Settlement Services Canada vs USA: What International Students Actually Need

Moving to North America? Your first few weeks require navigating banking, housing, healthcare, and more. Here's how Canada and USA compare.

Banking: Opening Your First Account

Canada **Easier for international students:** - No SSN/SIN required initially - Student accounts often have no fees - Major banks: RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC

USA **More documentation required:** - SSN preferred (but not always required) - Some banks won't open without SSN - Major banks: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo

Winner: Canada (easier initial setup)

Healthcare Coverage

Canada **Public healthcare (most provinces):** - Free or low-cost after 3-month waiting period - Provincial health cards - Some provinces cover students immediately - University health insurance during waiting period

Costs: $0-$800/year depending on province

USA **Private insurance required:** - University plans: $1,500-$3,000/year - Must maintain coverage (visa requirement) - Covers most services but has deductibles

Costs: $1,500-$5,000/year

Winner: Canada (much lower healthcare costs)

Housing

Canada **Major cities are expensive:** - Toronto, Vancouver: $1,200-$2,500/month - Other cities: $700-$1,500/month - Rent control exists in some provinces - Finding housing without credit is challenging

USA **Varies widely by location:** - NYC, SF, LA: $1,500-$3,500/month - Other cities: $600-$1,500/month - No rent control in most states - Credit history needed for many rentals

Winner: Tie (depends on specific city)

Getting a Social Insurance/Security Number

Canada (SIN) - Apply immediately upon arrival - Required for legal work - Free to obtain - Process: 1-2 weeks - Apply at Service Canada

USA (SSN) - Can only apply with job offer - Required for work and taxes - Free to obtain - Process: 2-4 weeks - Apply at Social Security Administration

Winner: Canada (easier to obtain)

Phone and Internet

Canada **Generally more expensive:** - Mobile plans: $40-$80/month - Internet: $60-$100/month - Major carriers: Rogers, Bell, Telus

USA **More competitive pricing:** - Mobile plans: $30-$60/month - Internet: $40-$80/month - Major carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile

Winner: USA (lower costs)

Transportation

Canada **Public transit varies:** - Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver: Excellent - Other cities: Decent to poor - Student passes: $70-$120/month

USA **Car culture dominates:** - NYC, Chicago, DC: Good transit - Most cities: Car recommended - Student passes where available: $50-$100/month

Winner: Tie (depends on city)

Cost of Living Summary

*Costs vary significantly by city*

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