If you're coming to Canada from another country, you will have a few additional tasks.

Read the International Student Handbook to help you learn about housing, banking, transportation, schooling & childcare, and much more.

Study permits & visas

• Apply for your study permit and any permits for accompanying family members
• If you plan to visit or stop over in another country en route to Canada, you should check with that country’s Embassy/Consulate to find out which documents you and your family will need.
• If you are planning to transit through the United States, the U.S. has suspended its policy of allowing travelers to pass through U.S. airports in transit to foreign destinations without a visa if they would otherwise require a visa to enter the U.S. This change has no effect upon Canadian citizens nor upon those who qualify to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. Before you book your flight to Canada, you should ensure that you have the proper documents. Check with the United States Embassy or Consulate closest to you.
  

Medical insurance

• Ensure you have mandatory medical insurance for yourself and any accompanying family members for your first term in Canada.

Arrival dates

• To help you plan your arrival to Vancouver, note any important dates, including residence move-in dates, orientation dates, and employment contract start dates (if applicable).

Academic Integrity in North American academia

• Some international graduate students have observed significant differences between the concept of intellectual property in their cultures and in North American academia. Learn about expectations regarding academic integrity at SFU by taking the Library's online plagiarism tutorial and familiarizing yourself with relevant SFU policies.
  
• See also our recommended reading list for tips on surviving and thriving in North American academia and strategies for dealing with "academic culture shock"

Important Info for Delays/Deferrals

• If you are having trouble obtaining your study permit or facing other delays, please see deferrals and postponing your arrival