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Post-Arrival Checklist: The First 72 Hours

⚡ The "Golden 72" Rule: You must complete these tasks in this exact order.

  1. SIN (Needed for everything).
  2. Phone Number (Needed for Bank OTPs).
  3. Bank Account (Needed to pay fees/rent).
  4. ID Card (Needed to save your Passport).

🍁 1. Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You cannot work, get paid, or file taxes without this 9-digit number.

  • Option A: In-Person (TVT Recommendation)
    • Where: Search Google Maps for "Service Canada Centre" (Not "Service Ontario").
    • Time: Go at 8:00 AM sharp. You will walk out with your SIN paper immediately.
    • Bring: Original Passport + Study Permit (Physical Paper).
  • Option B: Online
    • Risk: Processing takes 10-15 business days plus mail time.
    • Danger: If you haven't finalized your permanent address yet, the letter might get lost. Go in person.

🏦 2. Open a Student Bank Account (Read the Fine Print!)

Warning: The "Free iPad" accounts usually cost ~$17/month. Most students should choose the Free Cash accounts.

🅰️ The "Free Gadget" Trap (iPad/Apple Watch)

  • Bank: RBC (Signature No Limit Banking).
  • The Bait: Free iPad (9th Gen) or Apple Watch.
  • The Catch: This is NOT a student account. It has a monthly fee of ~$16.95 CAD.
  • The Math: $16.95 x 12 months = $203/year.
  • Verdict: Only take this if you really need the iPad and are okay paying ~$200/year for banking.

🅱️ The "Truly Free" Student Accounts (Cash/Points)

These accounts have $0 Monthly Fees. This is what TVT recommends.

  • 1. CIBC (Smart Start) - TVT Choice
    • The Offer: $125 Cash Bonus + $50 Referral Bonus.
    • Condition: Open account + make 5 Visa Debit purchases within 2 months.
    • Fee: $0/month until you turn 25.
  • 2. Scotiabank (StartRight)
    • The Offer: $125 Cash + Up to $1,350 value in Scene+ Points (Movies/Groceries).
    • Condition: Set up 2 recurring payments (like phone bill/gym).
    • Fee: $0/month for full-time students.
  • 3. RBC (Student Advantage)
    • The Offer: $100 Cash (This is the free version, not the iPad version).
    • Fee: $0/month.
💡 Hidden Banking Fees to Watch For:
  • NSF Fee ($48): If your rent cheque bounces because of low balance, the bank charges you $48.
  • ATM Fee ($3-$5): If you use a CIBC card at a TD machine, you pay extra. Stick to your own bank's ATM.
  • Foreign Transaction (2.5%): Don't use your Canadian debit card to shop on Indian websites.

📱 3. Get a Canadian Phone Number

Stop using international roaming. You need a local number for bank OTPs.

  • The "BYOD" (Bring Your Own Device) Hack:
    • Use your unlocked Indian phone. Do not sign a 2-year contract for a new iPhone yet (it locks you in).
    • Cost: Expect $35 - $50/month for ~50GB 5G Data.
  • Best Networks for Students:
    • Flanker Brands: Go for Fido, Koodo, or Virgin Plus. They use the same premium towers as Rogers/Bell but cost ~30% less.
    • PhoneBox: Very popular for international students; often no credit check required.

🆔 4. Get a Provincial Photo ID

Stop carrying your Passport to malls or clubs. If you lose it, your visa status is at risk.

  • Ontario: Apply for the Ontario Photo Card ($35) at ServiceOntario.
    • Rule: You cannot hold both a Driver's License and a Photo Card. It's one or the other.
  • British Columbia: Apply for the BCID Card (Book appointment at ICBC).
  • Why? It is the official government ID for proof of age (19+). Leave your passport locked in your room.