After arriving in Canada
Latest updates
As of Thurs, Jan 5, 2022, all travellers flying from China, Hong Kong, and Macao who are 2 years old or older require a negative COVID-19 test result from no more than 2 days before departure (molecular test or antigen test with documentation to show it was monitored by a telehealth service or an accredited laboratory or testing provider), or a positive COVID-19 test from 10 to 90 days before departure. See the news release and webpage for details. This measure has been extended to April 5, 2023.
Travel restrictions, testing and quarantine requirements may change without notice. Visit COVID-19: Travel, testing, and borders for updates.
As a temporary measure, some international students can work more than 20 hours a week starting from Nov 15, 2022 to Dec 31, 2023. If you are eligible for the temporary measure, you might also be exempt from requiring a co-op work permit for co-op placements during this period. Check the FAQ for important eligibility details.
Last updated February 10, 2023.
Travelling to Canada: step by step
Step 1: Before making travel plans
Step 5: After you arrive
When you arrive in Canada, there are steps you need to take before starting your studies.
After-arrival checklist
AFTER ARRIVING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA:
- Apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Check that you have iMED health insurance
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Add your document expiry dates to UBC’s Reminder System
- After self-quarantine, get a BCID to avoid carrying your passport for identification.
- Learn how to get vaccinated or register your vaccine if you’ve been vaccinated outside of BC
Be sure to check BC public health guidelines and see COVID-19 and UBC’s response for updates. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, check the BC Centre for Disease Control website for guidance.
Learning about life in Canada
- New to UBC resources for first years
- UBC 101
- Health insurance for international students
- Working in Canada
- Guide to banking in Canada
- Getting to know Canada
- Welcome to Canada: publications for newcomers (IRCC)
- EduCanada’s pre-departure guide
- BC’s Newcomers’ Guides (available in 13 languages)
- Driving in BC
- Resources for if you have children
resources
International Student Guide
Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC’s Okanagan campus.
International student FAQ
Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on immigration and health insurance for international students.
This information is accurate as of October 7, 2022, and is subject to change. Follow the latest updates on travel restrictions due to COVID-19. See also CBSA’s updates on travel for non-Canadians.
