Information for Visitors
- Visa and Employment Authorization
- Guides and Maps
- Settling in Toronto
- Getting Settled at U of T
- General Information
Visa and Employment Authorization
Visa - Citizenship and Immigration Canada has many resources including Visitor Services, which outlines regulations for entering Canada from various countries, and whether a visa is required.
Employment Authorization - For those expecting to be paid from Canadian sources while working in Canada, an Employment Authorization, must be obtained before you arrive if you want to work temporarily in Canada.
Guides and Maps
Visitor Guides - Also at Citizenship and Immigration Canada, “A Newcomer’s Introduction to Canada” is an informative publication.
Visit The University of Toronto’s Visitor Centre for information.
Maps and Directions
- Campus map
- Campus tour information
- For directions to our buildings at or near 10 King’s College Rd. (Also includes other visitor information).
- Parking at UofT
- The Government of Ontario’s Official Road Map of Ontario is excellent quality when printed out.
Settling in Toronto
Accommodation/Utilities - The Student Housing Service website includes lots of useful information. Follow the links to “Summer Residence” for U of T residence accommodation links; residences may be booked by visitors for stays from approximately May 10 - August 15. The Student Housing Service also has much information NOT available on their website. Go in person to the Koffler Student Services Centre, 214 College Street, Room 203, and pick up the lists “Temporary Accommodation” and “Other Housing Resources Available on the Web.”
Housing and General Information provides a housing link at http://www.facultyrelocation.utoronto.ca/accommodation/renting.html which covers renting a home (including web links to rental classifieds in Toronto newspapers), tenant rights, realtors, utilities (heat, hydro, phone and cable).
Housing information for visiting faculty can be found at http://www.library.utoronto.ca/newcomers/visitor_info.htm
Hotels in the area may be found through commercial websites toronto.com, or Show Me Toronto
Social Insurance Number and Banking
Social Insurance Number (SIN) - Apply as soon as possible after your arrival. You will need this to open a bank account and to allow the U of T to pay you.
Banking - Open a local bank account as soon as you have a found a place to live. You will need to bring two pieces of identification (one with photo), your Social Insurance Number, a copy of your letter of invitation from the professor, your home address and telephone number. If you are to be paid by U of T, ask the bank for some blank cheques; bring one to your supervisor’s Administrative Assistant.
There are several automated banking machines (ATMs) nearby, the closest being at the Koffler Student Services Centre, 214 College St., on the main floor just inside the St. George Street entrance.
Health Insurance/Services
- The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is mandatory for visitors and must be obtained within 30 days of arrival in Canada. Contact Human Resources through http://www.hrandequity.utoronto.ca/site3.aspx
- OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) is a Government of Ontario health insurance program. Coverage normally becomes effective three months after the date you establish residency in Ontario.
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario provides a “Doctor Search” which may be helpful in finding a physician.
- For health information or medical advice, Telehealth Ontario is a 24-hour free phone service staffed by registered nurses, operated by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Call 1-866-797-0000.
Getting Around Toronto
Public transportation - The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates subways, streetcars, light rail trains and buses within the Greater Toronto Area. For regional trips, other transit organizations provide services. For complete information, consult the City of Toronto’s web page on public transit at http://www3.ttc.ca/.
Driving in Canada - The Government of Ontario website provides all information related to driving in Canada.
Food Options
The majority of restaurants in the vicinity of ECE Dept. are to the south along College, Spadina, and Baldwin.
Food on U of T campus: http://www.food-beverage.utoronto.ca/site3.aspx
Restaurants in Toronto - The City of Toronto has a program for restaurants offering nutritious meals called Ontario’s Healthy Restaurant Program. There is a guide called “Eat Smart” and it is sorted by area. For the central Toronto area follow this link: http://www.toronto.ca/health/eatsmart/eatsmart.htm. There is also a “Dine Safe” program, where one can search restaurants for results of public health inspections, at http://app.city.toronto.on.ca/food2/index.jsp.
For restaurants by area, Show Me Toronto has a tour of different areas of the city, with lists of restaurants in each area.
Getting Settled at U of T
U of T Library Card - Take a letter signed by your supervisor to the Robarts Library (130 St. George Street), Reader Registration on the main floor.
Photocopying - With your supervisor’s permission you may use your supervisor’s machine, or, for large jobs, you may order copying from ECE Mail/Copying/Receiving office in basement room SFB540. Please note that charges are made to your supervisor’s research grant account. For personal copying, there are many copy shops along the south side of College Street between University and Spadina.
Mail/Courier - With your supervisor’s permission, you may mail or courier documents through the administrative assistant. Please note that charges for postage or courier are made to your supervisor’s research grant account. The administrative assistant will show you where received items may be picked up. Personal mail can be posted at the Canada Post office located in the U of T Bookstore, lower level, Koffler Student Services Building, 214 College St.
Fax - With your supervisor’s permission, and a code, you may send outgoing faxes on your supervisor’s group machine. Use our form for fax transmission.
Keys - Take a key form, signed by your supervisor, to Rosanna Reid downstairs in SFB580. You’ll need to have cash $20 (refundable deposit) for each key you want.
Forms for ECE Visitors - please get them from the supervisor’s admin assistant
Email account/internet access - Once you have a U of T library card, you can open a UTORDIAL account via internet at http://www.utoronto.ca/~ic/utormail and http://www.utoronto.ca/ic/internetaccess
International Student Centre (ISC) is located close to our department at 33 St. George St. It provides services and information mainly to students. However, for a nominal fee of $30.00, non-students can obtain a membership for one year. As a member of the ISC, you are eligible for information on matters such as immigration and documentation. You are also entitled to participate in a range of multicultural activities offered at the centre.
English Language Classes - English as a Second Language classes are available at U of T Continuing Studies. A more informal English Conversation Program Attachment is offered by the International Student Centre.
General Information
About Toronto
- Official City of Toronto Web Site: http://www.toronto.ca. Click on “Visiting Toronto”
- Show Me Toronto
Weather
- The Weather Network’s information about weather and climate
- Environment Canada offers a five-day forecast
