International Students

Come to Canada

Before you come to study in Canada you will need:

• a letter of acceptance from the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre
• proof that you have enough money to pay school fees and live near the school;
• to establish that you will return home at the end of your studies;
• to pass a medical exam if needed; and
• to qualify as a temporary resident in Canada, including a temporary resident visa if needed.

Prior to leaving for Canada, your school will have made arrangements with you for accommodations and transport from your point of embarkation in Canada.  Policies and practices for this will vary from one school to another and it should be a question that you ask when choosing your school.

Flight to Canada

Information on booking a flight to Canada can be obtained through a travel agent or found on the Internet at:

Air Canada: http://www.aircanada.ca

Or for other Canadian air carriers at the Air Transport Association of Canada.

Passports and Visas

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html

When you arrive in Canada, you must show immigration officials the following:

• your student authorization (form IMM 1208),
• valid passport and if required, visitor visa
• any letters or papers used to obtain your student authorization

If any documents are missing or incorrect, you could be refused admission to Canada.  The passport will be stamped with the date you must depart from Canada. Check that this date is valid for your anticipated course length.  If you need more time, apply at an immigration office.  Do not overstay the date stamped on your passport.  If there is something you don't understand, immigration officers will be happy to help you.

If you want to renew your passport while you are in Canada, contact your embassy or consulate at least two months before the passport expires.  You may wish to keep a photocopy of your passport, visitor visa, your most recent immigration stamp, and student authorization for your own records.  Make sure that your passport will allow you to return home or travel to another country if you wish.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency

As an international student studying in Canada, you are eligible for certain customs benefits, including the temporary importation into Canada of your household and personal effects.  A number of conditions apply, so before coming to Canada you should refer to the booklet Entering Canada to Study or To Work.  This is available from any Canada Customs office, Canadian Consulate, or by contacting: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

Working in Canada

International students may be allowed to work while attending school.  Your spouse may also be allowed to work under certain circumstances. A Canadian Immigration official can give you details on working in Canada as an international student.   If you work without an employment authorization you may be in violation of the Immigration Act and may be required to leave Canada.

Students who complete a commercial licence and instructor course are allowed to work in Canada as a flight instructor for a period of 6 months.  This six-month term will be renewable subject to a labour market assessment.  This new policy will essentially be similar to the American J-1 Visa.

Other Useful Links

Canadian Owners and Pilots Association
http://www.copanational.org

Transport Canada
http://www.tc.gc.ca

Canadian Tourism Commission
http://www.travelcanada.ca/travelcanada/app/index.jsp