Accommodation
CIMT College has a network of companies like Homadorma, Homestay, Airbnb and other local representatives who provide multiple options for students at a reasonable rate. Students can book these arrangements through CIMT College or independently depending on their budget and requirement. Our Settlement Services Advisor works with students to find suitable accommodation as per their requirement. Accommodations can be arranged either before the student leaves his country, or upon arrival. Historically, we have found that most CIMT College students have chosen to select accommodations with a relative or friend already living in the GTA.
Some of the links that you can check for housing are given below-
https://www.homadorma.com/
https://www.homestay.com/
https://www.airbnb.ca/
Accommodations range from $250 to $700 per month depending on the location, size of room, independent or sharing basis etc. Students can choose various options depending on their budget and family needs.
Banking
Canada has a lot of banks that have widespread national presence and provide special banking services to international students as well. Most of our campuses are strategically located with nearby bank branches/ATM locations for banks like RBC, TD Canada Trust , Scotia Bank, BMO etc.
Students can avail special benefits by registering with RBC our preferred banking partners.
Settlement services assists students in opening a bank account with their chosen bank by confirming their student status to the bank if required. Bank representatives also visit our campuses with financial literacy and related workshops regularly to empower our international students along with the local students.
Foreign Exchange
Students can easily get foreign currency exchanged at banks which provide market rate for exchange of their chosen currency. Students can also check the conversion by searching on websites like https://www.xe.com/ which helps you get an estimate of the conversion you would get.
There are local Western union offices as well that can assist students in sending or receiving money from their home country. To find a location near you, click on the link below - https://www.westernunion.com/ca/en/agent-locator.html
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Students arriving in Canada with a valid study visa are issued a SIN at the time of arrival at the airport, along with their study permit. If the number is not issued at the airport for any reason, then students can approach Service Canada offices in their nearby areas with their study visa, study permit and Letter of acceptance to get this number.
SIN is required for students to work in the Canadian job market. It is illegal to work without a SIN and normal tax deductions and rebates apply to international students upon filing their yearly tax return while they stay in Canada.
Students are also eligible for T2202 receipts which cover the amount of tuition fees paid by the student during that year and can be used to claim tax refund.
For more details on SIN, click on the link below -
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/service-canada.html
For information on Tax filing and tax returns, click on the link below-
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html
Health Insurance
International students must carry a valid health insurance for the duration of their study. Students can choose to get the health insurance from their home country or use local health insurance companies to provide health insurance coverage. Medical treatment without health insurance in Canada can be very costly and hence students are recommended to ensure health insurance is valid at all times. It is mandatory for international students to provide health insurance coverage confirmation to the college during their study.
Students can also get health insurance through our college website using the link below- www.studyinsured.com/cimt
Health and other Support Services
If you require medical aid and it is an emergency, please call 911. For all other medical needs, you can phone the health clinics in your local community:
If you require medical aid and it is an emergency, please call 911. For all other medical needs, you can phone the health clinics in your local community:
Mississauga Area
- Appletree Medical Group - 905-281-0115
- Medplace walk in clinic - 905-275-3912
- Derry Urgent care Clinic and Pharmacy - 905-766-9435
Brampton Area
- Brampton Urgent Care Clinic - 905-799-2722
- Bramlea &Bovaird Walk-In Clinic - 905-793-3311
- Streetsville Glen Medical Centre - 905-455-8877
Or you can find a health clinic in your local Area through 211ontario.ca
Local Tourism
Canada is a beautiful country and every season in Canada opens a new dimension for local tourism. Students can indulge in local tourism by choosing their own tourist spots and travelling independently or through local tours and travel agencies.
Some of the notable tourist spots in the GTA area include
-
Niagara Falls
-
CN Tower
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Rogers Centre
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Casa Loma
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Wonderland
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Art Galleries
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Royal Ontario Museum
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Toronto Zoo
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Blue Mountains
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Muskoka
Food and Entertainment
Canada is a country filled with diversity and students are sure to find local food joints serving food from countries all over the world. Peer connect helps them to find reasonable priced food places as well as home tiffin services for those who need a daily meal from their cuisine delivered right at their doorstep. Local Food apps are a great way to find food near me…. check some options below -
https://www.skipthedishes.com/
https://www.ubereats.com/ca
https://www.doordash.com/en-US
Religious and Community Support
Canada is a cultural mosaic with freedom of religion and people residing in Canada can chose their religious institutions to participate in religious ceremonies and celebrations. Local help groups and religious charities are also active in supporting students during their stay. Settlement services connects students with their religious places and social groups.
Life in Canada can be different from your home country. You will find differences and similarities between your home culture and Canadian culture, which will give you an opportunity to grow, learn different ways of doing things, and experience new perspectives.
You can speak to us! If you are hesitant, do not worry; find additional support by exploring other options like the ones mentioned here:
The Cross cultural Community Services association - https://tccsa.on.ca/
Rexdale Women’s Centre - https://www.rexdalewomen.org/
Indus Community Services - https://www.induscs.ca/services-for-international-students/
Culture Link - https://www.culturelink.ca/services/youth-services/
Brampton Multicultural Community Centre - https://bmccentre.org/
Driving in Canada
An International licence allows you to drive around in Canada but if you would like to obtain a local driving licence, which also is an acceptable form of ID in most places, you will have to visit a local MTO office and ask about converting your driving licence from your home country to a Canadian licence. You can get credit for your driving history if you provide a sealed driving record from your home country, verifying your licence details and also driving record. This allows you to waive off the waiting period for obtaining a full G licence that allows you to drive on the network of highways.
For more details on how to obtain a licence, check this link - http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/contact-us.shtml
Resources
Peer Counselling help
https://www.wellfort.ca/programs-services/healthcare-services/counsellinghttps://www.rexdalechc.com/
https://hongfook.ca/clinic/about-us-2/
https://halton.cmha.ca/
Embassy or consulate information
https://www.ontario.ca/page/consular-offices