International Students

 

Background image shows a person facing behind them, waving to a circle of people sitting on the grass just behind them. Text says "International Students".

Get Your Study Permit

Applying for a study permit is an important part of coming from abroad to study in Canada. Learn about how to apply for the study permit and the right documents you may need. As soon as you accept your UTM offer, you can book an appointment with our Immigration Advisor to get help with your study permit and visa applications at no additional cost. Make sure to apply early! More information about study permits has been included below.

Canadian Study Permit

To study in Canada at the university level, you must always have a valid study permit. You may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Applying for your study permit early will ensure that you can:

  • Receive your permit on time. Given current processing times, early applications are more likely to be processed before September.
  • Get your TCard upon arrival and access all UTM services available to you.
  • Maintain eligibility for other immigration-related permits you may choose to get in the future, such as the post-graduation work permit.

Applying for Your Study Permit

  1. You will receive your University of Toronto offer letter in a congratulatory email from U of T Enrolment Services. After you receive this email, you will have access to it via PDF on the JOIN U of T Applicant Website.
  2. As soon as you accept your offer of admission and receive the attestation letter from the Ontario province, please apply for your study permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or in person at the Visa Application Centre. We strongly encourage you to apply online through the IRCC study permit applications.
  3. Find out what next steps you may need after you apply. Once your application is approved, you will receive an introduction letter from the visa office.
  4. Arrive in Canada with:
    • Your passport with valid TRV or eTA
    • Your introduction letter from the visa office
    • Your University of Toronto Mississauga offer letter
    • Any additional travel documentation required at the time
    • Proof of funds
    • Proof of valid immigration medical examination (if required)
  5. Your study permit will be issued at the border. Note: If you apply for the study permit from within Canada, it will be sent to you by mail.

Before You Arrive

Transportation from the Airport 

Decide on the type of transportation service that best suits your needs.

Mississauga Transit (MiWay) – Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes for $4 (cash).

  • For more information about accessing MiWay, please visit here. 
  • *Please note that you will need exact change to pay the bus fare and while it might be the most cost-effective mode of transportation, it is not recommended for your first arrival based on your luggage and lack of familiarity with the area.

Taxi Services – Approximately 35 minutes, $45-$60

  • For more information on accessing airport taxi services, please visit here.
  • *Please note that the time estimates are based on travel time without traffic and the costs vary depending on the taxi service
  • Ride Share

Start Packing

Aside from packing the essentials – clothing, toiletries, school supplies etc. – there are some important items to make sure you have packed before you leave for Canada:

  • Money – pack enough Canadian cash for immediate expenses including, but not limited to, food and transportation
  • Seasonal clothing – pack clothing that will be appropriate for the Canadian climate when you get off the plane 
  • Immigration documents – this is very important! Be sure you have paper AND electronic copies of important documents
  • Prescription medication – if needed
  • Medical records – recommended in case you need them
  • Your U of T offer of admission letter 

When You Arrive

Visit the U of T Welcome Booth

When you land at Toronto Pearson International Airport in August or September, our welcome booth and friendly staff will be there to greet you. After you collect your baggage, visit the U of T welcome booth in either Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 for international arrivals. 

Open a Bank Account

There are many banks close to the UTM campus – Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada, TD Canada Trust, and Scotia Bank. Once you arrive, research the products and services offered by different banks to determine which bank is right for you. Some things to consider before choosing to open a bank account:

  • What type of accounts do I need? Chequing or savings account?
  • Can I access my banking information online?
  • Am I able to send money to, and receive money from, my home country?
  • Are there monthly fees or service charges? 
  • Do certain banks offer student discounts? 

The Government of Canada provides additional information on opening a bank account

Set up a Cell Phone Plan 

There are a number of various service providers to choose from – Bell, Fido, Koodo, Rogers, Telus, Virgin Mobile, Freedom. In order to determine the plan that best fits your needs, research the service providers and consider the following:
  • Number of minutes needed 
  • Long distance/international calling fees
  • Amount of data 
  • Contract length
  • Cancellation options
  • Hidden fees or overage fees

If you already have a phone you may be able to select a plan, get a new SIM card and continue to use your phone.

Health Insurance Card

  1. Ensure you are familiar with your University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and its coverage details.
  2. Learn more about obtaining your UHIP card as a UTM student.
  3. Have a copy of your card with you when you arrive.
  4. Get to know where there are preferred providers in case you need medical attention.
  5. Carry your UHIP card with you at all times.

Ontario Photo Card

If you are uncomfortable carrying around your passport as photo identification within Canada, you may wish to apply for an Ontario Photo Card at a Service Ontario Centre. This government-issued identification makes it easier for those that do not have a driver’s license to do things such as open a bank account, and perform any other activities that require official identification.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work and be paid in Canada and access government programs and benefits. You must apply for a SIN if you plan to work in Canada.

You can apply for SIN in-person at a Service Canada office or online. Make sure to have the following documents:

  • A study permit that states you “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada. If this information is missing, please contact the International Education Centre.
  • A valid passport.
  • Other documents as requested once you fill out this online questionnaire.

Get Help

For More Information

This entire website is dedicated to new student topics, all of which are relevant to international students as well. Course enrolment, paying fees, health insurance for international students and more are located on various pages across the site. Please visit the other pages to ensure that you complete all of the necessary steps before classes begin.

Look for the 

IEC Logo

 icon throughout the website, indicating additional information specifically for international students!

The International Education Centre website is another valuable resource for international students that contains essential pre-arrival information and everything you need to know about having a successful year in Canada. Click here to view more Pre-Arrival Information.

Getting Your Questions Answered

The International Education Centre is here to help you connect with other students, internationalize your experience, and join a cross-cultural community at the University of Toronto Mississauga. 

Contact us if you have any questions about immigration, UHIP, life in Canada, study abroad, or anything else! 

International Education Centre
Visit us on Campus
905-569-4716
international.utm@utoronto.ca

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