FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How long will it take to get a student authorization?

A. It all depends. Usually speaking once you submit your application it should take between four to six weeks.

Q. What documents must I carry with me on arrival in Canada?

A.  Once you have all your papers and have arrived in Canada, you must show CIC officials the following documents:

• your student authorization (form IMM 1208),

• a valid passport,

• a valid visitor visa if required, and

• any letters or papers used to obtain your student authorization.

If any documents are missing or incorrect, you could be refused admission to Canada.

Q. Even though I'm eligible to apply for a student authorization at the port of entry (as a US citizen or from Greenland), is it still advisable to apply in advance? Will it save time on arrival?

A. Yes, it saves time if you apply in advance. 

Q. How much time will the medical exam add to processing?

A. In most cases, two to four weeks.

Q. Is there anything that I can do to speed up medical processing?

A: Set up your appointments as far in advance as possible. You could provide the examining physician  with a pre-paid courier envelope. Some students may not require a medical. It depends upon where you lived in the preceding year.

Q. How about  my own doctor if I can speed things up?

A. No, Citizenship and Immigration Canada only accept medical exam results from a Designated Medical Practitioner . 

Q. Do I need medical insurance before I come to Canada?

A: An immigration officer may request proof of your ability to pay for health insurance. Most major educational institutions have their own insurance plan for international students and will help you register and pay fees on arrival. It is very important to have medical insurance as health care can be very expensive.

Q. Is a photocopy of my proof of citizenship okay or do I have to send original documents?

A. Yes a photocopy is acceptable.

Q. Will an interview be necessary?

A. An interview is not always necessary. 

Q. What language is spoken in Canada?

A. Canada has two official languages: English and French. You will need to know one or the other to follow course lectures and reading assignments. Some post-secondary schools might ask you to take a language test. They may charge a fee for this test which you will have to pay yourself.

Language requirements are set by each school. School registrars can give you information on language requirements

Q. If I obtain conditional admission, will I still be eligible to receive a student authorization?

A. Yes, under most circumstances. 

Q. How do I change from a visitor’s visa to a student authorization while in Canada? 

A. To change your status from that of visitor to student, you need to submit an application for a student authorization at a visa office abroad.  

Q. Do I have to renew my authorization every year? How do I renew it?

A. In general, students will receive authorizations for the full period of their studies, e.g. three or four years. 

Q. Can my International Student Adviser (or institution) get information on the status of my application for a student authorization or renewal?

A. In most cases, no. 

Q. What kinds of work can I do in Canada, both volunteer and paid?

A. If you are a full-time student registered in a degree-granting course, you are allowed to work or volunteer on campus at the institution at which you are registered without requiring an employment authorization. 

Q. What can I do if my student authorization has been refused?

A. There is no appeal process.

Q. Are international students eligible for scholarships? What financial assistance is available to international students?

A. Yes international students are eligible for some scholarships. The majority of scholarships available are for Master's or Doctoral students.

Q. Do I need to prepay my tuition fees before arrival?

A. No, unless your institution requires it. 

Q. I am studying in Canada. If I want to change from a Bachelor's to a Master's Program do I need a new student authorization. If I want to change to a different university, do I need a new authorization?

A. You do not need to apply for a new authorization if you are moving from one university to another university regardless of change in level – unless your authorization specifies the name of your institution. If you are changing from a college to a university or vice-versa, you will require a new student authorization.

Independent Skilled Category: Statistics 1999 

Principle Applicants  from Top Ten Countries