Practical advice for newcomers and international students in Montreal.
A Practical Local Guide for Newcomers and International Students
Complete landing handbook for Québec international students: CAQ‑study‑permit rules, health insurance, OPUS transit card, housing scams, banking‑SIN, winter prep and 72‑hour checklist.
Full landing guide for banking in Montreal: required documents, banking without permanent address, SIN‑bank‑account relation, no‑fee student accounts, transfer and currency‑exchange warnings.
How to enroll in Quebec's public health insurance (RAMQ): the 3-month waiting period, temporary insurance requirement, required documents, appointment, card delivery and renewal. Full guide for newcomers and international students.
Quebec's French-language law in plain English: business obligations, signage, labour law, impact on international students and government services in French. What every newcomer needs to know.
French and English school boards, enrollment process, welcome classes, required documents, school transportation. Complete guide for families settling in Montreal.
How to get your OPUS card, student rates, monthly passes, reloading, STM metro and bus. Everything you need to get around Montreal.
Long parka, snow boots, thermal layers, tuque, mittens: the complete checklist of clothing and gear to buy locally to survive Montreal winters.