International Students - Revision history

Shedden: /* Living in Canada */

2021-02-07T18:39:26Z

Living in Canada

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 7 February 2021
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	'''Health insurance:'''<br>		'''Health insurance:'''<br>
	Ontario is unfortunately a province in which international students on a study permit or student VISA are not eligible for provincially-funded health insurance (i.e. a OHIP card). You are eligible if you are a permanent resident~~, however~~ (more information about eligibility here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card). Instead of OHIP, McMaster University provides international students with similar health service coverage in the form of UHIP. This insurance will cover emergency visits and medically necessary services. Be sure to visit walk-in clinics that recognize this form of insurance (i.e. will directly bill UHIP) or else you may pay out of pocket for some expenses. McMaster also provides international students with prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage currently through SunLife Assurance. Make sure to pick up or print out your health cards (UHIP and additional coverage) when they are available.		Ontario is unfortunately a province in which international students on a study permit or student VISA are not eligible for provincially-funded health insurance (i.e. a OHIP card). You are eligible for OHIP if you are a permanent resident (more information about eligibility here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card). Instead of OHIP, McMaster University provides international students with similar health service coverage in the form of UHIP. This insurance will cover emergency visits and medically necessary services. Be sure to visit walk-in clinics that recognize this form of insurance (i.e. will directly bill UHIP) or else you may pay out of pocket for some expenses. McMaster also provides international students with prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage currently through SunLife Assurance. Make sure to pick up or print out your health cards (UHIP and additional coverage) when they are available.

	'''Working On-Campus/Off-Campus'''		'''Working On-Campus/Off-Campus'''

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2018-11-11T18:30:43Z

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 See also our [[Living in Hamilton]] page.
 === Living in Canada ===
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 '''Taxes:'''<br>
 Keep up to date with your taxes in your home country and your Canadian taxes, you may have to file a tax return in both countries (US citizens must file in the US every year). Free tax clinics are often available on campus to international students, which can help you file your Canadian taxes for the first time. Many free online tax return websites exist and are very helpful, such as SimpleTax.ca.

Shedden at 17:42, 11 November 2018

2018-11-11T17:42:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:42, 11 November 2018
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	=== Scholarships ===		=== Scholarships ===
	There are limited opportunities for scholarships for international students in Canada, unfortunately. Due to the limited number, these scholarships tend to be highly competitive, so keep up to date on your scholarship options, and plan for living on a budget. Plan for extra expenses, such as international bank wires, monetary conversion fees, immigration expenses, etc.		There are limited opportunities for scholarships for international students in Canada, unfortunately. Due to the limited number, these scholarships tend to be highly competitive, so keep up to date on your scholarship options, and plan for living on a budget. Plan for extra expenses, such as international bank wires, monetary conversion fees, immigration expenses, etc.

	~~=== Finding Housing ===~~
	~~See our [[Living in Hamilton]] page.~~

	=== Moving to Canada ===		=== Moving to Canada ===
	You must prepare a BSF186 form that lists the personal items you will be bringing into the country with you (this allows you to avoid paying duty on most items). The more detailed your list, the easier and faster the customs process will be. This form and other forms you many need for bringing items into Canada can be found		You must prepare a BSF186 form that lists the personal items you will be bringing into the country with you (this allows you to avoid paying duty on most items). The more detailed your list, the easier and faster the customs process will be. This form and other forms you many need for bringing items into Canada can be found
	here: [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-border.asp BSF186 form]		here: [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-border.asp BSF186 form]

			=== Finding Housing ===
			Finding housing as an international student may require some strategizing because rentals move so quickly. Some of our international students have provided stories about their experiences: [[International Students Find Housing]]

			See also our [[Living in Hamilton]] page.

	=== Transportation ===		=== Transportation ===
	~~See our [[Living in Hamilton]] page for tips about buses, bike sharing, etc.~~

	Many grad students use the bus system or their own personal vehicle. Many US states and countries have policies in place that allow you to exchange your current driver’s license for a Canadian license. You should look into your options and transportation needs before going to get a license.		Many grad students use the bus system or their own personal vehicle. Many US states and countries have policies in place that allow you to exchange your current driver’s license for a Canadian license. You should look into your options and transportation needs before going to get a license.
	* [http://settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?k=TRANS_DL&faq_id=4000121 How to get a driver’s license in Ontario]		* [http://settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?k=TRANS_DL&faq_id=4000121 How to get a driver’s license in Ontario]
	* Note that parking on campus can be quite costly.		* Note that parking on campus can be quite costly.
	* Keep in mind that bringing a car from the U.S. to Canada can be potentially expensive for a number of reasons (import duty fees, Canadian insurance and registration, and regular expenses like parking and gas).		* Keep in mind that bringing a car from the U.S. to Canada can be potentially expensive for a number of reasons (import duty fees, Canadian insurance and registration, and regular expenses like parking and gas).

			See also our [[Living in Hamilton]] page for tips about buses, bike sharing, etc.

	=== Living in Canada ===		=== Living in Canada ===

Shedden: /* Living in Canada */

2018-11-08T21:22:03Z

Living in Canada

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:22, 8 November 2018
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	'''Health insurance:'''<br>		'''Health insurance:'''<br>
	Ontario is unfortunately a province in which international students on a study permit or student VISA are not eligible for provincially-funded health insurance (i.e. a OHIP card). You are eligible if you are a permanent resident, however (more information about eligibility here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card). Instead of OHIP, McMaster University provides international students with similar health service coverage in the form of UHIP. This insurance will cover emergency visits and medically necessary services. Be sure to visit walk-in clinics that recognize this form of insurance (i.e. will directly bill UHIP) or else you may pay out of pocket for some expenses. McMaster also provides international students with prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage currently through SunLife Assurance. Make sure to pick up or print out your health cards (UHIP and additional coverage) when they are available.		Ontario is unfortunately a province in which international students on a study permit or student VISA are not eligible for provincially-funded health insurance (i.e. a OHIP card). You are eligible if you are a permanent resident, however (more information about eligibility here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card). Instead of OHIP, McMaster University provides international students with similar health service coverage in the form of UHIP. This insurance will cover emergency visits and medically necessary services. Be sure to visit walk-in clinics that recognize this form of insurance (i.e. will directly bill UHIP) or else you may pay out of pocket for some expenses. McMaster also provides international students with prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage currently through SunLife Assurance. Make sure to pick up or print out your health cards (UHIP and additional coverage) when they are available.

			'''Working On-Campus/Off-Campus'''
			Currently, visa students are allowed to work on/off-campus. It is however, advised that you talk to your employer to arrange more specific working hours to suit your needs. Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website at: http://www.cic.gc.ca for more information about your work eligibility.

	'''Taxes:'''<br>		'''Taxes:'''<br>
	Keep up to date with your taxes in your home country and your Canadian taxes, you may have to file a tax return in both countries (US citizens must file in the US every year). Free tax clinics are often available on campus to international students, which can help you file your Canadian taxes for the first time. Many free online tax return websites exist and are very helpful, such as SimpleTax.ca.		Keep up to date with your taxes in your home country and your Canadian taxes, you may have to file a tax return in both countries (US citizens must file in the US every year). Free tax clinics are often available on campus to international students, which can help you file your Canadian taxes for the first time. Many free online tax return websites exist and are very helpful, such as SimpleTax.ca.

Shedden at 20:04, 25 August 2018

2018-08-25T20:04:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 25 August 2018
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	International students moving to Canada to Study at McMaster may find the following resources useful:		International students moving to Canada to Study at McMaster may find the following resources useful:

			* Explore the McMaster [https://iss.mcmaster.ca/ International Student Services] site, which has a lot of helpful information.
	* The [http://www.housinghelpcentre.ca/Newcomer_Housing_Guide.pdf Newcomer Housing Guide] provides a lot of useful information about looking for housing, interpreting advertising, signing a lease, etc.		* The [http://www.housinghelpcentre.ca/Newcomer_Housing_Guide.pdf Newcomer Housing Guide] provides a lot of useful information about looking for housing, interpreting advertising, signing a lease, etc.
	* The School of Graduate Studies also has helpful information on their site: [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/resources SGS Resources] (click on the “New to Hamilton” tab)		* The School of Graduate Studies also has helpful information on their site: [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/resources SGS Resources] (click on the “New to Hamilton” tab)

Shedden at 15:11, 4 July 2018

2018-07-04T15:11:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:11, 4 July 2018
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	'''Tips from international PNB students''' <br>		'''Tips from international PNB students''' <br>
	~~The~~ tips on the rest of this page were prepared by international PNB graduate students for international students moving to Canada to study at McMaster University.		Some of the tips on the rest of this page were prepared by international PNB graduate students for international students moving to Canada to study at McMaster University.
	:: Feel free to contact [mailto:millej16@mcmaster.ca Jessica Miller], who is here from the USA, with any questions about being an International Graduate Student at McMaster.		:: Feel free to contact [mailto:millej16@mcmaster.ca Jessica Miller], who is here from the USA, with any questions about being an International Graduate Student at McMaster.

	=== Study Permits ===		=== Study Permits ===
	Apply for your study permit online and obtain your physical study permit at a border crossing before school begins.		Apply for your study permit online and obtain your physical study permit at a border crossing before school begins. See section [https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/content.php?catoid=37&navoid=7553#2-5-5_enrolment_international_study_permits section 2.5.5 Enrolment - International Students on Study Permits] in the Graduate Calendar.
	* [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp Information about applying for study permit online or by paper]		* [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp Information about applying for study permit online or by paper]
	* [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp Important timeline information of the application process]		* [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp Important timeline information of the application process]

	Note: ~~if you wish to have a job outside~~ of ~~teaching assistantship and~~ it ~~is approved by your supervisor/department, you can~~ work off campus for ~~up to 20~~ hours per week * * [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp~~) Information~~ about the conditions for working ~~here~~]		Note: PNB offers work in the form of [[Teaching Assistantships]]. However, it may be possible to work off campus for a few hours per week if approved by your supervisor and the department.
			* Find information [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp here about the conditions for working for international students].
			* Also important are [https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/content.php?catoid=37&navoid=7553#2.5.3 McMaster University's regulations], such that full-time graduate students are expected to pursue their graduate degree on a full-time basis and make satisfactory progress toward timely completion of all program requirements. This means that the number of hours worked on or off campus should be carefully monitored.

			=== Scholarships ===
			There are limited opportunities for scholarships for international students in Canada, unfortunately. Due to the limited number, these scholarships tend to be highly competitive, so keep up to date on your scholarship options, and plan for living on a budget. Plan for extra expenses, such as international bank wires, monetary conversion fees, immigration expenses, etc.

	=== Finding Housing ===		=== Finding Housing ===
	~~There are several resources for locating housing online. Here is the link to~~		See our [[Living in Hamilton]] page.
	* [~~http://macoffcampus.mcmaster.ca/classifieds/index.php McMaster’s off campus housing ads]~~
	* [~~https://www.kijiji.ca/ Search kijiji.ca for roommates and apartment rentals~~ in Hamilton]

	~~If it is an option, it is suggested that you visit Hamilton to look at areas that you would like to live in. Your best resource for housing options will often be talking to current graduate students~~.

	=== Moving to Canada ===		=== Moving to Canada ===
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	=== Transportation ===		=== Transportation ===
	Hamilton has an extensive public transit network. It is also very easy to travel to Toronto and surrounding cities via public transit. When you pay your student fees, you will receive a 12-month bus pass for the Hamilton Street Rail bus network (HSR).		See our [[Living in Hamilton]] page for tips about buses, bike sharing, etc.
	* [~~https://www.hamilton.ca/hsr-bus-schedules-fares~~ Hamilton ~~Street Rail (HSR)~~]
	* [http://www.gotransit.com GO transit (for ~~bus and train travel inside and outside of Hamilton)]~~
	* [http://www.~~viarail.ca VIA rail (cross-Canada train network)]~~

	~~Hamilton has a great bike share program called SoBi (Social Bicycles), with bike stations located on campus and throughout Hamilton neighbourhoods:~~		Many grad students use the bus system or their own personal vehicle. Many US states and countries have policies in place that allow you to exchange your current driver’s license for a Canadian license. You should look into your options and transportation needs before going to get a license.
	* [https://hamilton.socialbicycles.com/ SoBi Hamilton (Bike the Hammer)]

	Many grad students use the bus system or their own personal vehicle. Many US states and countries have policies in place that allow ~~for~~ you to exchange your current driver’s license for a Canadian license. You should look into your options and transportation needs before going to get a license.
	* [http://settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?k=TRANS_DL&faq_id=4000121 How to get a driver’s license in Ontario]		* [http://settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?k=TRANS_DL&faq_id=4000121 How to get a driver’s license in Ontario]
			* Note that parking on campus can be quite costly.
	~~Americans, keep~~ in mind that bringing a car from the U.S. to Canada can be potentially expensive for a number of reasons (import duty fees, Canadian insurance and registration, and regular expenses like parking and gas).		* Keep in mind that bringing a car from the U.S. to Canada can be potentially expensive for a number of reasons (import duty fees, Canadian insurance and registration, and regular expenses like parking and gas).

	=== Living in Canada ===		=== Living in Canada ===
	Upon arriving in Canada and establishing a living, you must apply for a Canadian social insurance number (SIN). You can get a SIN by mail or in person at a local Service Canada office (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/forms.shtml). You will need a SIN before you can open a bank account or get a cell phone.		Upon arriving in Canada and establishing a living, you must apply for a Canadian social insurance number (SIN). You can get a SIN by mail or in person at a local Service Canada office (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/forms.shtml). You will need a SIN before you can open a bank account or get a cell phone.

	Bank accounts and credit cards:<br>		'''Bank accounts and credit cards:'''<br>
	If you plan on purchasing a cell phone and/or anything online, you will need to apply for a Canadian credit card or some other form of banking method that you can utilize with online orders. In Canada, you will have a bank card that serves as a debit card, but this card cannot be used for online purchases. You can often get a credit card through your bank as well, but they may hold a portion of your funds as “credit” as you are likely to have zero credit history in Canada upon arriving.		If you plan on purchasing a cell phone and/or anything online, you will need to apply for a Canadian credit card or some other form of banking method that you can utilize with online orders. In Canada, you will have a bank card that serves as a debit card, but this card cannot be used for online purchases. You can often get a credit card through your bank as well, but they may hold a portion of your funds as “credit” as you are likely to have zero credit history in Canada upon arriving.

	Common banks in Canada are RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and others. Online banks are also an option and often charge fewer fees, such as Tangerine and PC Financial.		Common banks in Canada are RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and others. Online banks are also an option and often charge fewer fees, such as Tangerine, ManuLife, and PC Financial.

	Cell phones: <br>		'''Cell phones:''' <br>
	In order to get a phone with a plan on a Canadian cell phone carrier, you will need multiple forms of Canada-issued ID. Ask an employee at a store that sells cell phones for a list of accepted ID: a Canadian driver’s license and a Canadian credit card are the two most commonly accepted forms of ID (your student VISA or study permit does not count).		In order to get a phone with a plan on a Canadian cell phone carrier, you will need multiple forms of Canada-issued ID. Ask an employee at a store that sells cell phones for a list of accepted ID: a Canadian driver’s license and a Canadian credit card are the two most commonly accepted forms of ID (your student VISA or study permit does not count).
	: Note: Canadian cell phone carriers can require you to sign up for a 2-year contract. Other carriers are more flexible, such as Koodo. Other common carriers/providers are Bell, Rogers, Fido, Virgin, Telus, and Wind.		: Note: Canadian cell phone carriers can require you to sign up for a 2-year contract. Other carriers are more flexible, such as Koodo. Other common carriers/providers are Bell, Rogers, Fido, Virgin, Telus, and Wind.

	Health insurance:<br>		'''Health insurance:'''<br>
	Ontario is unfortunately a province in which international students on a study permit or student VISA are not eligible for provincially-funded health insurance (i.e. a OHIP card). You are eligible if you are a permanent resident, however (more information about eligibility here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card). Instead of OHIP, McMaster University provides international students with similar health service coverage in the form of UHIP. This insurance will cover emergency visits and medically necessary services. Be sure to visit walk-in clinics that recognize this form of insurance (i.e. will directly bill UHIP) or else you may pay out of pocket for some expenses. McMaster also provides international students with prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage currently through SunLife Assurance. Make sure to pick up or print out your health cards (UHIP and additional coverage) when they are available.		Ontario is unfortunately a province in which international students on a study permit or student VISA are not eligible for provincially-funded health insurance (i.e. a OHIP card). You are eligible if you are a permanent resident, however (more information about eligibility here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card). Instead of OHIP, McMaster University provides international students with similar health service coverage in the form of UHIP. This insurance will cover emergency visits and medically necessary services. Be sure to visit walk-in clinics that recognize this form of insurance (i.e. will directly bill UHIP) or else you may pay out of pocket for some expenses. McMaster also provides international students with prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage currently through SunLife Assurance. Make sure to pick up or print out your health cards (UHIP and additional coverage) when they are available.

	Taxes:<br>		'''Taxes:'''<br>
	Keep up to date with your taxes in your home country and your Canadian taxes, you may have to file a tax return in both countries (US citizens must file in the US every year). Free tax clinics are often available on campus to international students, which can help you file your Canadian taxes for the first time. Many free online tax return websites exist and are very helpful, such as SimpleTax.ca.		Keep up to date with your taxes in your home country and your Canadian taxes, you may have to file a tax return in both countries (US citizens must file in the US every year). Free tax clinics are often available on campus to international students, which can help you file your Canadian taxes for the first time. Many free online tax return websites exist and are very helpful, such as SimpleTax.ca.

	~~=== Scholarships ===~~
	There are limited opportunities for scholarships for international students in Canada, unfortunately. Due to the limited number, these scholarships tend to be highly competitive, so keep up to date on your scholarship options, and plan for living on a budget. Plan for extra expenses, such as international bank wires, monetary conversion fees, immigration expenses, etc.

Shedden: /* Transportation */

2018-07-04T04:29:17Z

Transportation

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:29, 4 July 2018
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	* [http://www.gotransit.com GO transit (for bus and train travel inside and outside of Hamilton)]		* [http://www.gotransit.com GO transit (for bus and train travel inside and outside of Hamilton)]
	* [http://www.viarail.ca VIA rail (cross-Canada train network)]		* [http://www.viarail.ca VIA rail (cross-Canada train network)]

			Hamilton has a great bike share program called SoBi (Social Bicycles), with bike stations located on campus and throughout Hamilton neighbourhoods:
			* [https://hamilton.socialbicycles.com/ SoBi Hamilton (Bike the Hammer)]

	Many grad students use the bus system or their own personal vehicle. Many US states and countries have policies in place that allow for you to exchange your current driver’s license for a Canadian license. You should look into your options and transportation needs before going to get a license.		Many grad students use the bus system or their own personal vehicle. Many US states and countries have policies in place that allow for you to exchange your current driver’s license for a Canadian license. You should look into your options and transportation needs before going to get a license.

Shedden: /* Finding Housing */

2018-05-06T04:18:38Z

Finding Housing

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:18, 6 May 2018
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	There are several resources for locating housing online. Here is the link to		There are several resources for locating housing online. Here is the link to
	* [http://macoffcampus.mcmaster.ca/classifieds/index.php McMaster’s off campus housing ads]		* [http://macoffcampus.mcmaster.ca/classifieds/index.php McMaster’s off campus housing ads]
	* [https://www.kijiji.ca/~~broom-rental-roommate/hamilton/c36l80014 Hamilton Kajiji~~.ca ~~page~~ for roommates and apartment rentals]		* [https://www.kijiji.ca/ Search kijiji.ca for roommates and apartment rentals in Hamilton]

	If it is an option, it is suggested that you visit Hamilton to look at areas that you would like to live in. Your best resource for housing options will often be talking to current graduate students.		If it is an option, it is suggested that you visit Hamilton to look at areas that you would like to live in. Your best resource for housing options will often be talking to current graduate students.

Shedden at 04:05, 6 May 2018

2018-05-06T04:05:41Z

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-=== International students moving to Canada to Study at McMaster may find the following tips useful: ===
+International students moving to Canada to Study at McMaster may find the following resources useful:
-* This document was prepared by international PNB graduate students, and recently updated by Jessica Miller: [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxfLIqN-COQCVWtUa2ZuREVTZWo4bkJUc3JIWF9fUVlUc1lj International Students Moving to Canada to study at McMaster]
+* The [http://www.housinghelpcentre.ca/Newcomer_Housing_Guide.pdf Newcomer Housing Guide] provides a lot of useful information about looking for housing, interpreting advertising, signing a lease, etc.
-* The [http://www.housinghelpcentre.ca/Newcomer_Housing_Guide.pdf Newcomer Housing Guide] provides a lot of useful information about looking for housing, interpreting advertising, signing a lease, etc.
+Americans, keep in mind that bringing a car from the U.S. to Canada can be potentially expensive for a number of reasons (import duty fees, Canadian insurance and registration, and regular expenses like parking and gas).
-* The School of Graduate Studies also has helpful information on their site:  [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/resources SGS Resources] (click on the “New to Hamilton” tab)
+=== Scholarships ===

Shedden at 23:18, 29 April 2018

2018-04-29T23:18:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 29 April 2018
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	=== International students moving to Canada to Study at McMaster may find the following tips useful: ===		=== International students moving to Canada to Study at McMaster may find the following tips useful: ===

	[https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxfLIqN-COQCVWtUa2ZuREVTZWo4bkJUc3JIWF9fUVlUc1lj International Students Moving to Canada to study at McMaster]		* This document was prepared by international PNB graduate students, and recently updated by Jessica Miller: [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxfLIqN-COQCVWtUa2ZuREVTZWo4bkJUc3JIWF9fUVlUc1lj International Students Moving to Canada to study at McMaster]

	[http://www.housinghelpcentre.ca/Newcomer_Housing_Guide.pdf Newcomer Housing Guide]		* The [http://www.housinghelpcentre.ca/Newcomer_Housing_Guide.pdf Newcomer Housing Guide] provides a lot of useful information about looking for housing, interpreting advertising, signing a lease, etc.

	[https://gs.mcmaster.ca/resources SGS Resources] (click on the “New to Hamilton” tab)		* The School of Graduate Studies also has helpful information on their site: [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/resources SGS Resources] (click on the “New to Hamilton” tab)