Centre for International Experience (CIE)
U of T’s Centre for International Experience is the main hub for international students. They offer a range of services and programs to support your transition to U of T.
Here is a roadmap for international students all the way from pre-arrival documents to transitioning out of university. Throughout the summer, the CIE offers online Q & A sessions about documents required to enter Canada. You can also find information about immigration, the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), and more.
You can also schedule online appointments with Immigration Advisors at the Centre for International Experience should you have any questions related to your study permit.
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) provides mandatory health care coverage for registered international and exchange students in Canada. As a registered international student, you’ll be automatically enrolled in UHIP for a 12-month period. For more information on UHIP, you can attend the Health Services Overview or the UHIP 101 events organized by the CIE.
CIE offers several programs for meeting with international advisors or peer mentors. If you have questions, why not ask upper years who have gone through the same transition? Schedule a one-on-one chat via Career and Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx) with International Student Experience (ISE) Ambassadors! They’re current U of T international students who’re here for you.
For help with anything related to your study or work permit, you should connect with International Student Immigration Advisors (ISIAs). They can clarify document requirements, answer your questions in Q&A sessions, and locate additional appropriate services and resources. You can also reach out to them throughout the academic year as your academic success is connected to your study-permit.
Faculty of Applied Engineering and Science (FASE)
EngSci’s Academic Advisor for International Students
Irma Berardi, the academic advisor for first- and second-year international students, can refer you to different supports, such as immigration advisors or mentorship programs tailored to international students. She can help you grow your intercultural understanding and global awareness through exploring your cultural and global identity, recognizing how culture impacts behavior and expectations, and applying frameworks of intercultural communication in team collaboration.
Academic Advisor, Years 1 and 2 (International)
E-Buddy Program
In this program, upper-year engineering peer mentors provide support to you through structured workshops and events. You can ask them about anything, and they’re more than happy to share their experiences. Register for online E-Buddy workshops and summer meetups here.
Protect Yourself From Scams
It’s important to protect yourself from scams that target international students.
- Don’t take calls from unknown callerIDs, email display names, or email addresses at face value. Scammers can make their communications appear legitimate by displaying names such as “Police” or a University of Toronto email address.
- Treat any email claiming that you owe money and must transfer funds immediately with caution. Official institutions do not use threatening language or pressure you into making quick decisions.
- The University of Toronto, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and government officials will never request payment through cryptocurrency or other online currencies.
- Canadian banks, government, and other institutions will never send you a link by text or email. Do not click on anything unless you are 100% sure that it is legitimate. When in doubt, contact the institution directly using contact info you know is correct.
- If you suspect something is fraudulent, stop all contact immediately. Ask for the person’s employee identification number, then independently look up the official contact information for the institution and contact them directly. Campus Safety can also be a valuable resource in determining whether an email or communication is fraudulent.
- If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to the relevant institution.
Read more about common scam scenarios and how to respond through the community safety office.