Before You Arrive
VisitingBefore you Arrive
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Proof that you are healthy
Students from many parts of the world need to pass a medical examination before being allowed to enter Ontario, Canada. Set it up as soon as you are accepted to an Ontario postsecondary institution. Otherwise it may add up to three months to the processing of your application.
Go to Canada Immigration's listing of countries of origin to see whether students from your country require a medical examination. Only a physician on Canada's list of designated medical practitioners can conduct your medical examination.
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Medical Insurance
Ontario does not pay for hospital or medical services for international students. You are therefore legally required to purchase health insurance to pay any potential medical costs. Bring supplies of any prescription medicines you are taking, plus a copy of the prescription in case you need a doctor to renew it in Ontario.
If you attend a university in Ontario, you will be required to enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Effective September 1, 2005, you will be protected by the plan starting on the date you and your family, if applicable, arrive in Canada, but not earlier than the tenth day of the month before the month in which your university term begins. For further information about UHIP, you can visit the Student/Employee information from the UHIP website www.uhip.ca or contact the international student advisor at our university.
If you attend a college in Ontario, or a university which does not participate in UHIP, you should contact the international student office at that institution for further information regarding health care insurance for international students.
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Study Permit
If your program of studies in Ontario is longer than six months, you will need to get a Study Permit from the Visa Office of the Canadian consulate in your country of origin before you leave. This study permit allows you to study at a Canadian postsecondary institution. The cost is minimal (Cdn $125) but it could take three months or more to process your Study Permit. It's recommended that you apply as soon as you receive your university or college acceptance. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States, St. Pierre and Miquelon and Greenland can get their Study Permit from Immigration authorities when they enter Canada.
To apply for a Study Permit, you have to provide the Visa Office with:
- A completed application form
- Your original letter of acceptance from and your confirmation to an Ontario university or college
- Information about how much time you will need to complete your studies
- Evidence that you have adequate funds to pay your tuition
- A return ticket or proof that you have the funds to pay for a ticket.
Once you have a student permit issued you can transfer between programs of study and institutions without applying for a change to the conditions of your study permit. Find out how to contact a visa office in your country.
Find out where to contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.
Download Immigration Canada's free guide on applying for a Study Permit.
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A valid passport and Temporary Resident Visa
To get into Canada, you will need a valid passport and proof of your identity. Most student visitors will also need a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. You will normally get your Temporary Resident Visa along with your Study Permit. It will cost Cdn $75 plus up to an additional Cdn $325 for Temporary Resident Visas for each member of your family who is coming with you.
You will need a Temporary Resident Visa if you are from one of these countries.
Find out if you need any other forms from a visa office in your country.
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Documents for your spouse and/or dependents
If you are bringing any family members to Ontario with you, you'll need a marriage certificate or statutory proof of common law union, birth certificates for your children, and Study Permits to allow your children to attend public or private school while you attend an Ontario postsecondary institution.
Find out what forms you need from a visa office in your country.
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Proof you are law-abiding
If you have any criminal conviction - including a conviction for driving while impaired - you will need to demonstrate that you will be a law-abiding student once you arrive. Get information on what you will need to do to demonstrate that you will not engage in criminal activity in Ontario.
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Finding a place to live
Getting accepted to an Ontario university or college does not automatically mean you can live in student housing on campus, otherwise known in Ontario as living in residence. You will need to apply to live in residence soon as possible. Space in residence is limited, and is available only on a first-come, first-served basis.
The residence or off-campus housing offices or International Student Office at the institution you're attending can provide you with information on how to apply for residence or find off-campus housing.
Get more information from:
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
- Study Canada, the Canadian website for international students
- The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
