Pre- and Post-Arrival Guides

Pre-Arrival Guide

(If you live in China, you can watch this video on Youku)

We look forward to meeting you in Winnipeg. Please know that you won’t be alone in your journey. As an international student, you’ll have access to a wide range of support provided by the college, but prior preparation will be crucial to your success.

Apply for a Visa

One of the first steps is to apply for a study permit, temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA). In addition to your application, you’ll need a letter of acceptance from Red River College Polytechnic, a valid passport with two photos and proof that you have the funds to support yourself while in Canada. For more information, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

Prepare for Your Port of Entry

When you arrive at your Canadian port of entry, you’ll need to show border services:

• Port of entry letter of introduction (issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
• Letter of acceptance (issued by Red River College Polytechnic)

Then you’ll be issued a study permit, which you should carefully review before leaving the airport.

Get Here Early

We recommend you arrive in Winnipeg at least two weeks before your program starts. This will give you time to explore your surroundings, set up a bank account and confirm transportation and accommodations, as well as purchase food, furnishings and books.

Please note that students should not plan to arrive in Canada more than 30 days prior to their program start date, or they may be denied entry at the border.

Many overseas flights fill up quickly for August and December departures.

Arrange Accommodation

Many international students choose to live in homestays with local families or dorm rooms at the college’s student residence. To review our accommodation guide, please visit this page.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Before leaving your home country, make sure you have the following:

• Your passport
• Valid visa
• Acceptance letter
• Port of entry introduction letter
• Emergency contact information from your home country
• Accommodations info (including the name, address and phone number where you’ll be staying)
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Some Canadian currency
• Electrical converters
• Travel insurance
• Medications

Do Some Research

We recommend you do some research before arriving on topics such as:

• College services and supports
• Housing and transportation
• Budget preparation
• Employment opportunities
• Recreational, cultural and religious options

We also encourage you to read our Getting Ready for College guide, and the Manitoba government’s international student website.

Get Ready for Your College Experience

Additional tuition payments can be made in advance to the college for visa approval purposes or before you depart for Canada. Please review our accepted payment methods.

As you begin this exciting new stage of your journey, our goal is to help you succeed in your studies and adjust to your new life. We look forward to meeting you when you arrive. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact us at intled@rrc.ca.

Have a safe trip. We’ll see you soon!

Post-Arrival Guide

(If you live in China, you can watch the video on Youku)

Welcome to Winnipeg. We’re excited to show you what life here is like, and we’re here to help you as you get settled in. Follow this checklist, and you’ll be on your way.

STEP 1 – College and Program Orientation Sessions

College and program orientation sessions will help you learn about resources and support services offered to students. They’re also a great way to meet fellow students and college staff. Many programs hold their own orientations before classes begin.

After you’ve landed:

• Email your admissions officer to let them know that you have successfully arrived in Winnipeg. 
• Contact your International Student Support Coordinator  (iesupport@rrc.ca) with any questions you have about getting settled in Winnipeg.

STEP 2 – HUB Account

Your Red River College Polytechnic HUB account gives you 24-hour access to your academic history, registration status, account balances and more. Activate your account with your student ID at either the International and Immigrant Student Support (Room D210, Notre Dame Campus) or a Student Service Centre.

Your RRC Polytech HUB (WebAdvisor) is your online student account. If you do not have access to RRC Polytech HUB, please email international@rrc.ca.

STEP 3 – Program Fees

Program fees are due on the first day of each term. Payments can be made in person at a Student Service Centre, or by credit card through your RRC Polytech HUB account. Please review our accepted payment methods.

Included in your total fees, you’ll find the international student health insurance and the extended health and dental coverages. They are administered through the RRC Polytech Students’ Association.

STEP 4 – Student Photo ID card

Your student photo ID card is required to use computer labs and gyms, to access campuses after hours, to write exams or to borrow materials from the library. Get your student photo ID card at a Student Service Centre or online and don’t forget to bring your passport.

STEP 5 – Campus Store

Our campus stores stock all required course materials, including new and used books, e-books and supplies. Most are available for purchase before term start. You can also make purchases online. You can rent a locker through one of our campus stores or online.

STEP 6 – Bank Account

Open a bank account as soon as you arrive so you have a safe place for your money. Many banks offer accounts with privileges for students. You’ll need to bring your ID and you may need to make an appointment in advance. See information about banks and Credit Unions in Manitoba.

STEP 7 – Transportation

Full-time students get a discount on monthly bus passes sold at our campus student stores. If you plan to drive while in Manitoba, you’ll need to visit Manitoba Public Insurance. 

STEP 8 – Mobile Phone

Set yourself up with a cellphone. Research which service provider offers the best plan for your needs. If you’re bringing a phone with you from home, contact your current provider first to make sure it will work in Canada. Major providers include Bell MTS, Rogers, and Telus.

STEP 9 – Social Insurance Number

You’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for one by providing your passport and study permit in person at a Service Canada Centre. Visit servicecanada.gc.ca to learn more or to download an application.

STEP 10 – Internship/Co-op

If your program has an internship or work experience component, you’ll need a co-op work permit. If you don’t receive one at your port of entry, you can apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. For all other inquiries, please contact us at iesupport@rrc.ca or 204.632.2143.

Welcome to Red River College Polytechnic!

We’re happy to have you here and look forward to providing every assistance in helping you succeed.