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Student Support

Government & Immigration Resources

IRCC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Info on study permits, post-graduation work permits (PGWP), visa requirements, and immigration pathways.

EduCanada

Government portal for studying in Canada, including scholarship info, living costs, and choosing a school.

CBSA – Canadian Border Services Agency

For travel regulations, re-entry requirements, and border procedures.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required for any paid work in Canada and for accessing government services like tax returns and employment records.

Eligibility for International Students:
Students with a valid study permit that states they “may work” or “may accept employment” in Canada are eligible to apply for a SIN.

How to Apply (free of charge):

  1. Apply online through Service Canada: Apply for SIN
  2. Or visit a Service Canada Centre in person.
  3. Bring:
    o Original passport
    o Valid study permit with work conditions
    o Proof of address may be requested if applying in person

BC Services Card and BCID

BC Services Card

The BC Services Card is considered as a government issued identification card, which is used to access Medical Services Plan (MSP).  International students living in BC for six months or longer with a valid study permit are eligible.

How to Apply

  1. Apply for MSP (Medical Services Plan)
    – Visit: Apply for MSP Online
    – Submit your application for MSP using your passport, study permit, and proof of BC address.
  2. Wait for Confirmation
    – After submitting the MSP application, you’ll receive a confirmation letter and instructions on how to get your BC Services Card.
    – There is a waiting period of up to 3 months before MSP coverage begins.
  3. Visit an ICBC Driver Licensing Office
    Bring the following:
    – Passport
    – Valid study permit
    – Proof of BC address
    – MSP confirmation or Personal Health Number (if already assigned)
  4. Get Your Photo Taken
    – A photo will be taken for the card.
    – If you already have a BCID or BC driver’s license, the BC Services Card may be combined with it.

A physical BC Services Card by mail.

This card will include your Personal Health Number (PHN), which is used when visiting doctors, clinics, or hospitals.

BCID (British Columbia Identification Card)

International students who do not have a BC driver’s license can apply for a BCID, which serves as a government-issued photo ID and is useful for banking, travel within Canada, and accessing services.

How to Apply

  1. Visit any ICBC driver licensing office.
  2. Bring the following:
    – Passport
    – Study permit
    – Proof of BC address (e.g., rental agreement, utility bill, or official school letter)
  3. Pay the application fee (approx. $35 CAD).
  4. A temporary card will be issued, and the permanent card will be mailed to you.
    More info: ICBC – BCID

Health & Insurance

BC MSP (Medical Services Plan)
Details on how international students can apply for provincial health coverage in British Columbia.

Private Health Insurance Providers (for the waiting period before MSP kicks in):
Guard.me
StudyInsured

Walk-in Clinics and Virtual Doctors
TELUS Health MyCare
Maple

Access to Sexual Health Clinics and Education
Options for Sexual Health
(It offers current sexual and reproductive health care, information, and education)

Mental Health, Wellness, Addiction, Overdose & Naloxone Support

Here2Talk
Free mental health support for post-secondary students in BC (phone, app, web chat)

Foundry BC
Services for youth ages 12–24 (mental health, substance use, peer support, and more) online platform designed to help British Columbians access mental health and substance use resources.

Vancouver mental health and substance use services
It is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), offering a comprehensive range of programs and support for individuals across the region. These services are designed to assist people of all ages dealing with mental health challenges, substance use issues, or both

MindHealthBC
It’s an online platform designed to help British Columbians access mental health and substance use resources.

Naloxone Kits
Free from pharmacies, health units, and community agencies.

Overdose Prevention & Response Training
The following resources are suitable for both individual learning and staff training:

Education, Career & Community Support

Education Support

Languages Canada
Supports students in language programs; lists accredited schools.

BCCIE – BC Council for International Education
Advocacy and resources for international students and education providers in BC.

StudentAid BC
Financial aid information for eligible PR or Canadian citizens.

Career Support

WorkBC
Info on working in BC, job listings, resume tips, and career planning tools.

WelcomeBC
This site is tailored for newcomers and provides guidance on preparing for employment in B.C. It covers topics such as credential recognition, networking, and job application processes.

Job Bank
National job search tool with filters for student-friendly jobs.

Community Support

ISS of BC (Immigrant Services Society of BC)
Provides newcomer services, career support, and English language programs.

MOSAIC BC
Offers programs for immigrants and refugees, including employment and settlement support.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Multilingual services including housing, job support, and cultural integration.

Banking

Major Canadian Banks (most offer special student accounts)
– RBC – Royal Bank of Canada
– TD Canada Trust
– Scotiabank
– BMO – Bank of Montreal
– CIBC

What to Bring to Open an Account:
– Passport
– Study permit
– Letter of enrollment from your school
– Canadian address (temporary or permanent)

Cell Phone & Internet

Major Providers:
– Telus
– Rogers
– Bell
– Freedom Mobile
– Koodo Mobile

Please bring your passport and study permit to get student promotions.