SAC

The Solidarité Afrique-Canada Foundation (SAC) is a community organization committed to building a more inclusive Canada where every immigrant, especially those from Black and racialized communities, finds their place and thrives.

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Preparing for your arrival in Canada: The ultimate guide to IRCC procedures by the SAC Foundation

Obtaining your study permit is the cornerstone of your Canadian project. At the SAC Foundation, we assist hundreds of students from African and racialized communities every year with this demanding administrative process. The first crucial step is obtaining a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Make sure your institution is on the official IRCC list! Once you have obtained this precious document, prepare your IRCC application with these essential documents:

Solid financial proof: Bank statements covering tuition fees + CAD 15,000/year (minimum requirement), certified scholarships, or notarized guarantee of financial support.
1. Passport valid for 6 months after the expected end of your studies
2. Completed IMM 1294 form
3. Medical certificate from a doctor approved by IRCC
4. Letter of intent (letter explaining your study plans and ties to your country of origin)
5. Proof of family/social ties in your country (to demonstrate your intention to return)
Beware of common pitfalls: Visa refusals often occur due to unclear financial evidence or a generic letter of intent. Our SAC advisors offer mock interviews and personalized file reviews.

After approval: Post-permit procedures

Has your study permit been approved? Congratulations! But the preparation continues:

- Apply for a CAQ (Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec) if you are studying in Quebec—this is mandatory before arrival.
- Take out health insurance: Mandatory in Quebec (RAMQ after a waiting period) or private provincial insurance elsewhere.
- Prepare for your arrival logistically:
- Book quarantine if necessary (check current health regulations)
- Have your original documents on hand (LA, permit, bank statements, diplomas)
- Register on the ArriveCAN app 72 hours before your flight

voyage


The crucial 48 hours after landing

Upon arrival:
- Present your documents to the immigration officer (study permit, CAQ, financial proof, accommodation certificate)
- Obtain your physical study permit at the airport (check for errors in dates/names!)
- Activate your health insurance on Day 1
- Contact your institution to confirm your arrival and open your student file

Our SAC support: Your safety net

“Without the SAC workshops, I would have forgotten to legalize my transcripts!” says Koffi, an Ivorian engineering student at ETS. Our specific program includes:

A personalized mentor from your field of study
Administrative assistance for your SIN, RAMQ, and bank account opening procedures
A student job guide with tips on how to avoid exploitation
Priority access to our solidarity closet (winter coats, computer equipment)

Mistakes to avoid at all costs

❌ Underestimating the actual cost of living (recommended budget: CAD 1,800/month in Montreal)
❌ Failing to have your diplomas officially translated (only services recognized by IRCC)
❌ Working more than 20 hours/week outside of academic breaks (risk of deportation)

“Preparing your application is like taking an intensive course: rigor is the key to success. At SAC, we transform administrative anxiety into peace of mind.”
— Fatimata Diallo, immigration advisor at SAC

✉️ Need help? Our team offers a free consultation: infos@fondationsac.org