Moving to a new country can be thrilling yet daunting, particularly when balancing the demands of student life. To help make your transition to Canada as smooth as possible, CIC News has put together a comprehensive guide.
Getting Started
Regional Tenant Regulations
Understanding local tenant regulations is crucial. This includes knowing your rights and responsibilities, such as the need for written notice before property inspections, maintenance timelines, and eviction procedures. Being informed can help you avoid many potential housing issues.
Property maintenance by-laws require both landlords and tenants to fulfill specific responsibilities. Tenants are expected to keep their living spaces clean and report any issues or damage promptly.
In case of a dispute between a tenant and landlord, resolution processes vary by province. For instance, tenants in Ontario should consult the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), while those in British Columbia should contact the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). It's advisable to check your local government website for the appropriate procedures in your province.
Rent Control
Rent control policies differ across Canada, with most regions not enforcing limits. For example, British Columbia has a rent increase cap of 3.5% for 2024, requiring landlords to provide three full months’ notice before raising rent.
Here’s a breakdown of rent control by province for 2025:
Province | Rent Controlled? | Annual Increase for 2025 |
Alberta | No | NA |
British Columbia | Yes | 3% |
Manitoba | Yes | 1.7% |
New Brunswick | No | NA |
Newfoundland and Labrador | No | NA |
Northwest Territories | No | NA |
Nova Scotia | No | NA |
Nunavut | No | NA |
Ontario | Yes* | 2.5% |
Prince Edward Island | Yes | TBA |
Quebec | No | NA |
Saskatchewan | No | NA |
Yukon | No | NA |
*Applicable to residential properties built or first occupied before November 15, 2018.
Campus Rules and Regulations
University and college campuses often have regulations distinct from those in surrounding communities. While smoking tobacco and cannabis may be legal in many Canadian areas, most campuses have “smoke-free” policies prohibiting smoking on campus. Additionally, campuses may have rules about quiet hours and vehicle use and parking.
It's important to familiarize yourself with these campus-specific rules, which can usually be found on your university's website or in paper form from the student union.
Local By-Laws
Local regulations can vary significantly. For instance, Toronto enforces quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and from 11 PM to 9 AM on weekends.
If you’re coming from Europe or another region with more relaxed drinking norms, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local laws regarding alcohol consumption. In Canada, there are specific regulations about drinking times and public spaces where alcohol consumption is prohibited.
You can find the relevant by-laws on your city's municipal government website.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
If your study permit allows for off-campus work, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) upon arriving in Canada. You can apply for a SIN on the Government of Canada website, where you'll need to provide your study permit, passport, and supporting documents.
The application process is quick. Once you receive your SIN, you can work for any employer as long as it complies with the conditions of your study permit. Your SIN will also be used by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for income tax purposes and to process tax benefits and refunds.
Health Insurance – Emergency and Major Medical
Some students are automatically enrolled in a group health plan through their university, with the cost included in their student fees. This plan typically covers immediate emergency care for situations such as broken bones or head trauma, as well as coverage for serious, unforeseen health conditions like cancer.
While some provincial health insurance plans cover international students, others may require you to obtain and finance your own coverage. Additionally, even if your province provides coverage, there may be a waiting period before it becomes effective.
Extended Health Coverage
Extended health coverage refers to insurance for services not covered by provincial or territorial plans. In Ontario, for instance, extended health coverage might include:
- Prescription medications
- Dental care
- Paramedical services (e.g., physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, chiropody, naturopathy, psychotherapy)
Many students can access extended health coverage through group insurance plans offered by their university or student union. This coverage may be optional or mandatory, depending on the institution. Some plans also allow you to include your spouse and/or dependents.
Primary Care Provider
Universities typically provide healthcare services through campus health centers. These on-campus clinics offer non-emergency care such as prescriptions, check-ups, and vaccinations, ensuring students have convenient access to medical care.
Typically, accessing these services for the first time will involve completing an online form, and appointments with practitioners will be necessary.
Settling In
Waste Collection
Waste collection services, including garbage, recycling, and composting, can vary depending on your location.
- On-Campus or Apartment Living: If you're living on campus or in an apartment building, check with your university or building management/landlord for information on waste disposal procedures.
- Detached Homes and Multi-Family Units: If you reside in a detached home, townhouse, duplex, triplex, or fourplex, curbside waste collection is usually provided, often on a weekly basis. For details, consult your municipality’s website. Most urban areas in Canada separate household waste into garbage, recycling, and green bin categories.
Phone and Internet
Moving to a new country can be isolating, so having reliable internet and a phone plan with sufficient data and minutes is crucial for staying connected with family, friends, and new acquaintances on campus.
Canada is known for having some of the most expensive data plans, but by shopping before the start of the fall term, you can take advantage of back-to-school promotions that may offer significant savings.
When setting up home internet (if not provided by your campus), consider looking for package deals from providers, which might also help you save money.
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