Anyone wishing to study in Canada, who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, must obtain a Study Permit before entering Canada. Prospective students should contact the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate as soon as they receive their offer of admission. Canadian Representatives in some countries have a deadline for processing student applications to study abroad and you should note that often the entire process can take up to six months. You must not leave home until you receive your study permit.

To apply for your Study Permit, you will need the following documents:

Passport
Passports are issued by the government of the country of which you are a citizen. Your passport must be valid during the period of your academic program in Canada. If your passport expires before the end of your studies, you should start the renewal process six months before the expiry date.

Entry Visa (Not to be confused with a Study Permit)
An Entry Visa is a stamp or sticker, placed in a passport, which shows that the owner has permission to enter a country prior to the expiry date of the Visa and, occasionally, indicates more than one authorized entry (single or multiple entries). Visitors must have an Entry Visa before appearing at a port of entry, except for citizens of countries which are exempt from this requirement. Allow adequate time to obtain required visas.

Letter of Acceptance
This is the official letter of acceptance from the University Canada West office of the Registrar.

Proof of Funds
You must prove you have enough money to cover your tuition, living expenses and return transportation for the duration of at least one year.

Medical Examination
The Canadian Government requires individuals from certain countries to undergo a medical examination. Please be aware that medical examination results often take a long time (sometimes three months), so start the process early if you are aware of this requirement for your country or your country of residence.

Other
You will be informed at the time of your application of any other documents required by the Canadian authorities abroad.

Temporary Resident Status – Study less than 6 months
If you are planning to study in Canada for 6 months or less, you may study under Temporary Resident Status as a visitor. Students from some countries may also require an entry visa.

Before leaving for Canada to begin studies, be sure that you have:

:: received official confirmation from University Canada West that you have been admitted as a student
:: obtained your Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa (entry visa, if required).

Useful Links:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.html

Canada Customs:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

Find your nearest embassy:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/menu-en.asp

Study in Canada:
http://www.studyincanada.com/english/visa/faq.asp

EMPLOYMENT

Working in Canada
International students are generally only eligible to work at the educational institution they are enrolled in. You won't need an Employment Authorization (work permit) to work on campus, but you do have to be a full-time student with a valid Student Authorization. Please check with the University to see if there are any employment opportunities available. If you are married, your spouse is allowed to work off campus, as long as he/she has an Employment Authorization.

Working off-campus
Currently, international students attending University Canada West are not permitted to work off-campus. We will update this information if and when the laws are changed.

Unauthorized employment is one of the most serious immigration violations – it can result in a student being required to leave Canada.