• Study permits and required documents
• Working on and off campus
• Residency and citizenship

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Study Permits and Required Documents

Any or all of the following documents may be required of international students by the Canadian Immigration authorities both when applying for a Study Permit and when passing through a port of entry into Canada:

1. A valid passport, a Canadian entry visa (if required) and permission to obtain a Study Permit. The Visa and permission to obtain a Study Permit must be obtained from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate before coming to Canada. The Study Permit is issued at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada. Note that U.S. citizens have an alternative option. Please consult the International Student Advisor for more information.
2. An official letter of acceptance from Queen's University stating that you have been accepted for admission and naming the program of study.
3. Evidence that you have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, return transportation and to maintain yourself and any accompanying dependants during the period for which you are admitted to Canada as a student. As evidence you may be required by immigration to present any one of the following documents:
   • A declaration from your parent or guardian confirming that he or she will provide sufficient funds to cover all educational costs including tuition, maintenance and transportation;
   • Written assurance from a bank that either you or your parent or guardian has sufficient funds to accept this obligation;
   • Written assurance from foreign exchange control (if applicable) that the funds will be available for use in Canada;
   • A CIDA card if you are studying under the sponsorship of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA);
   • Copies of any letters offering scholarships or any other form of support from Queen's University or any other organization or government.

Note: International students and their spouses are permitted to work in Canada subject to various conditions. You may not, however, rely on the potential for employment as evidence of sufficient funds for support.

You may also be required to undergo and pass a medical examination. You will be given instructions about this by a Canadian Immigration officer when you apply for a Study Permit.

Your Study Permit serves as an employment authorization for work as a Teaching or Research Assistant. Funds earned in Canada are taxed and international students are not automatically exempted. Please check with Financial Services at Queen's once you accept a teaching or research assistantship for full taxation details. Queen's international student advisors will assist you in completing your tax return.

There are tuition fees for children attending Ontario Schools at any level. Children who will be attending school in Canada are required to possess a Study Permit form prior to attending classes. You should advise the Immigration Officer of this fact when making application for your visa and Study Permit.

Support for international students can be found at the Queen's University International Centre. QUIC is located on the first floor of the John Deutsch University Centre, at the corner of Union Street and University Avenue.

Queen's University International Centre (QUIC)
John Deutsch University Centre
Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6
Canada

Phone: 613-533-2604
Fax: 613-533-3159

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday

Visit the QUIC website or email the following contacts for information about these issues:

• Questions about being or becoming an International Student?
• Questions regarding housing?
• Questions about UHIP?

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Working On and Off Campus

In order to work in Canada, international students need a Work Permit . However, international students may work for an on-campus employer with their study permit alone.

Students will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in order to be paid. To apply for a SIN number, please go to Human Resources and Skill Development Canada (HRSDC) at 299 Concession Street in Kingston.

You may also wish to contact the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) and ask for the International Student Advisor or International Student Advisor for Short-Term Programs for further information.

Spouses of international students are not limited to working on the university campus. They are eligible for anOpen Work Permit . The only restriction may be a medical requirement.

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Residency and Citizenship

Some international students may wish to become Canadian citizens or permanent residents. As a permanent resident, students and their dependants have the right:

• To receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage
• To live, work or study anywhere in Canada
• To apply for Canadian citizenship and;
• To protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In addition, permanent residents, like Canadian citizens, pay domestic tuition fees and are eligible for a greater number of awards, scholarships and financial assistance. Students should access the Government of Canada's Citizenship and Immigration website at www.cic.gc.ca for a Permanent Resident Card application form and details about the documentation needed to apply.

To become Canadian citizens, adults must have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) in the past four years before applying.

Watch for notices from the School of Graduate Studies about immigration information sessions for graduate students and graduate coordinators. Citizenship and Immigration officials are available at these sessions to provide information and answer questions.

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