International Student Additional Resources

As a student, we understand that you are juggling many different financial responsibilities. Sometimes that can be a bit overwhelming and we all face financial challenges at times.  

It’s important to ensure you have food and groceries to sustain your health and well-being but often students will have food as a low priority.  Below is a list of food resources both on campus and in the community that you may find helpful if you are struggling with your monthly grocery bills.  If you have any questions about any of the supports or services listed below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at internationaladvisor@lakeheadu.ca

International students who have met the work eligibility on their study permit and with a Social Insurance Number (SIN) are encouraged to file a tax return to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the previous calendar year before April 30, even if they do not have any income. To learn more about income taxes in Canada, please visit the CRA website.

Filing taxes also determines your eligibility for government benefits (Federal and Provincial), refunds, and credits and to carry forward certain credits to reduce income tax owed in future years. Common credits international students are eligible for include tuition tax credit, goods and services tax (GST/HST) or Canada child benefit (CCB).

Most international students inside Canada on a study permit are considered residents of Canada for income tax purposes. If you want to determine your tax residency status as an international student,

please visit the Government of Canada website.

Filing Your Tax Return:

In Canada, the tax year runs from January 1st to December 31st of each year. The general deadline for filing an income tax return is April 30, the year after. 

If you are filing your tax return as an international student, please prepare the following documents (if applicable):

• Social Insurance Number (SIN): In most cases, you will need the SIN to file taxes in Canada. If you are an international student or a visiting student who is not eligible for a SIN, you must get an ITN (Individual Tax Number).

• T2202 (Tuition receipt): This tax form is to identify the number of months you attended university and the tuition you paid. You can download this from MyInfo on the Lakehead University website.

• T4: This form indicates your employment income and deductions. You should receive your T4 from your employer.

• T4A: This form is available for students who have received a taxable tuition waiver, teacher certificate, scholarship, or bursary in the tax year.

• Medical Receipt if you have paid out of your pocket

• Donation Receipt if you have donated to a Canadian Charity 

• Off-campus Rental Receipt if you are living off campus

• Public transit pass

Helpful Resources:

Thunder Bay Free Tax Clinic:  Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC)  administers a volunteer income tax clinic on behalf of the Canada Revenue Agency.

• Free Tax Clinic Nearby You
• EFile Certified Software
• CRA: Individual tax enquiries line
• Scam prevention and the CRA

Please note that International Student Advisors are not tax experts and cannot help file your tax return.  Please use the resources above, and we encourage students to attend our Tax information sessions.

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