Inbound Visitors

From the Government of Canada:

• Travel information
• Visa processing times
• ArriveCan (instructional video)

Before starting work, visiting scholars paid by Carleton University must follow the new employee documentation process (see drop-box for International Students and Temporary Workers).

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

• UHIP for international visitors
• About UHIP
• UHIP FACT SHEET 2024

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

• Apply for OHIP if eligible

Please note: visiting researchers should have sufficient travel insurance for the entire period that they are in Canada.

• Getting tested in Ottawa
• Self-isolation instructions
• Ottawa Covid-19 News

• First days in Ontario
• Living in Ottawa
• Service Canada
• Getting an Ontario Photo ID
• Mental health resources

Please note that this list was compiled by Carleton International for the purpose of general information. It is not ordered by recommendation as we have not inspected or seen locations. It is up to the client to contact the appropriate person with any questions or concerns. Also note that the cost of housing rentals in Ottawa is always changing. Finding housing might take longer than expected and be aware of internet scams and fraud.

Looking for the best place to start? Check out our Off-Campus Housing 101 checklist.

On-campus housing at Carleton is available during the summer term, between mid-May and mid-August only. These accommodations are booked through Carleton’s Conference Services. Please visit the Conference Services website for more information and to book your stay.

You may want to inquire about short or longer term summer availability with St.Paul University residences located near Carleton.  https://stayrcc.com/locations/ottawa-downtown/

Off Campus Housing:

• Listings
• Advice and cautions
• Ottawa Neighborhoods Google Map

Additional Off Campus Listings:

• CUASA (Carleton Faculty Union)
• APUO (uOttawa Faculty Union)
• Airbnb
• Kijiji Ottawa
• Rent Seeker
• Rentals
• SabbaticalHomes

Depending on the nature of your stay in Canada, you may be required to open a temporary bank account. Although you can open a temporary bank account at any bank that is convenient for you, we recommend the a Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) branch closest to campus, at 1145 Bank Street.

To open an account, please call to book an appointment with an advisor. You may call the bank at 613-564-5338 to set up a profile and book an appointment. You will need to bring your passport, along with your Work Permit or Visitor Record if you received these, your Letter of Invitation from Carleton, proof of address, and your Carleton ID card. The process will take approximately half an hour. Note that you will need to also close the account at the end of your visit if you are not extending your stay or planning to return to Canada.

However, you are free to use any bank that you want in Canada. Some other options include:

• TD Canada Trust
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)
• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
• HSBC Canada

Bus Pass

The metro system in Ottawa is called OC Transpo. You can pay directly on the bus, but the easiest way to get around is with a bus pass, what we call a Presto card.

There are a number of ways to get a Presto card. You can visit one of their service center locations, including the one at the Rideau Centre, the main shopping mall downtown. You can also visit certain retail stores in Ottawa, such as Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart. Alternatively, you can order a card online or by phone. It can take up to 10 business days for your card to ship.

Please note that visiting researchers are not eligible for a U-Pass (a student bus pass) because they are not registered in any courses.

Taking the Bus

To plan your trip or to find bus schedules, please visit the OC Transpo website.

Bus routes that currently come through Carleton include the 2, 7, 10, and 111. There are three main stops on campus, which you can find using this map.

• Campus Avenue (near Minto Center – MC)
• University Drive (near Athletics Building – AC)
• Raven Road (near Nesbitt Biology Building – NB)

Taking the O-Train 

Ottawa’s light-rail service, the O-Train (line 2) also passes through campus and is a fast way to get around the city. You can find more information on O-Train services and a map of the network here. The Presto card is also used for the O-Train.

See information on OC Transpo fares here.