Visas and Permits
Immigration Requirements
An international student is a student who comes to Canada, on a temporary basis, for the purpose of pursuing an accredited course of study. In order to study in Canada, international students require a Study Permit, and in some cases a Visitor's Visa, issued by Canada Immigration Authorities outside of Canada. Students who are either Canadian Citizens or who have Permanent Residence Status are not considered International students regardless of their country of origin.
If you are a Landed Immigrant or Permanent Resident you are NOT considered an international student and are exempt from the international student fees. You may need to satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirements . To see if this applies to you, please contact the program you are interested in applying to.
The Government of Canada requires students who are neither citizens nor Permanent Residents to obtain a Study Permit (and in some cases a Visitor's Visa) to study in Canada for a period of longer than six months. Applications for Study Permits must be made at Canadian Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates, outside Canada. For more information, check out: http://www.cic.gc.ca/
American citizens or Permanent Residents can apply for a Study Permit at the point of entry into Canada.
In order to obtain a Study Permit you must satisfy all the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations, including the intention to remain in Canada only for the period of the duration of your studies.
Obtaining a Study Permit
To obtain a Study Permit all students must:
- Be accepted by an approved institution into a full-time accredited program. The Letter of Admission issued by the University of Calgary provides this information.
- Have evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and, if applicable, accompanying dependents, and return transportation. Immigration will need proof that you have access to $10,000 annual living expenses, tuition and an additional $4000 for each dependent.
- Depending on your country of origin you may be required to have a medical examination.
- Pay the Study Permit application fee of $125 Canadian.
- Have a valid Passport.
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Provide any additional information required by Canadian Immigration Authorities.
Please keep in mind that immigration procedures can take several months, so we advise students to begin the application process well in advance. Do NOT come to Canada as a visitor if you intend to remain to study. Remember you cannot change your status from within Canada. For further information of Study Permits, please click here .
For further questions on immigration and your Study Permit, please contact your local Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Check out this internet address for information on Canada Immigration: http://www.cic.gc.ca .
Working in Canada
Can International Students work in Canada?
Canada Immigration allows full-time international students to work PART-TIME ON CAMPUS in a variety of jobs. Students can look for employment once they arrive on campus.
Spouses of students are permitted to work in Canada during the time that their spouse is studying. The working spouse will require an Employment Authorization, which can be obtained in Canada.
Upon graduation, if they can obtain employment, international students can remain in Canada for one year to gain practical work experience. An Employment Authorization (which can be applied for within Canada) will be required at that time.
Although working may supplement a student's income it should not be relied upon to finance his/her education. Canada Immigration requires proof of sufficient funds before issuing a Study Permit (admitting a student into the country).
Working on Campus
Working on Campus Students with a valid Study Permit are allowed to work on the campus of the institution at which they are registered full-time. A full-time student does not need a Work Permit to work on campus. Your Study Permit should include a phrase stating "may accept employment on the campus of the institution at which registered in full-time studies".
Social Insurance Number
You must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you earn money through work. Any family members who come to Canada with you must also apply for a SIN if they obtain a Work Permit. Application for an SIN is made in Canada.
Working off-campus
Students who wish to work off campus must apply for a Work Permit. Normally a Work Permit is not issued unless your application includes a HRDC Confirmation. To receive a HRDC Confirmation, the employer (not the student) must apply to Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and demonstrate that the employment of the foreign student will not hinder employment opportunities for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. A letter from an employer offering you a job is not a HRDC Confirmation.
There are some situations where a HRDC Confirmation is not required when requesting a Work Permit. For example:
- Students who have recently received their degree from a Canadian institution (If you are offered a job within 90 days of completing your program, you can apply for a work permit for 2 years in Alberta and for 1 year in other provinces)
- Students who are admitted to U of C Coop or Internship Programs
- Students who become destitute (without funding) and the situation is temporary