🇨🇦 Pre-Departure Guide
Canada — Know before you fly
Everything Indian students need to prepare for Canada: arrival, first week, culture, emergency contacts, and packing.
Departure Checklist
Print or save this before you pack
1Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond program end)
2Study permit (original + photocopy)
3Letter of Acceptance from university
4Proof of funds (bank statements 6 months)
5Accommodation booking confirmation
6Medical exam records (if required)
7Prescription medicines (3+ months supply)
8Indian driving license (for IDP conversion)
9SIN application documents
10Digital copies of all documents on cloud
Arrival Essentials
At the Airport (CBSA)
- Carry your study permit, LOA, passport, and bank statements in hand luggage
- Declare all food items and cash over CAD 10,000
- CBSA officer will stamp your entry — keep this page safe
- Collect your Biometric data if not done in India
- Collect your luggage and proceed to Customs Hall
Immigration Process
- Present study permit approval letter to CBSA officer
- Study permit is usually issued at port of entry for first-time students
- Carry proof of enrollment + accommodation details
- SIN (Social Insurance Number) — apply online or at Service Canada within first 2 weeks
Customs Declaration
- Declare cash / monetary instruments over CAD 10,000
- Food from India (pickles, spices) — declare on CBSA form, most allowed
- Prescription medicines — carry original prescription
- Personal electronics — no duty for personal use
First Week Checklist
HIGH
Apply for SIN (Social Insurance Number)
Needed for banking & work. Apply at servicecanada.gc.ca or in person.
HIGH
Open a Canadian bank account
RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank all have student accounts. Most require SIN + passport.
HIGH
Check in at your university International Office
Register with your college, get student ID, access cards, and orientation info.
HIGH
Get a Canadian SIM card
Fido, Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile — plans from ~CAD 25/month. Visit a store with passport.
MEDIUM
Apply for health card (OHIP/MSP/AHCIP)
Province-specific — Ontario (OHIP) has 3-month wait; BC (MSP) is similar. Get interim university insurance.
MEDIUM
Set up transit / transit card
Toronto PRESTO, Vancouver Compass, Montreal OPUS — load at station or online.
MEDIUM
Visit campus health services
Register with campus doctor, pick up university health card.
LOW
Activate study permit conditions
Ensure your study permit reflects your correct program and expiry date.
Cultural Briefing
Do's
- • Say "sorry" and "thank you" — Canadians use it constantly
- • Hold doors open for the person behind you
- • Queue properly — jumping lines is very rude
- • Tip 15–20% at restaurants, 10–15% at cafes
- • Separate garbage into recycling, organics, and waste
- • Respect personal space — 1–2 feet is standard
Don'ts
- • Do not confuse Canadians with Americans — a sensitive topic
- • Avoid discussing religion or politics with new acquaintances
- • Do not litter — fines can apply and it's frowned upon
- • Don't be late — punctuality is important in academic and work settings
- • Avoid being too direct or blunt — Canadians prefer tactful communication
Pro Tips
- ★ Winters are severe — invest in a Canada Goose or similar insulated jacket early
- ★ Student discounts are everywhere — get your ISIC card
- ★ Grocery stores like No Frills and FreshCo are budget-friendly
- ★ Facebook groups for Indian students at your university are very helpful
- ★ The university library is free and has excellent study spaces
Weather & Packing Guide
Summer (Arrival Jun–Aug)
20–35°CJun–Aug
- Light cotton clothes
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Rain jacket
- Light sweater for AC
Fall Semester Arrival (Sep)
5–20°CSep–Nov
- Layered clothing
- Light jacket
- Jeans and warm tops
- Closed-toe shoes
Winter (Dec–Feb)
-20 to -5°CDec–Feb
- Heavy winter parka (Canada Goose grade)
- Thermal innerwear
- Waterproof boots
- Gloves, scarf, toque/beanie
- Hand & toe warmers
Spring (Mar–May)
0–15°CMar–May
- Medium jacket
- Rain boots or waterproof shoes
- Mix of light and warm layers
Local Resources for Indian Students
Indian Grocery Stores
- Patel Brothers (multiple cities)
- Indian Grocery Store (Toronto)
- Fruiticana (BC & Alberta)
- Real Canadian Superstore (Indian section)
Places of Worship
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir (Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver)
- Mosque (every major city)
- Gurudwara Sahib (multiple cities)
Indian Restaurants
- Udupi Palace (Toronto)
- Vij's (Vancouver)
- Bombay Chili (Calgary)
Indian Student Communities
- ISAB (Indian Student Association), most universities
- Facebook groups: "Indians in [City]"
- WhatsApp groups via university orientation