Travelling to Canada: step by step
Step 1: Check before you make travel plans
Step 5: After you arrive
When you arrive in Canada, there are steps you need to take before you start your studies.
After-arrival checklist
After arriving in British Columbia:
- Apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Check that you have iMED health insurance
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Add your document expiry dates to UBC’s Reminder System
- Sign up to receive the International Community Update newsletter
- Learn how your enrolment impacts immigration, including part-time studies and taking time away from studies
- Get a BCID card to avoid carrying your passport for identification.
- Learn how to get vaccinated or register your COVID-19 vaccine if you’ve been vaccinated outside of BC.
If you get COVID-19 symptoms, check the BC Centre for Disease Control website for guidance.
If you need a temporary mailing address
If you don’t have a mailing address, you can rent a Post Office Box from Canada Post or use the mailing address of your friend or relative who is in Canada. You should not use the address of a friend who lives in UBC residence since they only accept mail for current residents.
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
International Student Advising is not responsible for your mail. 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.
After you've moved into your place of residence, remember to change all of your mailing addresses.
Learning about life in Canada
- iPREP immigration and health insurance course for undergraduate students, graduate students or non-degree seeking students.
- New to UBC guide for first years
- Interactive checklist for graduate students
- Health insurance for international students
- Working in Canada
- Guide to banking in Canada
- Getting to know Canada
- Welcome to Canada: publications for newcomers (IRCC)
- EduCanada’s pre-departure guide
- BC’s Newcomers’ Guides (available in 13 languages)
- Driving in BC
- Resources for if you have children
- Scams and fraud
International Student Guide
Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC's Vancouver campus.
International Student updates and FAQ
Read the latest updates about on immigration and health insurance for international students.
This information is accurate as of Tue, Jul 11, 2023, and is subject to change. Follow the latest updates for any travel restrictions due to COVID-19.
