Independent Canadian comparison guides. Offers and eligibility can change—verify terms before applying.

Home / Checklist Generator / International Student

First 90 days

International Student Arrival Checklist Canada

International students have the normal newcomer setup tasks plus school-specific and study-permit obligations. Your study permit, designated learning institution and actual program start date affect what you can do after arrival.

Documents to keep ready

Passport or valid travel document
Port-of-entry letter of introduction when applicable
Valid letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution
Any reference letters or documents requested by the visa office
Evidence of funds and other entry documents that apply to your case

The documents an officer, school, employer or government program actually requires depend on your case. Use the official sources below for the current rule.

First 72 hours

Confirm a safe temporary or permanent address and store copies of your key identity documents.
Set up reliable mobile data or a Canadian phone plan.
Keep a secure record of your Canadian address, phone number and emergency contacts.
Review the study permit carefully when it is issued and confirm the school/program details.
Complete school registration, student identification and required orientation steps.

First week

Open a Canadian transaction account that supports payroll, bill payments and Interac e-Transfers.
Build an arrival budget using your real rent, food, transport and setup costs.
Start or complete housing setup and verify provincial tenancy rules before paying deposits.
Confirm student health coverage and whether a provincial or school plan applies.
Check the exact conditions on your study permit before accepting any work.

First month

Arrange utilities, internet and tenant insurance if your lease or risk profile requires them.
Create a calendar for immigration-document expiry dates, taxes and benefit applications.
Keep receipts and records for income, housing, banking and major setup costs.
Compare student transit, banking, phone and campus discounts separately from standard newcomer offers.

Days 30–90

Reassess bank, phone, transfer and insurance costs once you know your real usage.
Build Canadian credit only with products you can manage and pay on time.
Prepare the records you will need for your first Canadian tax return.
Keep enrolment and permit records organized for future renewals or work-authorisation questions.

Why this checklist is different

The sequence matters because some setup tasks unlock others. A working phone number, address and bank account make payroll, rental applications and bill payments easier. Stable housing makes utility and insurance setup possible. Taxes, benefits and credit-building are easier once the first layer of documents and recurring services is organized.

Important cautions

IRCC states that you cannot work on or off campus before your studies begin.
Changing a designated learning institution before arrival can require a new study permit application under current rules.

Do not treat a checklist as a legal eligibility decision

This page organizes tasks; it does not decide whether you personally qualify for a government program, permission to work, provincial health coverage or an immigration benefit. Conditions can depend on your permit, arrival date, province, family status and other facts. Verify those items on the responsible government site before acting.

Primary sources checked

IRCC — study permit: prepare for arrival →

IRCC — study permit application and document guidance →

Related planning tools

Newcomer First-Year Cost Calculator →
Rental Deposit Calculator →
Newcomer Bank Fee Calculator →
Free Newcomer Resource Library →