International Students

As revised by the IRCC, many downtown Universities and Colleges have been included as approved Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI’s) such as McGill University, Concordia University (approved housing partner), UQAM, and more! As part of your eligibility for entering Canada and receiving a study permit, you must be attending a DLI and been provided an acceptance letter. To see the list of DLIs by province and territory, please visit Government of Canada - Designated Learning Institution List. If you have applied for a study permit (and work permit, if applicable) and have not yet received your Visa and/or letter of introduction, DO NOT travel to Canada until you have received these documents. For more information on preparing for your travel and what to expect when arriving in Canada, please visit Government of Canada – Information for International Students.

As of January 2024, the Canadian government now requires that every application submitted to the IRCC has an attestation letter from a province or territory along with the acceptance letter from your approved DLI. For information on who can apply, how to apply, getting the right documents, preparing for your arrival, and study permit conditions, please visit Government of Canada – Study Permit and Gouvernement du Québec. At the same link, you can find more details and information about the minimum requirements for proof of financial support covering living expenses (not including tuition) needed as a student.

If you want to study in Quebec for longer than 6 months, you will also need an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the Government of Quebec. This is not the same as the attestation letter above. Your school can tell you how to apply for the CAQ. If you plan to study in Quebec for less than 6 months, you can apply for a study permit without a CAQ; however, you still need a regular attestation letter.

If you have not yet arrived in Canada, you can apply for a bank account online at most major Canadian banks depending on your status as a newcomer and whether you’re coming from a qualifying country. If you have arrived in Canada as a newcomer, you can apply online with your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a Canadian address.

When opening a bank account, be prepared to provide your Canadian Visa or study permit, one piece of government-issued photo ID such as your passport, proof of school registration, and expected graduation date. All of Canada’s major banks have branches in Montreal. When choosing a financial institution that’s right for you, consider their location in proximity to us, hours of operation and online banking features.

When you open your new account, your Canadian bank representative will give or send you a bank card, also known as a 'debit card'. You'll be given a PIN (personal identification number) to access your account through an ATM or debit machine. Your PIN is your only protection against unauthorized use, so do not reveal it to anyone. This debit card allows you to:

• Use Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments.
• Pay for items at stores and restaurants that accept debit card payments. This is a good alternative if you prefer not to carry too much cash on you.

Another service to consider are credit cards, which allow you to make purchases without carrying cash and giving you a grace period before you have to pay for your purchases. In Canada, banks generally issue one of three credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most major stores and restaurants. Credit cards, just like your debit card, will have a PIN (personal identification number) that you should not share with anyone.

If you consider applying for a credit card, understand the terms and conditions of repayment and be certain you can pay your credit card balance on time when your bill arrives. If you do not pay your credit card bill by the due date, the company will charge you interest on the total amount of the bill, regardless of any amount you paid off over the course of the month. You'll also be charged interest on any purchases made after the due date.

At Campus1 MTL Student Residence, we accept Cheque or Money Order which your chosen Canadian financial institution can provide you. Should you opt to make payments online via a credit card, you can make a one-time payment or set up reoccurring monthly payments by clicking “Pay Rent” at the top of our page.

At Campus1 MTL Student Residence, you can get connected before you arrive! We’ve partnered with CanadianSIM to provide you an exclusive international student postpaid phone plan.

Powered by Rogers and Fido, you can enjoy reliable coverage by one of Canada’s leading network providers. You will receive a Canadian number and exclusive plan that is cheaper and more value-driven than what is locally available in the market. Access 5-hours of unlimited data, unlimited Canada-wide calls and international text, 1000 free international long distance minutes, no activation fees, latest devices, and more!

To learn more about securing this exclusive phone plan (only available prior to your arrival), visit https://canadiansim.com/campus1mtl/.