Moving in general can be stressful, especially when you are moving overseas during COVID-19. Quite honestly, I felt a bit overwhelmed but also excited about my new life in Canada.
I made sure to stay organized and pack all of the things I would need, including clothing, electronics and cables, a few books and magazines and last but not least, a folder with all my documents for my entry into Canada. I used the ILAC Checklist and double-checked to make sure I packed all the necessities to stay comfortable for my first 14 days in quarantine.
ILAC’s Accommodation Department took care of all my safe arrival planning. They booked my accommodation for the quarantine and post-quarantine period in a student residence, had a personal driver waiting for me at the airport to drive me to my new home and scheduled a nurse to visit me and do a COVID test after 14 days in Toronto.
The excellent ILAC service made me feel genuinely welcomed and supported at every step of preparation.
Here are some of the documents and forms ILAC provided me with to help me with my packing and smooth entry into Canada. Â
- ILAC Self-Isolation Packing Essentials List
- Transfer Guide & ILAC Pick-Up Sign
- Personalized Accommodation & Transfer Confirmation
- ILAC Health Screening MEMOTEXT Instructions (for online app which ILAC uses for monitoring your health every day)
- ILAC Document Checklist
In addition, I had to complete the following steps before I left my country*:
- Downloaded the free ArriveCAN mobile app
- Registered for the ILAC Health Screening MEMOTEXT 24 hours before my flight
- Took a COVID-19 test 72 hours before my flight
- Completed the ILAC Accommodation Consent Form
- Completed the International Student Quarantine Plan
I also had to get a SIM card to register my new temporary cell number for the ArriveCAN app.
Don’t forget emergency health insurance! ILAC works with guard.me to get the best rates and coverage for international students coming to Canada.
Tomorrow I’m travelling to Canada! Stay tuned to hear about my experience flying to and arriving in Toronto.
 *Currently, all travellers to Canada must book a government-approved hotel for 3 nights before their departure.