In the weeks between arriving in Canada and starting your program, take steps to get settled and comfortable in your new environment. This preparation will ensure that when classes start you are ready to focus on your studies.
Public transportation
All four campus cities have public transportation options.
Transit
All four campus cities have public transit systems. Fares differ from one city to
another and monthly passes can be purchased that offer a further discount for frequent
riders. For students who ride the bus daily, a monthly bus pass is usually cheaper
than paying a fare each time you use the bus. Passengers can pay using cash or purchase
tickets and passes in advance. Fare prices may vary depending on factors such as age,
distance traveled and the type of fare product being used. Reduced fares are available
for students and children.
Follow the links below for transit information in the city in which you will be studying.
You can also use Google Transit Trip Planner to navigate public transportation in your campus city and plan your trips effectively. It can help you to find the best routes and closest bus stops and estimate your travel times.
Follow the links below for transit information in the city in which you will be studying.
You can also use Google Transit Trip Planner to navigate public transportation in your campus city and plan your trips effectively. It can help you to find the best routes and closest bus stops and estimate your travel times.
Taxis
Taxis can be booked through a phone call or cell-phone apps. In major cities, you
can simply raise your hand to hail a cab.
The fare structure for taxis in Saskatchewan typically includes a base fare and an additional charge based on the distance travelled. Some taxis might charge additional fees during certain hours or for handling luggage. It's essential to inquire about the fare rates before starting your journey. Payment can be made in cash, but many taxis also accept credit/debit cards or mobile payment methods.
Find a taxi in your city by visiting mysask411.com
The fare structure for taxis in Saskatchewan typically includes a base fare and an additional charge based on the distance travelled. Some taxis might charge additional fees during certain hours or for handling luggage. It's essential to inquire about the fare rates before starting your journey. Payment can be made in cash, but many taxis also accept credit/debit cards or mobile payment methods.
Find a taxi in your city by visiting mysask411.com
Technology
mySaskPolytech
mySaskPolytech is your access to online services at Sask Polytech. You can check your Sask Polytech
email, review your grades, print an unofficial transcript, connect with your instructor,
make payments on your account, catch up with what’s new on your campus and more.
View the mySaskPolytech Quick Reference Guide.
View the mySaskPolytech Quick Reference Guide.
Multi-factor authorization
Sask Polytech uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) as an added layer of identification
to access secure networks and services.
There are two MFA methods available:
Please contact Tech Services if you are having issues with the MFA system due to having a new (Canadian) phone number.
There are two MFA methods available:
- SMS messages on a mobile phone, or
- the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Please contact Tech Services if you are having issues with the MFA system due to having a new (Canadian) phone number.
Mobile (cell) phone coverage and internet providers
Reliable communication and internet access are vital for staying connected with loved
ones back home and adapting to your new Canadian lifestyle. With numerous providers
offering various plans and services, it's important to do a little research to understand
your options for cell phone and internet provider.
Common Saskatchewan cell phone providers:
Common Saskatchewan internet providers:
If you're new to Canada and looking to compare different cell phone and internet plans, user-friendly platforms such as PlanHub or WhistleOut can help you with the process. These platforms offer easy-to-use tools and features that allow you to compare various plans.
Common Saskatchewan cell phone providers:
Common Saskatchewan internet providers:
If you're new to Canada and looking to compare different cell phone and internet plans, user-friendly platforms such as PlanHub or WhistleOut can help you with the process. These platforms offer easy-to-use tools and features that allow you to compare various plans.
Healthcare in Saskatchewan
For detailed information on Canada and Saskatchewan’s health care systems, please visit these Government of Canada and Government of Saskatchewan websites.
Who to contact if not feeling well
| Medical situtation | Who to contact |
|---|---|
|
Emergency life-threatening conditions Such as difficulty of breathing, heavy bleeding, choking, head or spine injury, loss of consciousness, heart attack, severe abdominal pain, fracture, etc. |
|
|
Non-urgent medical conditions Such as colds, the flu, sinus, ear and eye infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, minor cuts and burns, bug and animal bites, sprains, back pain, rashes, chronic disease care, prescription refill, etc. |
|
| Minor injuries or ailments | Free medical advice is available 24/7 through HealthLine 811. This service is provided by medical professionals—registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, and social workers—to offer assistance with your health-related questions wherever and whenever you may need it. |
| Buying medicines |
In Canada, you can buy medicine at a pharmacy or drugstore. If you require prescription medicine (contraceptives, antibiotics, strong painkillers, blood pressure and diabetes medications, antidepressants, etc.) you will need a valid prescription from a licensed doctor, which can be obtained by visiting them either at their clinic or a hospital. Other medications, such as headache pills, cough and cold medicines or healing ointments are referred to as "over-the-counter" drugs. These are readily available in drugstores, pharmacies, and even some grocery stores. No prescription is necessary to purchase these types of medicines. |
|
Mental Health concerns Such as depression, trauma, eating disorders, alcohol or substance abuse, self-injury and suicidal thoughts, etc. |
Health coverage
Eligible international students can apply for a Saskatchewan Health card upon arrival in Saskatchewan. To apply for
a Saskatchewan Health card, please visit the eHealth Saskatchewan website. Our Saskatchewan Health Card International Student Guide (pdf) includes detailed information on preparing supporting documentation and submitting
your application for a Saskatchewan Health card.
In addition, international students are eligible for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Student Association (SPSA) Health and Dental Plan, which provides supplemental coverage that may not be included in your provincial health coverage.
In addition, international students are eligible for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Student Association (SPSA) Health and Dental Plan, which provides supplemental coverage that may not be included in your provincial health coverage.
Campus health nurse
Whether you're feeling stressed, need minor first aid or require specific health information,
you can contact the on-campus health nurse in your campus city.
Accessing physician care
Primary care physicians, also called “family doctors,” are the initial healthcare
providers who identify and address most medical concerns for residents of Canada.
When a consultation with a specialist is necessary, a referral from a primary care
physician is usually required. Additionally, family doctors are responsible for requesting
various laboratory and diagnostic examinations.
Finding a family doctor taking new patients in Saskatchewan can be difficult, but all Saskatchewan cities have walk-in clinics, where the physicians will see anyone with a provincial health card for non-urgent care.
At these clinics, you register when you arrive and you’ll see the first doctor with an available appointment time.
Finding a family doctor taking new patients in Saskatchewan can be difficult, but all Saskatchewan cities have walk-in clinics, where the physicians will see anyone with a provincial health card for non-urgent care.
At these clinics, you register when you arrive and you’ll see the first doctor with an available appointment time.
Hospitals and clinics
If you have a health emergency, call 911.
- Moose Jaw has one major hospital and three walk-in clinics.
- Prince Albert has one major hospital and four walk-in clinics.
- Regina has two major hospitals and 15 walk-in clinics.
- Saskatoon has three major hospitals and 10 walk-in clinics.
Canadian identification
Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Everyone working in Canada requires a Social Insurance Number (SIN)—a nine-digit number issued by the Government of Canada necessary for payroll and
income tax purposes. Information and application forms are available at any Service Canada Centre. To apply for a SIN, you will require an off-campus work permit, a post-graduate
work permit or a job offer from an on-campus employer.
Your SIN has an expiration date and you need to be aware of it. It is important to ensure the validity of your SIN by renewing it whenever you extend your temporary residency in Canada, such as when obtaining an extended study permit or a Post-Graduate Work Permit. For more information on SIN number extensions, visit Social Insurance Number: Receiving and updating your SIN.
Your SIN has an expiration date and you need to be aware of it. It is important to ensure the validity of your SIN by renewing it whenever you extend your temporary residency in Canada, such as when obtaining an extended study permit or a Post-Graduate Work Permit. For more information on SIN number extensions, visit Social Insurance Number: Receiving and updating your SIN.
Photo identification
While studying in Canada, it is crucial that you have some form of photo identification.
International students often need to prove their identity and age to open bank accounts,
connect to cell phone and internet services, rent accommodations or purchase age-restricted
items.
To avoid carrying your passport or photo ID from your home country, you may obtain a Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) photo identification card (Non-driver photo ID) from any motor license issuer.
To avoid carrying your passport or photo ID from your home country, you may obtain a Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) photo identification card (Non-driver photo ID) from any motor license issuer.
Banking and finances
Banks in Canada
One of the first things you should do after you arrive in Canada is open a bank account.
We recommend not carrying or keeping large amounts of cash on your person or in your
living quarters. Never send cash through the mail.
Choosing a bank – Consider convenience. Most banks have main offices and branches located throughout the city. To open an account some banks may require that you live in the vicinity. Large banks include Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada, TD Canada Trust, Bank of Montreal and CIBC.
Opening a bank account – A bank employee will explain the different types of accounts and the costs and services of each type of account. It is a good idea to check with several banks to determine which bank offers the best account for your needs. Many students open both chequing and savings accounts. In most banks it is possible to open a bank account by showing your passport, your Sask Polytech Letter of Admission or identification card, your Saskatchewan Health card and study permit. You may also be asked to show a copy of your apartment lease as proof of residency.
Types of bank accounts
Choosing a bank – Consider convenience. Most banks have main offices and branches located throughout the city. To open an account some banks may require that you live in the vicinity. Large banks include Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada, TD Canada Trust, Bank of Montreal and CIBC.
Opening a bank account – A bank employee will explain the different types of accounts and the costs and services of each type of account. It is a good idea to check with several banks to determine which bank offers the best account for your needs. Many students open both chequing and savings accounts. In most banks it is possible to open a bank account by showing your passport, your Sask Polytech Letter of Admission or identification card, your Saskatchewan Health card and study permit. You may also be asked to show a copy of your apartment lease as proof of residency.
Types of bank accounts
- Chequing accounts - These accounts are a way to keep your money safe while still maintaining
easy access to it. Reasons for having a chequing account are:
- Cheques are an easy way to pay bills/rent, especially by mail.
- A cancelled cheque (i.e., a cashed cheque) which is returned to you in your monthly statement serves as a receipt — proof that you have made a payment.
- Monthly statements of your expenditures and a monthly notation of your bank balance provide a record and a review of your expenditures.
- Savings account - If you bring enough money for the entire term or a good portion
of the money you will require, you probably should put most of it in a savings account.
Reasons for having a savings account are:
- A savings account earns interest and withdrawals can be made regularly to cover your immediate living expenses. You can withdraw the money in cash, or, especially for large amounts, in the form of a bank cheque. If you have a savings and a chequing account in the same bank, you can transfer funds from your savings account to your chequing account with your bank card.
- An automated bank machine (or ABM) is another way to withdraw cash, make deposits and pay certain bills such as telephone and electricity bills. To use a bank machine you must apply for a bank card or Interac card from the bank that administers your account.
- Most banks offer e-transfers as a way to pay bills or send money to individuals directly from your bank account. Your bank account may or may not have a fee associated with sending an e-transfer.
Budgeting
Tuition and fees are a sizeable part of the cost of attending school. However, the
biggest costs associated with being a student are those related to paying rent (and
associated utilities), food and transportation. You may also have clothing and entertainment
costs. It is important to create a budget and plan how you are going to allocate your
resources while studying. There are many free and valuable budgeting resources.
Income tax
Every year Canadians and most international students complete federal and provincial
income tax forms and apply for a GST and PST (sales) tax credit. Please review information
regarding Federal and Provincial taxes, as well as this series of informative videos that you should consider viewing during tax time.
International students are permitted to complete a federal (Canada) income tax return. Employment income, scholarships, bursaries and fellowships may all be subject to income tax. Employment income, scholarships, bursaries and fellowships are normally subject to income tax.
If you work in Canada, provincial and federal income taxes are deducted from your salary on every pay cheque. Income tax may be refunded depending on your annual income and expenses. Every year you will be required to file an income tax return before the end of April. To assist you in completing the income tax return, Canada Revenue Agency publishes a Students and Income Tax Booklet.
Sask Polytech International Education offers a workshop on this topic each year in March, intended to help you complete an income tax return. Learn more about how to download your official income tax receipts (T2202) for eligible tuition and education amounts.
International students are permitted to complete a federal (Canada) income tax return. Employment income, scholarships, bursaries and fellowships may all be subject to income tax. Employment income, scholarships, bursaries and fellowships are normally subject to income tax.
If you work in Canada, provincial and federal income taxes are deducted from your salary on every pay cheque. Income tax may be refunded depending on your annual income and expenses. Every year you will be required to file an income tax return before the end of April. To assist you in completing the income tax return, Canada Revenue Agency publishes a Students and Income Tax Booklet.
Sask Polytech International Education offers a workshop on this topic each year in March, intended to help you complete an income tax return. Learn more about how to download your official income tax receipts (T2202) for eligible tuition and education amounts.
Driving in Saskatchewan
You must have a valid driver’s license to drive in Saskatchewan.
Getting a Saskatchewan driver’s license
Please visit the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) website for information on how to obtain a Saskatchewan driver’s license and to access
the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook.
Please note that a driver’s license may be required for you to complete your work placement, practicum or co-op work term. If this is required for your program you should begin the process of gaining a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license as soon as possible. If you are required to take a driving test, it is much easier to take the test in the months when the roads aren’t covered with snow and ice.
Please note that a driver’s license may be required for you to complete your work placement, practicum or co-op work term. If this is required for your program you should begin the process of gaining a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license as soon as possible. If you are required to take a driving test, it is much easier to take the test in the months when the roads aren’t covered with snow and ice.
Driving in Saskatchewan with out-of-province driver’s licence
For information on driving in Saskatchewan as a full-time student if you have an out-of-province
driver’s license, please see Saskatchewan Government Insurance’s info for out-of-province drivers.
Food and shopping
Most stores in Saskatchewan are open five to seven days per week, some with reduced hours on the weekend. Sales tax will be applied to purchases. Saskatchewan residents are subject to the 5% federal goods and services tax (GST) and a 6% provincial sales tax (PST). Taxes vary by province.
You can learn about shopping in Canada by reviewing the Shopping in Canada: A consumer guide for Newcomers to Canada (pdf) produced by Industry Canada. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about policies governing product returns or exchanges, warranties, sales taxes, the complaint resolution process and product safety regulations in Canada.
Food
Most Canadians buy their groceries at large supermarkets. There are several large
chain supermarkets in each campus city.
The Real Canadian Superstore has a large selection of grocery items and is known for its large selection of international foods, including halal selections.
Other options include:
The Real Canadian Superstore has a large selection of grocery items and is known for its large selection of international foods, including halal selections.
Other options include:
- Co-op Marketplace
- Freshco
- No Frills
- Save-On-Foods
- Sobey’s
- Wal-Mart
Shopping
Personal style and function are both important considerations when purchasing clothing
while you are living in Canada. In winter, temperatures frequently dip to -30°C so
it is important to dress appropriately for the weather to avoid discomfort and even
injury.
There are many malls and retail shops in all four campus cities, offering both new and gently used clothing.
Below is a list of larger shopping malls:
Malls in Moose Jaw
Malls in Prince Albert
Malls in Regina
Malls in Saskatoon
There are many malls and retail shops in all four campus cities, offering both new and gently used clothing.
Below is a list of larger shopping malls:
Malls in Moose Jaw
Malls in Prince Albert
Malls in Regina
Malls in Saskatoon
Fraud and other scams in Canada
Scam and fraud refer to deceptive practices aimed at tricking individuals for personal gain, often involving financial losses or theft of personal information. Scams may come in various forms such as fake emails, calls or websites.
Fraud and scam prevention tips
Below are fraud and scam prevention tips to help you exercise sound judgment and make
informed choices to protect yourself.
- Be cautious of emails, text messages or calls from unknown sources asking for personal information or requesting urgent action. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and verify the legitimacy of the communication with the following agencies directly. Many international students in Canada report receiving fraudulent phone calls and emails from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Please see the message on the IRCC website addressing an ongoing scam targeting international students. You can also review the CRA’s scam alerts on the Canada Revenue Agency website.
- Keep your study permit, passport and SIN number in a safe place such as a locked drawer or a safe. Avoid carrying them unnecessarily and make photocopies of these documents to have as backups.
- Be cautious of job offers that require you to pay a fee or provide personal information up front. Research the employer, verify the job offer's legitimacy and consult Student Employment Services for guidance.
- Follow Sask Polytech’s Information Technology Services guide for creating unique and strong passwords for all your online accounts.
- Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements. Look for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately.
- Before entering any personal or financial information on a website ensure that the website is secure. Look for a padlock icon in the browser's address bar and make sure the website address begins with "https://" instead of "http://".
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
Who to contact if you’ve been a victim of a scam
Contact the Police Service in your campus city to file a report:
Contact Sask Polytech Tech Services if you receive a suspicious or fraudulent email at your Sask Polytech email.
- Moose Jaw Police Service
- Prince Albert Police Service
- Regina Police Service
- Saskatoon Police Service
Contact Sask Polytech Tech Services if you receive a suspicious or fraudulent email at your Sask Polytech email.
Community support
Settlement Services Agencies
Settlement Services Agencies will help you find the people, information, resources
and services you need to make your move to Saskatchewan a success. Settlement services
are offered at no cost.
Settlement Services Agencies provide:
Settlement Services Agencies provide:
- Pre-arrival services, virtually and by email to eligible participants.
- General information and referrals to settlement services and language training, public services, and resources in the community.
- One-on-one and group support to address specific settlement needs such as housing, employment, school and childcare registration, language and cultural orientation, building social networks, health and wellness.
Student orientation
At the beginning of each Fall and Winter term, Sask Polytech offers various orientation
and welcome events to help get new students get familiar with their campus, facilities
and student resources. Make sure to check out New International Student Welcome and the series of student Orientation programming and Welcome Week info and events.
You will start receiving information from International Education about orientation and welcome events by email in the months leading up to your program start date.
You will start receiving information from International Education about orientation and welcome events by email in the months leading up to your program start date.
