Studying in a new country is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but you are not alone. We are so pleased you have chosen to study with us at Mohawk College. Whether you are feeling excited, nervous, or full of anticipation, we are here to support you every step of the way as you begin this incredible journey. But, before your new adventure begins there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure a smooth arrival. From preparing your documents to planning your travel, please take these steps to help you get ready to start with confidence!
Step 1: Confirm your Visa status with us
Congratulations on obtaining your visa approval. This information is important to share with us so we can support your pre-registration for your studies.
Please log in to the OCAS International Application Service (IAS) and follow these steps:
- Click on your offer and indicate “Visa Received” to provide your documents.
- Keep in mind that if you submitted your student visa when you applied, you will still need to complete this step.
We send OCAS login information at the time of application; however, if you are using one of our authorized education agents, your login details will be sent after you have made your tuition payment.
Can't Login to OCAS?
- If you know your username but your password has expired, contact OCAS Support
- If you don’t know your username and password, or the username is not recognized on the OCAS-IAS system
- Contact our international admissions team
- If you are working with an authorized education agent, please connect with them directly for support.
Once this step is complete, you will receive a welcome message directly from the international admissions team. This message has important information on how to confirm your study status and pre-register for your studies.
Step 2: Attend the Mohawk College Transition to Canada Webinar series
Our arrivals and transition team has created a webinar series to help support your journey to Canada. During these webinars you will learn all the information you need to know about arriving in Canada, studying at Mohawk and registering for your classes. arrivals [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Contact us) if you have any questions about the webinars or would like to meet with our Arrivals Coordinator!
Our Transition to Canada webinar series includes an initial two-part series of Campus Compass 1 and 2, and additional sessions specific to Housing, Healthcare and Employment.
Step 3: Book your Flight to Canada
The closest international airport to Hamilton is Toronto International Airport (airport code YYZ). While you can arrive in Canada at any point after your visa is approved and before classes begin. Please allow yourself a reasonable amount of time to settle into your new life before starting to study. It is recommended that you arrive at least 2 to 3 weeks before the start of classes.
Important! Arriving after the semester starts may result in your inability to start courses for your intended term or refusal of entry to Canada.
Step 4: Review the Living in Canada Site
Living in a new country is an exciting part of your international student journey. To help you settle in we have compiled helpful information on housing, healthcare, getting a phone, and resources for students arriving with children. You’ll find all of this and so much more on our Living in Canada website. We are here to help you adjust to your life in your new home away from home.
What to Pack: Here is our list of recommendations on what items you should pack.
Step 5: Meet your new classmates!
Why wait until you are on campus to start making friends? Download the Goin’ app and connect with other incoming Mohawk College students who are also getting ready for their new life in Hamilton. Join conversations, share your interests, and begin building your social network before you leave home.
You are all ready to head to Canada. Check out the next steps in your journey:
