International Orientation
Welcome to an exciting new chapter! The International Education team proudly offers a series of sessions designed to help new students have a smooth and successful start to each semester. These sessions are carefully crafted to guide you as you settle into life in Canada, begin your studies at the College, and become an integral part of our vibrant Okanagan College community. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Please note that there are three mandatory components to the International Orientation.
Attendance at all sessions is REQUIRED for all new international students.
Be sure to register for these sessions and contact us for more information at inted@okanagan.bc.ca. We look forward to welcoming you!
Spring 2026 International Orientation Program
To ensure a successful start to your journey at Okanagan College, we’ve organized a series of mandatory sessions to help you prepare, settle in and connect with your new community.
Below are the upcoming mandatory sessions:
| Sessions | Date/Time | Location | Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual International Student Orientation | Wednesday, April 8, 4-6PM (PST) | Zoom | This essential session provides key information on must-know platforms, immigration advising, early arrival medical insurance, entry requirements, packing tips, and more, ensuring a smooth transition to Okanagan College and life in Canada. | |
| In-Person Orientation | Kelowna: Friday, May 1, 9AM | Each campuses | Explore your campus, meet your classmates, and explore your new community! This day is all about making connections, getting local tips, and feeling at home at OC, plus fun activities and campus tours. | |
| Vernon & Penticton: TBC |
Below are the completed sessions:
| Sessions | Date/Time | Location | Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I’ve Applied, Now What? | Teams Meeting | Closed | Get insider tips on admissions, application status, housing, and financial planning. Perfect for those still finalizing their OC plans. | |
| Plan Ahead Virtual Session | Zoom | Closed | Step-by-step support on how to register for classes, build your timetable, and use “Plan Ahead.” All students should have received an email with the registration link. *Trades and ESL students do not need to attend the Plan Ahead session, as registration will be handled by the College. | |
| OC Ready – Summer 2026 Online Prep Course | Completion deadline: TBC | Moodle | This self-paced course gives you a deeper dive into life in Canada and what to expect at OC. It covers important topics like cultural adjustment, daily life, medical insurance, and academic expectations, things not fully covered in the live orientation sessions. |
Fall 2026 International Orientation Program
To ensure a successful start to your journey at Okanagan College, we’ve organized a series of mandatory sessions to help you prepare, settle in and connect with your new community.
Below are the upcoming mandatory sessions:
| Sessions | Date/Time | Location | Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual International Student Orientation | TBC | Zoom | This essential session provides key information on must-know platforms, immigration advising, early arrival medical insurance, entry requirements, packing tips, and more, ensuring a smooth transition to Okanagan College and life in Canada. | |
| In-Person Orientation | Kelowna: TBC | Each campuses | Explore your campus, meet your classmates, and explore your new community! This day is all about making connections, getting local tips, and feeling at home at OC, plus fun activities and campus tours. | |
| Vernon & Penticton: TBC |
Below are the completed sessions:
| Sessions | Date/Time | Location | Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I’ve Applied, Now What? | Teams Meeting | Closed | Get insider tips on admissions, application status, housing, and financial planning. Perfect for those still finalizing their OC plans. | |
| Plan Ahead Virtual Session | Zoom | Closed | Step-by-step support on how to register for classes, build your timetable, and use “Plan Ahead.” All students should have received an email with the registration link. *Trades and ESL students do not need to attend the Plan Ahead session, as registration will be handled by the College. | |
| OC Ready – Fall 2026 Online Prep Course | Completion deadline: TBC | Moodle | This self-paced course gives you a deeper dive into life in Canada and what to expect at OC. It covers important topics like cultural adjustment, daily life, medical insurance, and academic expectations, things not fully covered in the live orientation sessions. |
Campus Wide Orientation
The college-wide orientation will be held at the start of September at each campus.
For more information, please visit Orientation.
Pre-arrival guide
- Submit your study permit application to IRCC and check processing time
- Inform your Recruitment Specialists as soon as you receive a decision about your study permit application
- Research and plan your accommodation options * Kelowna student housing application - apply 6 months or more in advance
- Register for courses - "How to Register" guide
- Check programs start dates and orientation dates before you plan your travel
- Download the iCent App
Please arrive to your campus before the in-person orientation events and try not to travel on days when the virtual orientations are scheduled.
* If you are traveling several months before your studies begin, be prepared to give detailed explanations and supporting documents in case airline or border officers ask. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer you meet at the airport/border crossing will make the final decision on whether or not you are admissible to Canada.
*Remember, you will not be allowed to work in Canada until you have begun full-time studies and you meet the requirements.
- Register for the International Student Orientation:
- Pre-arrival Info session (1 month before classes start)
- Virtual Orientation (3 weeks before classes start)
- Campus Specific In-person Orientation (a few days before classes start)
- Update your emergency contact in the MyOkanagan student portal
- Pay your deposit (tuition and fees) before the deadline
- Purchase early arrival medical insurance – www.guard.me/oc
- Attend the International Campus Specific In-person Orientation
- Join the OC Campus Wide Orientation at your campuses
- Apply for your BC Medical
- Check out your Campus Map to find your classrooms