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 Getting Approval
  

Immigration Requirements

 If you want to study in Canada, you must meet some important immigration requirements. You may require both a Student Authorization (also called a Student Visa) and a Visitor's Visa.

A student authorization is a form issued by an immigration officer. It allows you to come to, or remain in, Canada to take:
  • an English as a Second Language Program of more than three months;
  • an academic, professional or vocational training program at an approved college, university or other institution.
Student authorizations are not issued from within Canada. You must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) which is located at your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

CIC is a Canadian government department and operates independent of any Canadian educational institution. Official information on requirements for a student authorization may be obtained from a CIC office in Canada, a Canadian Embassy or Consulate overseas, and/or on their web site at http://www.ci.gc.ca/english/index.html.

In order to qualify for a student authorization, you must first receive a letter of acceptance from the College. After you have been accepted for a course of study, you must present this letter to the nearest Canadian government office and complete your applications for student authorization and visa. An officer there will tell you how to proceed and which of the following documents to obtain:
  • evidence of acceptance by the College;
  • evidence of your good character and, if applicable, a letter from your sponsor; certificate of medical clearance;
  • evidence of adequate funds to live and study in Canada, including return transportation;
  • your valid passport.
Unless you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you will need a passport to enter Canada and return to your own country, or another country, after your stay in Canada. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport is valid for the period of time you intend to remain in Canada and for your return home. Your visa will not be renewed without a valid passport.

Upon your arrival in Canada, immigration officers at the port of entry will ask to see the visa you received at the Canadian government office abroad, plus the documents you needed to obtain it. They will then issue your student authorization.

Your student authorization must be kept in your passport for presentation if required at a local immigration office, and during trips inside Canada as well as temporary absences from Canada. You are responsible for keeping your student authorization valid. The college International office will provide supporting documentation for you when you renew your authorization.

In addition, be sure to read the terms and conditions of your authorization. It will permit you to attend a particular institution for a specific period of time and course of study. Any changes in stated conditions may necessitate a new authorization. An application to Vary or Cancel Terms and Conditions of Admission (from IMM 1249) must be completed at the local Immigration office. Failure to report anticipated changes could put you in violation of immigration law and make you subject to removal from Canada.

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