Each year, thousands of students from across the globe come to Canada to learn, and many of these students decide immediately that owning a car so they can get from place to place is a necessity.

The public transportation system in Canada is fine and all, but it’s nothing like owning a car. So if you’re an international student who’s recently moved to Canada and you’re looking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle, you need to know how the process works.

Consider these simple tips so you can get a reliable, affordable car in Canada.

Step 1: Get Your SIN (Social Insurance Number)

International students must get a social insurance number when they come to Canada, and this number is also needed when a student applies for an auto loan.

This unique nine-digit number is issued by the Employment and Social Development Department in Canada. With it, you can work in Canada and receive benefits from the Canadian government.

You can apply for an SIN online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada office.

Documents required to get an SIN:

A study permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Visitor records issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

A note of permission of employment and a diplomatic identity card, both of which are issued by Trade and Development Canada, Global Affairs Canada, or Foreign Affairs.

Step 2: Obtain Your Driver’s License

To purchase a car in Canada, you’ll need a driver’s license and insurance. If you hold a valid license from your home country, you'll be permitted to drive for a short period, but eventually you’ll need a Canadian driver’s license.

If you’re from any of these countries—Europe, U.S., Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Northern Ireland, or the Isle of Man—obtaining a driving license is easier.

Otherwise, you'll need to take a vision test, a written test, and a road test, all of which will be administered by a state-appointed official.

Step 3: File Your Application For A Student Car Loan

For college students on a tight budget, used car financing services are better than traditional lenders because they can hook you up with a high-quality vehicle for a lower price and with an attractive interest rate.

Make sure you have the following documents when you go to a dealership:

Work/student permit

A bank statement or something similar to show you have regular income.

Getting a car loan is now as simple as four steps.

1. Fill in our online car loan application to give us some basic info about yourself; tell us the type of vehicle you want. You can get a car loan through us even if you have bad credit or no credit.

2. You can also use our Canada car loan calculator to know what your loan payments will be.

3. Our agent will contact you to confirm the details; then the car loan will be approved.

4. Select the car you want from our wide selection.

5. After you choose the car you want, test drive it, sign necessary documents, and make a down payment.

We’ll deliver the car to your door.

Just remember you need to get car insurance before you can buy in Canada; this is easy once you have a driver’s license.

At CarEvo, for years we have been helping students obtain affordable vehicle financing. With hundreds of cars to choose from, we’re a preferred business for those who need reliable car financing fast.

Author Bio

The author owns a car dealership in Dartmouth, Canada and they write bad credit car loans so individuals with less-than-stellar financial histories can purchase a vehicle to get around.