Step 2 – Complete Essential Pre-arrival Tasks

We recommend, when possible, you arrive four weeks before classes begin. Visit the IRCC website for important details on arrival information. There are many things you need to arrange before school starts and they all take time. Arriving at the last minute can cause additional stress. If you anticipate arriving later than your program start date, contact Sask Polytech International Education for advice.

Students whose programs start in September:

• Plan to arrive in early August.

Students whose programs start in January:

• Plan to arrive in early December.
• Sask Polytech closes for several weeks over the winter holidays. It will be difficult to reach anyone between December 24 and January 4.

International students travelling to Canada must have certain documents and items with them to ensure a smooth transition and enrolment process. You must bring with you:

• All documents required by the IRCC to study in Canada, detailed on their Study in Canada website.
• Flight details including tickets, boarding passes and travel reservations along with a list of emergency contact numbers, including your family and friends.
• Proof of sufficient funds for you and your family members (if they are arriving with you) for at least the first year of your studies.

Documents required by Sask Polytech for your program, which may include:

• Immunization and medical records.
  • If you have any existing medical conditions, carry your medical records and prescriptions along with an English translation, if necessary.
  • Immunization records may be required for international students to protect their health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases within the Canadian population, especially if you will be working at healthcare settings, childcare and school settings and nursing homes. You could be required to provide proof of immunization against certain diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and meningitis.
• A valid driver’s license, if required.
  • A driver’s license may be required for co-op placements. Programs such as the Bachelor of Construction Management, Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Agriculture and Food Production, Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician and Agricultural Machinery Technician programs and others also require a valid driver’s license.
• Criminal Record Check, if required.
  • Programs that require a criminal record check include those where you could be working in a hospital, working with children and working with confidential information. When entering a job placement, co-op work placement, practicum, work experience component, or if you plan on staying in Canada and working upon graduation, your employer or host may request a criminal record check. It is a good idea to have one completed in your home country before arrival at Sask Polytech. 

Please review information on restricted and prohibited goods on the Canadian Border Services Agency website before attempting to import items into Canada. For more information on how to prepare for arrival in Canada, visit the IRCC website.

Saskatchewan has both international and regional airports that cater to domestic and international flights. The largest airports are in Saskatoon (Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport) and Regina (Regina International Airport). The two main airlines operating within Canada are WestJet and Air Canada.

Regina has the closest arrival airport for these two campus cities. Saskatoon is also an option but may lead to additional accommodation and transportation expenses.

Flying into Regina International Airport

• Regina is a small city and most places can be reached within 20 minutes from the airport. You can hire a taxi at the airport to take you anywhere in the city for $20 to $40 (CDN). Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Regina and offer convenient transportation options.
• Moose Jaw is approximately 65 kilometers west of Regina. Various transportation options are available to help you get there. The City of Moose Jaw provides a list of shuttles and airport services, including private contractors. Flying into Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport

If you fly into Saskatoon, you may need accommodation for at least one night and transportation to Moose Jaw or Regina. Airbnb is an online marketplace and hospitality service throughout Canada, enabling people to lease or rent short-term lodging including apartment rentals, homestays, hostel beds or hotel rooms, at reasonable rates.

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft also operate in Saskatoon and may be used for transportation within the city.

Rider Express Transportation makes daily trips from Saskatoon to Regina at a reasonable cost. Additional fees may apply for excess baggage.

Saskatoon has the closest arrival airport for Prince Albert and Saskatoon campuses. Prince Albert is approximately 140 kilometers north of Saskatoon. Here are some transportation options between these two cities:

• Rider Express Transportation offers an affordable shuttle service between Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Additional fees may apply for excess baggage. Check their website for current schedule and cost.
• Aurora Charter Service operates an affordable shuttle service six days per week. Check their website for current schedule and cost.
• Comfort Cabs operates in and around Saskatoon and offer transfers to Prince Albert at standard taxi rates.
• Private contractors offer transfers between Saskatoon and Prince Albert. They can be found online and contacted directly.

If you arrive in Saskatoon on a day that a shuttle does not operate, or after the shuttle has departed, make arrangements to stay overnight in Saskatoon.

• Determine your budget for accommodation expenses. Consider your overall financial situation including tuition fees and living expenses to decide how much you can afford to spend on housing.
• Consider the location of the accommodation in relation to your Sask Polytech campus. Look for housing options that are conveniently located near your campus or have easy access to public transportation.
• Explore different types of accommodation including on-campus or affiliated housing, off-campus apartments or shared housing. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages so consider what suits your preferences and lifestyle.
• Consider the amenities and utilities provided in the accommodation. Check if the place is furnished or unfurnished, and what appliances and facilities are available. Find out if utilities such as water, electricity, internet, laundry and heating are included in the rent or if you will need to pay for them separately.
• Understand the lease terms and conditions before signing a rental agreement. Take note of the rental duration, payment schedule and any additional costs such as security deposits or maintenance fees. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the rules and policies regarding the lease.
• Consider the accessibility of essential services such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities and recreational areas. Living in an area with easy access to these services will make your day-to-day life more convenient.
• If you are considering shared accommodation, think about the compatibility of potential roommates. Discuss expectations, responsibilities, dietary restrictions and other relevant aspects with your potential hosts or roommates in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

Remember to start your search for accommodation early to have more options and to secure a place in advance. It's essential to take your time, ask questions and gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision that meets your needs as an international student in Saskatchewan.

We recommend you review the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies site to learn about rights and responsibilities as a tenant. You can find information on general requirements for rental and lease agreements, security deposits, requesting repairs and settling disputes between tenants and landlords.

You can also refer to the following local resources for information on setting up utility accounts, garbage and recycling programs, and rental agreement specifics in your campus city:

• City of Moose Jaw
• City of Prince Albert
• City of Regina
• City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook (pdf) and City of Saskatoon

We recommend that you purchase home/tenant insurance for coverage against specific damage to your possessions in case of theft, fire, smoke, water or other damage. Home/tenant insurance also includes a legal liability for unintentional property damage to the premises or their contents—for example, accidentally setting the apartment on fire, causing water damage to your neighbours, etc.

The cost of home/tenant insurance varies according to the total value of the belongings you wish to insure, as well as other factors such as the location of your apartment. The minimum period of coverage is normally twelve months. To find and compare insurance options, search the internet for “Saskatchewan home and tenant insurance.”

If heating, electrical, water, telephone, internet or other utilities are not included in your rent, you'll need to have the utilities connected and pay for them in addition to your rent.

• For heating, contact SaskEnergy.
• For electricity, contact SaskPower. (Note: Central areas of Saskatoon are serviced by Saskatoon Light and Power. Contact Saskatoon Light and Power to determine whether your address is within their service area or is serviced by SaskPower.)

Water and sewer services are provided by cities, towns or rural municipalities. Visit your city website for more information:

• City of Moose Jaw
• City of Prince Albert
• City of Regina
• City of Saskatoon

You can also check the Government of Saskatchewan website for information on how to arrange for utility hook-ups.

Remember – The voltage system in Canada is 110 volt, 60 hertz. If you are planning to bring some of your own electrical appliances to Canada, you might need to buy a voltage transformer/converter so that your appliances will work.

It is important to update Sask Polytech with your address and telephone number every time you move. This is the only way Sask Polytech and the International Education office can reach you with important information or in case of an emergency.

You can notify Sask Polytech of your new address online by accessing your personal student information on mySaskPolytech. You can also fill out the change of address form (pdf) and submit it to Enrolment Services or email to us and we will forward for you.

Family members of international students may be eligible to come to Canada as visitors, workers or students. Eligibility and application requirements are determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

In context of an IRCC application, a family member refers to your

• spouse or common-law partner
• dependent children 
• the dependent children of your dependent children

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about bringing a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children, please visit the IRCC website.

Spouses or common-law partners of international students may or may not be eligible for a work permit, as determined by IRCC. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the IRCC website.

Spouses or common-law partners of Sask Polytech students can apply for visitor record, study permit or obtain a different type of work permit to join their loved ones in Canada.

When international students graduate from Sask Polytech and apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP), their spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit.

Minor children of a study permit holder on visitor status are authorized to study without a permit at a pre-school, primary or secondary level but you may wish to obtain a study permit, even when one is not required. The age of majority in Canada varies by province. For full information about rules and regulations governing minor children studying in Canada, please visit the IRCC website.

Your family member may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in order to come to Canada temporarily to visit you. Visit the IRCC website to find out if they need a visa. 

To support their application, you may need to provide them with a letter stating that you support their temporary visit. 

IRCC does not require invitation letters directly from the institution. However, the student (invitee) may provide proof of status in Canada such as study permit, letter of acceptance and enrolment verification.

When writing an invitation letter, include relevant information to support the visa application. Articulate the reason for writing the letter, name and the relationship to you of the applicant, purpose and duration of visit to Canada and means of support. 

Please visit the IRCC website for information pertaining to writing an invitation letter.

Parents living in Saskatchewan have several childcare options for children four years old and younger:

• Licensed day care centres or private homes
• Unlicensed day care in private homes
• Pre-School (Prekindergarten)

On-campus daycare services are available for Sask Polytech students and employees in Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon campus. Please visit Sask Polytech's child care page for more information. 

Childcare facilities often have waiting lists. Please try to arrange care several months in advance. It is recommended to add your name to several waitlists. 

Children who are five years and older can attend publicly funded school to receive kindergarten to Grade 12 education. Many schools and daycares offer before and after school programs for a fee, as well as summer day care programs for school-aged children. Civic playgrounds also offer summer playground programs.

For more information, contact the Child Care Regional Office in your campus city:

• Saskatoon: 306-933-6071
• Regina: 306-787-4980
• Moose Jaw: 306-694-3644
• Prince Albert: 306-953-3612

Children aged five and older accompanying you while you study at Sask Polytech can enrol in school. Learn more about K-12 education in Saskatchewan.

You can also connect with Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) in your city or town. The SWIS program is a partnership between settlement providers in Saskatchewan and the IRCC.

SWIS workers can help you with:

• School registration
• The Canadian school system and orientation
• Affordable after-curricular programming (sport and art clubs, workshops, tutoring, summer camps, etc.)
• Cross-cultural counselling

To find more information and access SWIS services, please contact one of the following settlement agencies:

Moose Jaw Multicultural Council
60 Athabasca Street East Moose Jaw, SK
306-693-4677

YWCA Prince Albert
1895 Central Avenue Prince Albert, SK
306-763-8571

Regina Open Door Society
2314- 1 lth Ave. (Main & 2nd floor) Regina, SK
306-652-3500

Saskatoon Open Door Society
129 3rd Avenue North Saskatoon, SK
306-653-4464

Culture shock refers to the feelings of disorientation or anxiety many people have when moving to a new country or experiencing a new culture or surroundings. Cultural adjustment is normal and takes time so be easy on yourself. After the excitement of the first few weeks, you may find yourself feeling a bit lonely, sad or confused. This is a natural response. With friends and family far away, you will have to find new ways to communicate, do everyday things such as grocery shopping and adjust how you approach learning. This can be a very stressful time. 

While one student may experience culture shock by being extremely lonely or homesick, another student may experience it through physical symptoms such as headaches, upset stomach, insomnia or an inability to concentrate. Symptoms can range from feeling sad and low to a more severe depression. You may be aware of these feelings in the first few weeks, or the reaction may be delayed.

Don’t be afraid to seek help with managing culture shock. As a Sask Polytech student, you can access counselling services free of charge. Counselling appointments are confidential and private. Learn more including how to request an appointment, how to contact a counsellor and additional resources available to support your mental well-being on the Sask Polytech Counselling Services page.

Learning more about Canada can help with adaptation. Canadian culture is diverse and influenced by various factors such as Indigenous heritage, British and French colonialism, immigration from around the world and the values of multiculturalism and inclusivity. Canada is known for its multiculturalism, which promotes the coexistence of different cultures, languages and religions. Canadians generally embrace diversity and are respectful of other cultures.

Canadians are often described as polite and respectful. It is common to say “please,” “thank you” and “sorry” in everyday interactions. Respect for others' personal space and cultural differences is highly valued. Canadians also tend to be punctual and value timeliness. Being on time for appointments, classes and social engagements is important in Canadian culture.

The Discover Canada study guide developed by IRCC can also help you to learn more about Canada`s history, its political and justice system, Canadian Symbols and geography.

Embrace the diversity and open-mindedness of Canadian culture, and don't hesitate to engage in conversations and activities that interest you. Enjoy your time as an international student in Canada!

Loneliness is one of the most worrisome feelings reported by international students and making new friends is the best remedy. Make a special effort to reach out and meet people. Personal and social contacts are vital to your well being and adjustment.

Some of the easiest ways to meet people are by joining clubs or associations, or in the classroom by chatting or working on projects together. It’s up to you to say, “Hello!” Cross-cultural interactions are extremely rewarding and will enhance your self-esteem and your sense of identity.

If you experience any adjustment difficulties during your time here, please come and see us in the International Student Office on your campus. We understand how difficult it can be and can provide you with a great deal of support. Our services are confidential.

During the winter when people are warmly dressed and live, work and travel in enclosed spaces, it is important to remember to shower and to use a deodorant to keep body odours to a minimum. There are many kinds of deodorants and they are inexpensive and readily available at most pharmacies or grocery stores. Using a deodorant is a good investment—especially if you want to secure employment and make friends! Note that deodorant is not the same thing as body spray or cologne that simply masks smells.

Sask Polytech promotes a scent safe learning environment. Exposure to chemicals or ingredients such scented products may adversely affect a person’s health particularly those with asthma, allergies and respiratory conditions. 

Frequent showers plus the dry air in heated apartments during the winter can cause the skin to become extremely dry. Use a moisturizing lotion or baby oil on your skin. Buying a small humidifier or simply filling a container with water every few days and placing it in the bedroom can help make the air in your living space less dry. Your body will adjust to the different climate but you may need to seek help or advice at a pharmacy or medi-clinic if your skin becomes irritated.

The weather is a common topic of conversation in Canada. We experience a lot of seasonal weather changes so there is a lot to talk about! You can visit Environment Canada and the Weather Network to learn more about the weather in Canada. 

The temperature can range in Saskatchewan from +35°C in the summer to -40°C in the winter. It’s especially important to dress appropriately for the weather. Although cold temperatures can be a bit of shock for international students who come from warmer climates, winter can also be a highly enjoyable season with many outdoor activities. There are a wide range of winter sports to try, winter festivals and events, and just the day-to-day experience of being out and about enjoying the outdoors.

How much you enjoy winter depends a great deal on the clothes you wear. A good quality winter coat, boots, mitts (or gloves), toque (or hat) and a scarf are staples in most Canadians’ wardrobes. The Saskatchewan Immigration website has a lot of valuable information regarding appropriate dress for the winter.

The “winter blues” or seasonal affective disorder is a common type of depression that occurs during the colder months due to lack of sunlight. It is important to eat healthy, find ways to stay active even during cold weather and seek help if you experience symptoms.