Travel Planning
Introduction
While you may not always have full control over your travel dates and flight routes, careful planning and timing can make your initial settlement in Saskatoon much easier and less stressful.
Considering a few important details in advance will help you complete key tasks efficiently and start your new life on the right foot.
Choosing Your Arrival Date
Arriving at the right time can significantly simplify essential tasks you'll need to complete after immigration, such as:
- Registering with newcomer support organizations
- Enrolling your children in school
- Setting up banking, healthcare, and other essential services
Access to public transportation is especially important during your first weeks, before you have a personal vehicle.
Arriving during cold seasons (fall and winter) can make commuting and errands more challenging due to harsh temperatures and heavy snowfall.
Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent Housing
- Most newcomers arrange short-term accommodation (lasting two weeks to two months) upon arrival.
- Afterward, you will need to transition to long-term housing and purchase essential household items.
- Accomplishing these tasks is much easier in mild weather—severe cold and heavy snow can make moving and shopping time-consuming and difficult.
Recommended Travel Timing
- If possible, plan your arrival between April and October.
- During this period, the weather is milder, and it is easier to get around and complete initial settlement tasks.
- If you are traveling for studies or under specific immigration timelines, you may have limited flexibility regarding your arrival date.
In these cases, advance preparation is even more important.
Choosing Your Flight Route
Given the starting point of Iran and the destination of Saskatoon, flight options are often limited. Consider the following:
Flights via the United States
- Iranian passport holders may not enter or transit through the U.S. without a valid U.S. visa.
Flights via Europe
- Some European countries require a transit visa for Iranian travelers.
- A few countries (such as Germany) do not require a transit visa if you hold a valid Canadian visa.
- Always check visa requirements for your chosen route before booking your ticket.
Booking a Continuous Itinerary to Saskatoon
- Book your entire journey from your origin to Saskatoon under a single reservation (itinerary).
- International flights from Iran to Canada usually allow two checked bags per passenger.
- Domestic Canadian flights often allow only one checked bag.
- If you book domestic flights separately, you may have to pay extra baggage fees.
- A continuous reservation ensures your luggage is transferred automatically to Saskatoon and helps you avoid extra costs and complications.
Tip: If you have extra luggage space, you can post in the Association's Telegram group to offer space for another newcomer's parcel (either free or for a small fee).
Conclusion
By carefully planning your arrival date and flight itinerary, you can ensure a smoother, easier, and less stressful transition to Saskatoon.
Attention to these important details will greatly assist you in settling quickly and completing essential tasks after arrival.