What to do Before You Come and When You Arrive

Life in Canada

When you receive your letter of acceptance from The Health Care Aide Academy :

• Apply for a Study Permit (and Visa, if required) at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate
• Review ‘After You Apply’ for tips on avoiding delays in study permit processing
• Make travel arrangements: book flights
• Make banking arrangements: transfer money, purchase traveler’s cheques, get credit cards
• Register for classes
• Arrange for accommodation
• Arrange for private health care insurance (if you are planning to be in Canada for less than 12 months)

Important Note:

Carry all required entry documents with you when you travel to Canada.  Do NOT pack them in your suitcase. These include: passport (with visa, if required), immigration letter authorizing your Study Permit, and your Health Care Aide Academy letter of acceptance.

When you arrive in Canada:

• Provide all required entry documents to the Canada Immigration officer on arrival
• Contact your family or friends to tell them you have arrived safely
• Attend an International Student Orientation Program with our International Student Advisor
• Get a student I.D. card (available through our International Student Advisor)
• Open a bank account
• Register for Alberta Health Care (if you are going to be in Canada for more than 12 months)
• Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) (necessary if you will be working on campus or with an off-campus work permit)
• Register for classes (if you did not do this before your arrival)