York International - International Students

As an international or exchange student, it is important for you to be aware of immigration regulations governing your stay in Canada.

Students usually have two documents issued by Canadian Immigration:

Study Permit
- Gives student permission to undertake academic study in Canada. Required for students in programs that are longer than six (6) months in duration.
Temporary Resident Visa
- Gives student permission to enter Canada. Not required by all nationalities. A full listing of which countries require entry visas is listed on the Canada Immigration website. A full application package for a temporary resident visa can be downloaded from the Immigration website.

First-time Study Permit Applicants

For students who will be applying for their documents for the first time, they will need apply to the local Canadian Embassy or Consulate, outside Canada. There is also an online full listing of Canadian Consulates and Embassies abroad.

Students applying for a new permit will need to submit a copy of their York acceptance letter and proof of financial support for at least one year of academic study (approximately $20,000). A full outline of what is required for a Study Permit is available online.

Extending Study Permits

Applications for extensions of Study Permits are applied for within Canada, to Vegreville Alberta. As of 2009, students have the option to extend their study permits either online or by mailing their application and document checklist to Vegreville, Alberta. Students whose study permit will be expiring are recommended to apply to extend their document 60-90 days in advance.

Students will be required to show proof of their status at York (letter from Registrar's Office), proof of their status in Canada (copy of valid study permit), and proof of financial support for at least one year of academic study (approximately $20,000). A full document checklist is available with the application package.

Note: If you are an international student with transfer credits or have completed post-secondary studies before coming to York, you may need a customized letter from the Registrar's office. Please visit York International (200 York Lanes) to speak to an advisor regarding the process involved..

A full application package can be downloaded from the Immigration website.

Students should not leave Canada while their Study Permit extension is in process.

Once you have applied to extend your study permit, and as long as you applied prior to its expiry, you have “implied status” until the decision of your application is sent to you.

Please note that Canada Immigration will not extend a Study Permit past the expiry date of your Passport.

Restoration of Status

If you fail to apply to extend your Study Permit prior to its expiry, you have 90 days to Restore your Status and apply for the extension. Restoration of Status costs an additional $200. If you fail to renew your Study Permit within 90 days of its expiry you will have no status in Canada, and could be subject to a removal order by Canada Immigration.

Please be sure to check the dates on your documents and apply for extensions within adequate time.

Changing Institutions & Study Permits

Effective January 31, 2005, students can now transfer institutions and programs of study without applying for a change to the conditions of their study permit. More information about this policy change can be found on the immigration website.

General Tips

Keep copies of all your important documents in a separate location from the originals.
When submitting documents to immigration, keep a copy of your full application package.
Send your application via courier, and record the confirmation number in a safe place.

Questions

If you have general questions regarding immigration, or other issues, please contact York International.

Immigration Resources - Canada

Citizenship & Immigration Canada

Webpage: www.cic.gc.ca

Call Centre: 1-888-242-2100

A checklist of documents you should make sure to have with you when entering Canada can be found on the Pre-Arrival page.

Non-Immigrant Visa - USA

The U.S. Consulate in Toronto - Visa Information Webpage