After arriving in Canada

When you arrive in Canada, take these steps before starting your studies.

Follow your self-isolation plan

When you first arrive, check-in within 48 hours through the ArriveCAN online form or call 1.833.641.0343 and complete a daily self-assessment of your symptoms during your 14 day quarantine..

If your contact information or quarantine location has changed, email your updated information to phac.quarantine.covid19.quarantaine.aspc@canada.ca.

Continue to follow all of the self-isolation guidelines:
 

Find helpful information and resources on taking care of your physical and mental health during self-isolation on UBC’s self-isolation page.

Consider getting involved virtually, such as joining an AMS Club or attending Global Lounge events. 

If you travel by air

You will stay in your pre-booked government approved hotel while you wait for your COVID-19 test results. Learn about what to expect.

If you test negative, you will proceed to your place of quarantine and may leave sooner than the 3 nights if your test results are available earlier. 

If you test positive, you will be directed to another facility and will be given instructions. It can be unsettling to be taken to an undisclosed location, but you can be confident these government-mandated facilities are safe.

Complete your COVID-19 testing kit

As of February 22, 2021, you will be given a COVID-19 test kit on arrival in Canada to complete on day 8 of your quarantine. Complete the COVID-19 test following the instructions you were provided. 

You will need to continue to quarantine until you get a negative test result. If you test positive, you will need to start the 14 day quarantine cycle again.

See Day-8 COVID-19 testing for details.

After-arrival checklist

After arriving in British Columbia: 
 
  1. Apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
  2. Check that you have iMED health insurance and have told DCIS that you are arriving
  3. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  4. Add your document expiry dates to UBC’s Reminder System
  5. Sign up to receive the International Community Update newsletter
  6. After self-isolation, get a BCID to avoid carrying your passport for identification.

If you need a temporary mailing address

If you don’t have a mailing address, you can use International Student Advising as your temporary mailing address when you first arrive in Canada.

International Student Advising
UBC Life Building
1200 - 6138 Student Union Blvd.
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1

Because the International Student Advising office is temporarily closed, you will need to pick up your mail at UBC Campus Mail. 

When the office reopens, mail will be publicly accessible in the office, so there is no way to ensure that your mail will be secure. International Student Advising does not accept packages on behalf of students as there is no secure storage space. 

You can also rent a Post Office Box from Canada Post.

After you've moved into your place of residence, remember to change all of your mailing addresses.

If you need emergency financial support

If you’re facing financial hardship or have questions around your finances during the COVID-19 outbreak, speak to an Enrolment Services (ES) Advisor. As trusted advisors, they can help you understand your options and find solutions that work for you. 

Learning about life in Canada

International Student Guide

Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC's Vancouver campus.

View the guide

International Student FAQ

Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on immigration and health insurance for international students.

See the FAQ

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