Category: Tips & Tricks!

Navigating healthcare in a new country can be overwhelming, but Canada’s healthcare system offers plenty of support for international students. Understanding how it works, what services you can access, and how to get health insurance will help ensure you’re covered during your stay. This guide will provide all the essential information you need to know about Canadian healthcare as an international student.

1. Provincial Healthcare Coverage

Canada’s healthcare system is publicly funded, but it operates under provincial jurisdiction, meaning each province has its own rules regarding healthcare for international students.

• Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan: These provinces allow international students to enroll in their public healthcare system if they have a valid study permit for longer than six months. Enrollment is typically free or comes at a minimal cost.
• Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia: In these provinces, international students are not eligible for provincial healthcare coverage. Students must obtain private health insurance either through their school or independently.

2. How to Apply for Provincial Healthcare

If you’re studying in a province that offers healthcare coverage to international students, you’ll need to apply once you arrive.

• Documents Needed: You will typically need a valid study permit, proof of residency (like a lease agreement), and identification (passport or student ID).
• Waiting Period: Some provinces, like British Columbia, have a waiting period of up to three months before your healthcare kicks in, so it’s important to have interim insurance during this time.

3. Private Health Insurance

If you’re studying in a province where you don’t qualify for public healthcare, you will need private insurance. Many universities and colleges offer group health plans that cover medical, dental, and mental health services.

• University Plans: Most institutions automatically enroll international students in a health insurance plan, covering basic medical services, hospital visits, prescriptions, and in some cases, dental and vision care. Fees are typically added to your tuition.
• Private Providers: If your institution doesn’t offer coverage or if you prefer a more comprehensive plan, private insurance companies like Guard.me or Allianz offer policies tailored to international students.

4. What Healthcare Covers

Healthcare coverage in Canada generally includes:

• Doctor Visits: You can visit a family doctor for check-ups, consultations, and minor illnesses.
• Hospital Services: Hospital care, including surgeries and emergency services, is covered by both public and private health plans.
• Prescription Medications: Public healthcare doesn’t usually cover prescription medications, but most private insurance plans for students include this benefit.

5. Mental Health Resources

Mental health is an important part of overall wellness, and many universities provide counseling services or access to mental health professionals through their health plans. Private health insurance often includes coverage for therapy sessions or consultations with mental health specialists.

6. What to Do in Case of Emergency

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate medical assistance, or go to the nearest hospital. Emergency room visits are covered under both public and private healthcare plans, but it’s important to know the details of your coverage to avoid unexpected fees.

7. Tips for Managing Healthcare

• Know Your Coverage: Whether you’re on a public or private plan, be sure to read and understand what is and isn’t covered under your insurance policy.
• Carry Your Health Card: Always carry your provincial health card (if applicable) or proof of private insurance in case of medical emergencies.
• Regular Check-Ups: Make time for routine medical check-ups, even if you feel healthy, to stay on top of your well-being.

Finding suitable housing is one of the most important steps for international students when arriving in Canada. The right living situation can significantly impact your academic success and overall experience. With various housing options available, navigating the rental market can be challenging. This article will guide you through the process of finding housing, understanding your options, and ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

1. Types of Housing Options

On-Campus Housing

Many Canadian universities and colleges offer on-campus housing for international students, often referred to as residence halls or dormitories. Living on campus provides easy access to classes, libraries, and other facilities, making it a convenient option for students new to Canada.

• Advantages: Proximity to campus, inclusive meal plans, social environment with other students, and organized activities.
• Disadvantages: Limited privacy, higher costs, and potential noise levels.
• Application: Apply early as spaces are limited and highly competitive, especially for first-year students.

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing includes apartments, houses, or shared accommodations located outside the university campus. This option offers more independence and often more space.

• Advantages: More privacy, flexibility, and often more affordable than on-campus housing.
• Disadvantages: Distance from campus, responsibility for utilities, and potential challenges with landlords or roommates.
• Resources: Use online platforms like RentFaster, Kijiji, Craigslist, or local rental websites to find listings. Many universities also provide off-campus housing resources.

Homestays

Homestays involve living with a Canadian family in their home. This option is ideal for students who want to immerse themselves in Canadian culture and improve their English or French language skills.

• Advantages: Cultural immersion, meals provided, and a supportive family environment.
• Disadvantages: Less independence, potential cultural differences, and limited privacy.
• Application: Many educational institutions have partnerships with homestay providers. You can also explore agencies like Canada Homestay Network.

2. Tips for Finding the Right Housing

Start Early

Begin your housing search well before your arrival in Canada. On-campus housing applications typically open several months before the academic year begins, and off-campus rentals can be competitive, especially in larger cities.

Set a Budget

Determine your budget before starting your search. Consider rent, utilities, internet, transportation, and groceries. Living off-campus might seem cheaper, but additional costs like transportation can add up.

Consider Location

Location is crucial. Consider factors like proximity to campus, public transportation, grocery stores, and other amenities. If you’re living off-campus, ensure that the commute to your university is manageable.

Check for Inclusions

When evaluating rental options, check what’s included in the rent. Some properties include utilities like electricity, water, and internet, while others do not. Understanding what’s covered will help you avoid unexpected costs.

Understand Your Lease

Before signing a lease, read it carefully and understand the terms. Check the lease duration, rent payment schedule, security deposit, and any restrictions (e.g., no pets, no smoking). If you’re unsure, ask questions or seek advice from your university’s housing office.

Be Aware of Scams

Unfortunately, rental scams are common, especially in large cities. Be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true, require large deposits upfront, or ask for personal information. Always visit the property in person or request a virtual tour if you’re not in Canada yet. Never send money before verifying the legitimacy of the listing.

3. Resources for Finding Housing

• University Housing Offices: Many universities have dedicated housing offices that provide resources and support for finding both on-campus and off-campus housing.
• Online Rental Platforms: Websites like RentFaster, Kijiji, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace offer a wide range of rental listings. Ensure to use caution and verify listings.
• Student Unions and Clubs: Student unions often have housing boards where students post available rooms or apartments. Joining social media groups or forums related to your university can also be helpful.
• Homestay Agencies: If you’re interested in a homestay, agencies like Canada Homestay Network and Homadorma can help you find a suitable host family.

4. Moving In and Settling Down

Once you’ve secured housing, prepare for your move. Make a checklist of essentials, including bedding, kitchen supplies, and toiletries. If you’re living off-campus, you might need to set up utilities like internet, electricity, and water. Introduce yourself to your neighbors or roommates and familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood.

Conclusion

Finding the right housing as an international student in Canada is crucial for your comfort and success during your studies. By exploring your options early, setting a budget, and using reliable resources, you can find a place that meets your needs. Whether you choose on-campus housing, off-campus apartments, or a homestay, your living environment will play a significant role in shaping your Canadian experience. For additional tips on adjusting to life in Canada, including insights on weather across different cities, check out this guide to Canadian weather in different Canadian cities!

A Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a type of open work permit that allows international students to work in Canada after completing their study. An open work permit is a type of work permit that would allow the holder to work for any employer in Canada, with a few exceptions such as for employers offering striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.

So, in this article I discuss what the eligibility criteria is for obtaining a PGWP!

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Completed your studies at a DLI

You must have completed your study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You must have completed a program that lasted at least eight month, and led to a Degree, Diploma, or a Certificate.

2. Maintained Full Time Status

You must have maintained full time status during each academic semester of your studies. There are very few exceptions to this, such as getting an approved leave of absence, or studying part time for your last semester only.

3. Valid Status in Canada

The point here is that you need valid status in Canada to apply for PGWP from inside of Canada. Your status in Canada will expire either when your study permit expires, or 180 days after your graduation, whichever comes first. If you do not have status in Canada, you will have to leave Canada. You can still apply for a PGWP from outside of Canada if you have to leave, but that should be a last resort.

Finally, there are some specific degree requirements to keep in mind:

Type of Institution	Program Length	Program Outcome
Public post-secondary DLI	8 months or longer	Your program must lead to a Degree, Diploma, or a Certificate
Quebec public secondary DLI offering vocational training programs	900 hours or longer	Your program must lead to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS) or an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS)
Quebec collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP)	900 hours or longer	Your program must lead to an attestation of college studies (ACS) or a diploma of college studies (DCS)
Quebec provincially subsidized private post-secondary DLI or Quebec provincially subsidized private secondary DLI offering provincially subsidized vocational training programs	900 hours or longer	Your program must lead to an attestation of college studies (ACS) or a diploma of college studies (DCS). You must be enrolled in one of the provincially subsidized study programs. This may not include all study programs offered at the DLI
Quebec flight school	8 months or longer, or 900 hours or longer	Your program must lead to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS), an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS), a diploma of college studies (DCS), or an attestation of collegial studies (ACS)
Canadian private designated learning institution authorized by the province to confer degrees.	N/A	Your DLI must be authorized by the province to confer degrees, including an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctorate. You must be enrolled in one of the study programs leading to a degree, as authorized by the province. This may not include all study programs offered by the private DLI.

To read more about the PGWP, as well as the processes in its entirety, please do visit the official Government of Canada’s website regarding PGWP’s, found here.

Finally, keep in mind that when applying for a pgwp you will need to confirm the name and length of your program. That can be done by submitting on of the following along with your application:

• Your degree/diploma
• Your transcript
• An official letter from your school, typically referred to as a “Letter of Completion”.