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Immigration & Visa Requirements

International students require a student authorization (the official term for a student visa) issued outside of Canada. To obtain a Student Authorization, the applicant must show evidence of acceptance by a Canadian educational institution. The applicant must be in good health and character and must have sufficient funds to study in Canada, including return transportation and a valid passport.

It is necessary to apply at least THREE MONTHS before the registration date of the education institution you are attending in order to complete the student authorization procedures on time.

Your Student Authorization entitles you to reside in Canada for the purpose of pursuing your course of studies at a university or college. When you apply for your Student Authorization, you should apply for the length of your programme so that you will only have to pay the fee once. For example, if you are in a four-year programme, apply for a visa that will be valid for four years. You should contact the Canadian Embassy in your home country to apply for your Student Authorization. The Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your home country gives you a letter authorizing you to receive a student authorization. When you land in Canada you must show CIC officials the following documents:

• your student authorization from Canadian immigration authorities
• a valid passport
• your evidence of acceptance at St. Thomas University
• evidence of adequate funds
• a valid visitor visa if required, and
• any letters or papers used to obtain your student authorization.

In some cases, you may be required to take a medical examination with a doctor designated by the Canadian government. The Visa Officer in your country will provide more information on this requirement.

After verifying your documents, an immigration official will then staple either a white or yellow copy of the Student Authorization into your passport. Please remember to update your authorization. Do not let it expire. You need at least three weeks for processing the renewal.

International students changing institutions within Canada may be required to apply for a new Student Authorization. Consult a Canada Immigration Centre or the International Student Advisor.

For clarification on any of these points, please consult your nearest Canadian Consulate or Embassy, or the St. Thomas International Student Advisor.

Related Links

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Find your nearest Canadian Embassy
• Applying for a Student Authorization

Employment in Canada

**International Students Off-Campus Work Project**

Working while you study....

Normally international students are restricted to working only on campus. International students are prohibited by Immigration Canada from being employed off-campus. However, under a new two-year project, international students are permitted to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week. In order to be eligible for this programme, students must be registered as full-time students and have completed one full year of study at St. Thomas University. This is a great opportunity for international students to gain valuable experience in the Canadian labour market while completing their studies.

Full time international students in Canada do not require a special visa to work on campus. On-campus employment opportunities at the university are available for ALL students. International students may compete for employment but there are, unfortunately, no guarantees. In addition, earnings from part-time employment are insufficient to cover tuition and other costs. Part-time jobs should be used to earn spending money and gain work experience. Many students work for Food Services, Residences, Library and Security to name a few.

J.O.B.S - (Join Our Best Students) is an on-campus employment programme at St. Thomas. Detailed information will be available at Student Affairs when you arrive.

Working in Canada after completion of your degree ...

If you have successfully completed a university programme, after graduation you may work for a maximum of one year in a job related to your course of study.