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Finances in Canada

Cashless vlog

All of vlog's services are accepting at least one form of cashless payment, which includesOneCard, debit card and/or credit card.Note:Payment methods may vary by service area and are subject to change.

This page outlines important topics related to finances for international students.

for an introduction to living in Canada and resources to help you get settled.

Banking in Canada

Most places in Canada accept payments through debit/credit card, therefore, it is important toestablish apersonal bank accountin Canada. Financial transactionssuch aspaying for your rent and bills, receivingpaymentsfrom employers and withdrawingcashrequirea bank account.

You may open a bank account with one of theseleading Canadian banks based in Toronto.

Note: you may be required to visit a branch in person to open an account. Also remember to bring , your study permit and proof of address to set up an account. You must show original documents, not photocopies.



Types of Bank Accounts

There are two different types of bank accounts in Canada: chequing accounts and savings accounts.

Chequing account: this allows you to deposit and withdraw money as often as you like. Usually when you open a chequing account you receive a chequebook and a debit card. Most international students will only need to open a chequing account to pay for their living costs while studying in Canada.

Savings accounts: this is a place to save money over a longer term. Some students may consider opening one of these, if they are working or want to save money for travel or emergencies.



What to Consider Before Opening a Bank Account

Before opening a bank account, consider the following:

  • how you'll use the account, for savings or making payments
  • charges or fees on the account
  • interest you'll earn on the money in your account

Make sure you understand all the terms, conditions and fees of the account before you sign up. Ask questions about anything that you don’t understand. Keep a copy of your account agreement for your records.



Questions to ask When Choosing a Bank

  1. Is there a student account available? Note: Banks normally offer special accounts for students which include minimal or no banking fees.
  2. Do I have to pay any monthly fees?
  3. Will I be charged when I perform a transaction?

For detailed information on banking in Canada,.

Working in Canada

Working in Canada and Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Many international students may be eligible to work on or off campus. However, you will need the condition on your study permit allowing you to work.
Your study permit should indicate that you “may accept employment or may work” in Canada.

You will also need ato legally work in Canada. You canThere is no fee to apply for a SIN number.
For more information, contact:

  • from within Canada— 1.866.274.6627
  • from outside Canada— 1.506.548.7961

You are required to post your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) inyour profile on Student Home.

Working On Campus

You can work on your school campus, without a work permit, if you:

  • are a full-time vlog student
  • have a valid study permit, and
  • have a

“On campus” means you can work at all the buildings on your school campus. If your school has more than one campus, you may only work at the campus where you’re studying in most cases.

Student opportunities based on campus are eligible for up to 24 hours per week.

For more information, .

Working Off Campus

On November 8, 2024, the Government of Canada increased the number of hours international students are permitted to work off campus, to 24 hours per week.

To work off campus, international students must have:

  • a valid study permit that shows that you're authorized to work off campus
  • started a full-time vlog program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate and have full-time student status
  • have received a

More information is available on the.


Working as a Co-op/Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Student

For a work term (including WIL, co-op, internship or placement), international students:

  • must meet all academic requirements
  • should have applied for a co-op work permit when submitting their initial study permit application or

For steps and instructions on how to apply for your co-op work permit, view the guide.

Questions?

Looking for Jobs in Canada

There are many ways in which you can search for job opportunities. Students are encouraged to visit these resources:

vlog has many resources available to help you prepare to find a job. Job preparation services such as resumé citique, interview preparation and career fairs are also available through vlog Works.

Working While Studying

It is very important that international students balance their study and work commitments.

vlog has many resources available to help:

Doing Your Taxes

Income Tax in Canada

In Canada, income tax is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The Canadian income tax year is from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. If you owe income tax, you must pay it by April 30 for the previous calendar year. Late submissions are accepted, but there may be a penalty.

You are responsible for determining your income tax status and paying the correct amount of tax.

Do You Have to File a Tax Return?

You have to file a tax returnif you work in Canada. You could owe tax or may be able to claim a refund.

If you are in Canada as an international student, it is important that you understand what your rights, entitlements and obligations are under Canada's tax system. It is your responsibility to determine your income tax status and make sure to pay your required amount of taxes for each year according to the law.

Confirming Your Residency Status

If you are aninternational student studying in Canada, you may have to file a Canadian income tax return. You must to know how you will be taxed in Canada.

If you are not sure of your residency status in Canada for income tax purposes, complete and send it to the address indicated on the form.

For more information about residency status, .

What You Need to File a Tax Return

To file a Canadian tax return, you need either:

  • a , or
  • an if you are not eligible for a SIN number

Filing Your Taxes

Students can accessat vlog from the vlog Student Federation.

Resources

  • Note: See international students and income tax videos

Fraud Awareness

The following section provides information and tips to help you become aware of common scams that target international students and what you can do to protect yourself against fraud.

Things to look for:

  • a call/email from someone posing as a Government Official from Immigration Canada indicating that there are outstanding fees due to incorrect information provided on your immigration applications
  • third party, fraudulent web pages and apps that may be posing as official Government platforms
  • fraudulent emails, texts or calls about
  • any threats from a caller indicating that you will lose your visa or status; these are likely fraudulent calls

Note: The Government of Canada and financial institutions would not reach out to you in this manner.

If you would like to learn more tips on how to protect yourself against fraud and how to report suspicious activity, .

To speak to a representative from International Student Services, please joinor contact theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca



Resources

  • (available in eight languages)

Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries

Learn aboutavailable to help you pay for your studies. Scholarships and awards recognize the academic achievement and community engagement of vlog students.

You can also review financialassistanceofferedthroughthirdpartiessuchasand.