Things to know before flying for studying abroad in Canada 2024

Are you preparing for a study journey in Canada? Let's explore some suggestions and tips together with LOA Portal to help you prepare before flying to study abroad in Canada for a smooth and successful start.

What to prepare before flying for Canada to study abroad?

Prepare legal documents

When you are preparing to fly to Canada for studying abroad, preparing important documents is crucial to ensure a smooth journey and avoid any hassles during immigration and starting a new life. Here is a list of important documents to prepare before flying for studying abroad in Canada:

• Passport, Visa
• Translated and notarized academic transcripts, diplomas
• IELTS certificate
• Letter of Acceptance from the school
• Passport-sized photos
• Financial documents
• Health examination certificates
• Airline tickets
• Identification documents such as citizenship card

Study materials

Study materials can be purchased in Canada, but you can bring some items from Vietnam to save money and have them readily available upon arrival, such as dictionaries, handheld computers, laptops, tablets, notebooks, pens, etc.

Medications and health-related Items

When arriving in a foreign country, prioritizing and ensuring health is of utmost importance. You should bring along your prescribed medications (if any) for convenience in purchasing medication in Canada. Additionally, prepare some basic medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, cough medicine, throat lozenges, fever reducers, headache medicine, stomach ache medicine, and some simple first aid supplies. If you wear glasses, it's advisable to bring 1-2 spare pairs as eyeglass costs in Canada are relatively high.

Other essentials

Regarding clothing, research the weather in Canada at the time of your arrival to prepare suitable items for immediate use in the first few days. You shouldn't bring too many clothes from Vietnam as thermal wear can be found in Canada with better quality, designed to suit the weather.

Moreover, concerning electrical devices, Canada uses flat two-pronged plugs and 120V voltage. Therefore, you need to prepare plug adapters, converters to use electrical devices brought from Vietnam.

Note: The Canadian government has regulations on the luggage allowed to be brought into Canada; you need to pay attention to avoid fines. Details can be found on the Government of Canada's website.

Is a Study Permit mandatory for studying abroad in Canada?

A Study Permit is a mandatory permit for studying abroad in Canada, allowing students to live and study at a registered school in the country legally. Visa only permits entry, and to study legally in Canada, you must have a Study Permit with a valid duration.

The Study Permit is issued at the first airport customs when you enter Canada. You need to present some personal documents related to studying abroad and answer interview questions from customs.

View detailed information about Study Permit and the process of obtaining a Study Permit for studying abroad in Canada.

What to do on the first day in Canada?

Register phone number

Upon arrival in Canada, your phone number from Vietnam will no longer be usable. First, you need to register a mobile phone number with one of the popular network providers such as Telus, Virgin, Rogers, Bell, or Koodo. This will help you conveniently communicate and connect with family, friends, and the community.

Download essential apps

After getting a phone number and subscribing to a plan, you can download some essential apps for daily life. 

• Transit: Schedule and arrival time of public transportation in all major cities
• Presto (Toronto): Lookup routes, schedules of buses, streetcars, and subways in Toronto
• ArriveCAN: Support, guide documents and necessary entry procedures, provide information on opening bank accounts, mobile accounts and housing
• Indeed: Job search support app throughout Canada
• Credit Karma: Monitor credit scores and provide information on financial centers for appropriate borrowing
• SPC: Student discounts: restaurants, shopping, transportation, mobile
• DoorDash/Fantuan Delivery: Online food ordering and delivery service
• Lyft/Uber: Ride-hailing apps in Canada
• Shein/Temu: Online fashion and accessory shopping apps

Register Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Each person is only issued one SIN, allowing legal work in Canada, paying taxes, registering initial contributions, and opening savings accounts. You can register for SIN at the nearest Service Canada office or send it by mail.

Register health insurance

Can be purchased at clinics, hospitals, pharmacies,... or download the form on the website of the authorized agency. Health insurance covers all costs for most necessary medical services except for dental and eye services, prescription glasses, etc.

Learn about the healthcare system of the province in Canada.

Open a bank account

Opening a bank account can be done online in Vietnam so that when you arrive in Canada, you already have money in it. Most banks allow online registration. Upon arriving in Canada, you need to go to the bank directly and provide your passport to complete the bank card application process. Some popular banks in Canada are:

• Canada National Bank of Canada
• CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)
• HSBC Canada
• Scotiabank
• Royal Bank of Canada

Conclusion

Thoroughly preparing before flying to study abroad in Canada is the first step in building a successful and prosperous future. Make sure you have completed all procedures and preparations so you can focus on educational experiences and personal development ahead. Wishing you a successful and enjoyable journey in Canada!