• Arriving late at night: Check the estimated arrival time for your flight in Saskatoon. If you are arriving later in the evening, please note that you may not be able to move into Residence or obtain your apartment keys on the day of your arrival. In this case, it is important that you have confirmed short-term accommodation for your first night in the city. If your flights are delayed or you are scheduled to arrive late at night, consider taking a taxi to your short-term accommodation. Please note that bus service from the Saskatoon airport is limited between midnight and 6 am.

• Lost luggage: If your luggage doesn't arrive on the same flight as you did, don't worry. Get in touch with the appropriate airline at the Saskatoon airport to report your lost luggage and give them your address for the first couple of days. If you are unsure of your address, you can also provide them with ISSAC's address on campus. It is Room 80, Lower Place Riel, 1 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan. If you have provided ISSAC's address to an airline, please email us at international.students@usask.ca or stop by our office the following day.

• Jet lag: Upon your arrival, you may feel jetlagged and tired so give yourself some time to rest and relax. Stay hydrated while you travel.

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

In addition, please make sure to review the Arrival guide by the Government of Canada to get an idea of what to expect at the Canadian border. 

Late Arrival Orientation for International Students

For students who arrive after university winter orientation January 3, 2020, the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) still wants a chance to meet you! Come to one of our late arrival orientations to learn more about the programs and services available to USask international students, as well as resources on making your transition to Canada as smooth as possible. We will be hosting two sessions. Please sign up below:

Thursday, January 9, 2020: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the ISSAC Training Room (Room 70.4, Lower Place Riel). Register here.

Thursday, January 23, 2020: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the ISSAC Training Room (Room 70.4, Lower Place Riel). Register here.

ISSAC Health Card Registration Clinics

All eligible international students should obtain a Saskatchewan Health Card while attending the University of Saskatchewan. ISSAC will be hosting several registration clinics throughout the arrival period to help new students with the application process. Clinics will be held on the following dates:

Friday, January 10: Register here.

Tuesday, January 14: Register here.

Wednesday, January 15: Register here.

All clinics held from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. in the ISSAC Training Room, Room 70.4 Lower Place Riel.

Students must bring the following in order to complete the Saskatchewan Health Card application (we can scan all documents for you):

• Laptop computer and phone with camera
• Study Permit
• Passport
• Confirmation of Enrolment
• Proof of Saskatchewan Residence (such as a tenancy agreement or power bill)

Workshop: Immigration During and After your Studies

Understanding Canadian immigration rules and regulartions is essential during your time here in Canada. Join our session which will instruct you on how to maintain your student status, extending your study permit and other essential information such as TRVs and eTAs. We will also cover working eligibility while on your study permit. We will also cover information on the post-graduate work permit. Session appropriate for new and returning students, and is led by a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA).

Session will be held Wednesday, January 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the ISSAC Training Room, Room 70.4 Lower Place Riel. Please Register in advance.

Workshop: Finding Your First Job in Canada

Come learn about the skills necessary to find employment in Canada as an international student. Join the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC), along with the Student Employment and Career Centre (SECC) as we cover international student eligibility to work in Canada, how to write a resume, effective practices when searching for employment and much more! By the end of the session you’ll have the knowledge to help you in your efforts to secure a first job in Canada. Session intended for first-year international students, but returning students are welcome.

Session to held Thursday, January 9 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Arts 134. Please register in advance here.

• 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