Admissions

Assistance for International Students

ACAD provides assistance to international students through a dedicated support team within the Student Resource Centre. Services include the following: pre-arrival communications, advice on Canadian Immigration regulations, working off and on campus while studying and after graduation, housing assistance, and medical insurance information. We offer advice, opportunities for social interaction, and pre-departure assistance. We also provide connections to other ACAD programs, including referrals for academic assistance, tutorial and study skill support services. We encourage all international students to check regularly with the Student Resource Centre for details about workshops, gatherings, and services designed especially for you.

Upon arrival at ACAD, international students are encouraged to drop by the Student Resource Centre. The Student Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Program inquiries can be directed to: paul.szymanowski@acad.ca or at (403) 338 5513.

Studying in Canada

To study in Canada, you will have to gain approval to enter the country as an international student. The Canadian government requires that international students have a valid Study Permit, and upon arrival, they must subscribe to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.

FAQs

Q: What is a Study Permit?

A: As an international student you should become familiar with the Study Permit form. This document, issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), allows you to study in Canada at a designated school, within a specified period. CIC officers in Canada and abroad are responsible for issuing Study Permits. Learn More +

Those who come to Canada with a visitor’s visa cannot get a Study Permit unless they apply from outside of Canada. You must apply for the Study Permit at visa offices abroad before arriving in Canada. There are few exceptions: Some people may apply at a port of entry if they have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution and are: nationals or permanent residents of the United States, residents of Greenland or residents of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon; or people whose Study Permits have been approved in writing by officers outside of Canada, but to whom the permits have not been issued.

NOTE: Despite these exceptions it is highly recommended that you apply for your Study Permit before arriving in Canada.

Q: How do I get a Study Permit?

A: You must meet certain requirements to receive a Study Permit. You must present a letter of acceptance from the educational institution where you intend to study and demonstrate that you are able to: pay the tuition fees for the course or program of studies that you intend to pursue; and financially support yourself and any family members (if applicable) who are with you during your time of study. You should budget about $10,000 Canadian for living expenses in addition to the cost of tuition and books; and cover the cost of transportation for yourself and any family members (if applicable) to and from Canada. You must also provide proof of financial support while studying in Canada including a letter from a bank confirming funds available in your account (NOTE: the letter must indicate your name and account number); or a copy of the letter giving the details about your scholarship or Canadian-funded educational program; or a letter from the person (specify their relationship to you) who provides financial assistance, explaining the arrangements made for your expenses.

The CIC officer must also be satisfied that, for whatever reason, you are not inadmissible to Canada and that you will leave Canada at the end of the period for which you have been approved to stay.

Q: What is a Temporary Resident Visa

A: The TRV is for persons from designated countries, who wish to visit Canada for a temporary purpose, such as tourism, study, visiting family or friends, or business trips. Find out if you need a temporary resident visa, check the list of countries and territories whose citizens need a visa to enter Canada to visit, study or work temporarily. You should make copies of important documents including your passport, Temporary Resident Visa, and Study Permit just in case the originals are lost or destroyed.

Q: What do I need to do to apply for an extension, renewal or change to the conditions of my Student Permit?

A: You need to fill out the application form on-line. This application is for temporary residents who are already in Canada as visitors, students or workers, and wish to extend their stay, change the conditions of their stay, change their type of temporary status, or correct problems with their status. It is important to apply for the extension before the expiry of your status. It is recommended that foreign students, who wish to renew their Study Permits, apply as early as 90 days before the expiry date of their permit. In addition, you must have observed all the conditions of that permit and not be in breach of the Act. If your Study Permit expires and you did NOT renew it within 90 days of the expiry date, you can apply for a “Restoration of Status”. You may apply for restoration of status only if you have respected all of the other conditions of your permit. You may also be required to pass a CIC medical examination. A medical examination is required if an applicant has resided or sojourned for 6 months or more in a “designated country or territory” in the one year immediately before entry into Canada.

To find out if this applies to you, please review the Designated Country / Territory Lists. Applications are available online. Fax the application to the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Vegreville, Alberta, at (403) 632-8165.

Q: May I leave Canada before my request for an extension has been finalized?

A: If you leave Canada temporarily and do not have a valid student authorization, you may not be able to come back. It is your responsibility to make sure that your request for an extension has been approved; and you meet all Canada Immigration requirements for return to Canada.

Q: What do I do if my passport expires during my stay in Canada?

A: To renew your passport while you are in Canada, contact your embassy, high commission or consulate.

Q: May I work during my stay in Canada?

A: On April 27, 2006 the Canadian government announced that foreign students studying in Canada can apply for off-campus work permits. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has signed agreements with the province of Alberta to implement the program. The agreements allow eligible foreign students attending public post-secondary institutions to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time during study breaks. The work permit is valid for the duration of your Study Permit. In order to be eligible for the program, you must have a valid Study Permit, and you must have studied full time at an eligible public, post-secondary institution for at least six months out of the 12 months preceding your application. For more information, please contact the International Student Advisor at 403.338.5513 or by e-mail: paul.szymanowski@acad.ca

The following links contain visa application requirements information specific to students’ country of origin, including fees, locations/contact information and processing times. Visa Application Centres are independently operated agencies, which are authorized by the Government of Canada to assist applicants in processing their visa applications.

Please note: *Only the VAC’s listed on www.canadainternational.gc.ca Web site are authorized to provide visa-assistance services* Beware of un-authorized so-called ‘immigration agents’ – if in doubt, consult Website listed here or contact ACAD.

For Canadian Consular services (i.e. Canadian High Commission/Canadian Consulate) please contact:

If you require more information or have questions related to the Study Permit, TRV or Work Permit applications, please contact: Paul M. Szymanowski International Student Advisor @ ACAD at: 403.338.5513 or paul.szymanowski@acad.ca.

Checklist: Before You Leave Home

Before you leave home there are some important things you should do.

  1. Review the International Student Guide (PDF, 300 KB).

    Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
  2. Review admissions information

    Refer to your admissions package regarding the process for class registration as ACAD students register for classes online (on a first-come first-served basis) well in advance of the first day of classes. To avoid disappointment, please ensure that you are aware of the registration date and that you have access to a networked computer at that time.
  3. Gather your documents

    Make sure you pack all necessary documents including:
    • Letter of Acceptance issued by ACAD 
    • Your Passport 
    • Student Authorization / Study Permit 
    • Temporary Resident Visa (If necessary) 
    • English Translation of school certificates, diplomas, or other academic transcripts 
    • Goods list ** 
    • Airline Ticket 
    • Special medical information you may need

    *Make sure that the spelling and order of your name is consistent on all documents
    ** A list of expensive goods you are bringing into Canada (e.g. computer equipment, cameras, jewelry, electrical appliances, and also any medication)

    It is a good idea to make photocopies of these important documents to be left at home, just in case you should lose the originals.
  4. Arrange for short-term accommodations.

    Ensure that you have arranged accommodations for your first few nights in Calgary if you have not already found a place to live or are not able to move immediately to your accommodations upon arrival. There are many hotels in Calgary and several near our campus that can provide
    economical accommodations while you locate long term accommodations.

    Hampton Inn & Suites – Northwest
    2231 Banff Trail NW
    Phone: 403.289.9800
    www.hamptoncalgary.com

    Holiday     Inn Express
    2227 Banff Trail NW
    Phone: 1.888.276.8666
    www.hiecalgary.com

    Econolodge Motel Village
    2440 – 16 Avenue NW
    Phone: 403.289.2561
    www.econolodgecalgary.com
  5. Register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.

    It’s important that you register for the plan upon your arrival in Calgary so that your coverage is ready should you need it.
  6. Have a great semester!

    Enjoy your studies and the experiences that come with college life. If you need any assistance or have questions later on, always feel welcome to visit us in Student Resource Centre
    so that we can offer assistance or refer you to the appropriate staff or services.