After arriving in Canada

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

Follow your self-isolation plan (unvaccinated travellers only)

After arrival in Canada, you’ll need to use ArriveCan to confirm your arrival and place of quarantine, complete daily self assessments and confirm you’ve completed the Day 8 test (if applicable). Visit the ArriveCAN page for details.   

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

If the officer has determined that you are fully vaccinated and confirmed you do not need to quarantine yet you are receiving notifications, see ArriveCan troubleshooting. 

As of February 28, 2022, travellers no longer need to quarantine while waiting for the on arrival test result.

Complete your Day-8 COVID-19 testing kit (unvaccinated travellers only)

Complete the Day-8 COVID-19 test following the instructions provided, if applicable.

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 
  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.
  7. Learn how to get vaccinated or register your vaccine if you’ve been vaccinated outside of BC.

Be sure to follow BC public health guidelines and see COVID-19 and UBC’s response for updates. 

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

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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