Student Authorization
US and International Students

Why do I need a Student Authorization?
If you are not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or the dependent of a diplomat appointed to Canada, you must get a Student Authorization. The Student Authorization is an official document issued by a visa or immigration officer that allows you to study at an educational institution in Canada. You will need the Student Authorization BEFORE you start your studies. The processing at the visa office takes normally between 4-8 weeks. Please submit your application early and consider that you might require documents that take a long time to obtain.

Where can I get the Student Authorization Application?
You can download the Student Authorization Application from one of two webpages on the Canada Immigration Centre (CIC) site:

CIC Option 1
If you go to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.html you can read the Canadian government's website to see what steps to take and what forms to fill out.

CIC Option 2
If you prefer, you can go directly to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/student.html to download the application form with an Information Guide in PDF format.

Student Authorization Applications are also available at the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Canadian Education Centre in your country of origin. A list of all Canadian embassies and visa offices is published on the internet at:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/offices/missions.html

The application and documentation must be submitted to the nearest visa office. You may apply for a Student Authorization at a Canadian port of entry only if you are a national of the United States, a permanent resident of the United States, a resident of St. Pierre/Miquelon or a dependent of a person who is here on an employment or Student Authorization. You should make a photocopy of the blank application forms and use the photocopy as your working copy. Keep it for your records. The original must be sent to the nearest visa office.

When do I pay the fee?
Remember to submit the Student Authorization Fee with the application. The current fee for a Student Authorization is $125 Cdn. You should confirm this fee at the Canada Immigration Centre (CIC) webpage at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/fees.html

If you pay insufficient fees or you don't submit the payment, the processing will be delayed! The processing fee is not refundable, regardless of the final decision once the visa office begins processing the application.

Which documents are required?
You must submit ALL documentation requested with your application. Missing documents will delay the authorization process.

Processing by the Visa Office
When reviewing your Student Authorization Application, a visa officer must be satisfied that you meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations and that you will only be in Canada temporarily. Once the visa officer is satisfied that you are a "bona fide" student and all statutory requirements are met, you will be given a document to show to immigration officials when you arrive in Canada who will then issue your Student Authorization. As your Student Authorization will normally be valid for the duration of your course, please ensure that your travel document (passport) is also valid for that same period of time.

Student Authorization Application Steps

1. Acquire the Student Authorization Application
2. Proof of Identity
3. Four recent passport-sized photos
4. Proof of financial support
5. Medical examination (if applicable)
6. Proof of acceptance by an approved educational institution
7. Student Authorization Fee
8. If you are a minor (less than 18 years of age): establish proof of custodianship in Canada

1. Proof of Identity Including the following:
a) a valid passport or travel document or identity document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it;

b) two recent passport sized photos for each family member (the name and date of birth of the person should be written on the back of each photo).

2. Proof of Financial Support
You must show that you have enough money during your stay in Canada to pay for tuition fees, return transportation and $10,000 for living expenses. This includes:

a) evidence that you can support yourself and accompanying dependents ($4,000/spouse, 3,000/child) while you study in Canada. Such evidence may include (and this may vary depending on the country): proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada, your bank statements for the past four months, a bank draft in convertible currency, proof of payment of tuition and residence fees. For those with a scholarship or those with a Canadian funded educational program, proof of funding paid from within Canada must be shown;

b) if foreign exchange control measures exists in your country, you must provide proof that you will be permitted by the exchange authorities of your country to export funds for all of your expenses; if additional documents are required, a visa officer will inform you.

3. Medical Examination
You must be in good health. You may be asked for a medical certificate if you have been living in a country with a high health risk. In the past OIART students have not required a medical examination, but it is possible that Canadian Immigration officials may ask for it. Medical processing will add several weeks to the time necessary
to obtain your Student Authorization. The medical examination forms can be obtained from the Canadian Embassy or High Commission, or from your Canadian Education Centre.

4. Proof of Acceptance by an Approved Educational Institution
If you didn't receive this letter of acceptance with your receipt for the Registration Fee, please contact the registrar's office. We suggest that you print this page to use as a checklist in the application process.