Global Pre-Arrival Support Advising

The Global Pre-Arrival Support Advisors (GPS Advisors) support new graduate and undergraduate international students, as well as incoming out of country Canadian students, in navigating each step of the pre-arrival process from acceptance, to study permit applications, to registration and beyond.

The GPS Advisors can assist you with navigating...

General information:

Financial Planning
Course Registration
Health Insurance
Arriving in Canada
Housing

Immigration-related information:

Initial study permit applications and PALs (Provincial Attestation Letters)
Co-op Work Permits
Temporary Resident visas (TRV) / Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA)
Work eligibility as an international student
Other immigration-related support

Book an Appointment

Email gpsadvisor@uoguelph.ca

Drop-In Advising

The Global Pre-Arrival Support Advisors are available for drop-in advising appointments on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (ET), with the exception of statutory holidays.

Your drop-in session will be one-on-one. You may join the meeting anytime during the drop-in hour, and you will enter a virtual waiting room. The GPS Advisors will admit you on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Join using Zoom

Get to know the Global Pre-Arrival Support Advisors

Cee Liang

Hello Future Gryphons! My name is Cee Liang and I am one of your Global Pre-Arrival Support Advisor at the University of Guelph. As a former international student, I know how exciting and sometimes overwhelming it can be to navigate the process of starting a new chapter in a different country. It is important to learn information on study permits, course registration, housing, finances, and to understand all the deadlines before arriving to campus.

My goal is to make your transition to begin your studies at U of G as smooth as possible. Let’s make this journey unforgettable together!

Madhulika Potukuchi

Hello Future Gryphons! My name is Madhu, and I'm one of your Global Pre-Arrival Support (GPS) Advisors at the University of Guelph. Moving to a new country as a student is exciting, but it also involves planning and gathering important information. I can support you with immigration advising, financial planning, and understanding your health insurance options. Remember: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

You’ve made an excellent choice by choosing the University of Guelph. Now, it's all about taking those first steps toward a future filled with opportunities. I look forward to connecting with you!

What is an Advisor?

Wondering what the difference is between the GPS Advisor and the Counsellors in Counselling Services?

An Advisor is a staff member who provides information about the many supports and resources available to students. The Advisor can guide students and assist in navigating the university system. This includes direct support as well as facilitating connections with other campus or community services, explaining and clarifying institutional policies, and describing overarching expectations of students.

Students can also access Counselling Services through Student Wellness.