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From the Idea to the Institution, Part II

Print, Fill, Repeat

Photo by Jon Irons PhotographyNow that you know where you are going, you can start planning how to get there.  Paperwork is by far the most extensive (and labour intensive!) part of the application process, so part two of this lesson aims to break down the application process making it easier to understand and, overall, a less stressful process for you.  Above all, remember to breath deeply and keep the goal of studying overseas in mind!

Each institution is likely to have a step-by-step guide available on their website which follows the unique to their application process.  This can be a handy reference checklist, so print it off and cross off the steps as you complete them.



Step One:  Apply
Unfortunately, there is no standard practice across the country to follow when applying for post secondary education.  How you apply depends on which province your desired school is located in. 

If your school is in: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, New Foundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec or Saskatchewan, you'll need to apply online at the university's website. 

If your school is located in Ontario, all applications go through the Ontario Universities Application Centre. As an international applicant, you'll want to fill out the OUAC 105F form.

Since these applications are done online, you will need a valid credit card to cover application fees no matter which school you pick.



Step Two:  Submit Supporting Documents
This list includes (but, of course, is not limited to):
  • Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions you have attended
  • English Proficiency test results
  • Post Secondary course descriptions (if you are transferring schools and would like your current classes to be considered for credit)

These documents are always to be send directly to the school you are applying for.  Many have specific instructions on how official documents are to be sent.  For example, TOEFL scored are considered official only if they arrive in a sealed envelope directly from the testing agency.  Make sure you check with the school you are applying to for instructions on how to correctly submit your documents.



Step Three:  Wait for it
Before you can apply for a Canadian Study Permit you need a letter of acceptance from the school you'll be studying at.  So after you have applied for admissions there is little you can do at the point besides wait for the decision from the school.   Fortunately, most schools (and OUAC in Ontario) have an applications tracker that will allow you to see the status of your application.



Step Four: Applying for your Study Permit
How to apply for a Study PermitCongratulations!  You've just fought half the battle.  The next round of paperwork goes directly to the Canadian Government - your application for a Study Permit.

The Government of Canada provides some great resources for you during this period.  Make sure you check out their website on Applying for your Study Permit,  which includes detailed information on filling out your application and provides document checklist.

Once that is filled out, you'll need to collect your supporting documents and mail them to a Canadian Visa Office.  To find out which Visa Office you should mail your application to, check the chart listed on the Government of Canada's website.

Questions to ask Yourself now:
  • Is my application filled out properly and completely?
  • Do I need to apply for a Temporary Residence Card as well as a Study Permit?
  • Will I be required to take a medical exam?

Whether or not you need a medical exam or to apply for a Temporary Residence Card is determined by what country you are coming to Canada from.  If you are on the Designated Country/Territory list, and will be staying in Canada for more then six months you will need both the Temporary Residence Card and medical exam.  This will add time to your application process, so make sure you're giving yourself enough time to complete this before you arriving for school.

One last step!
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