Canada is a safe, peaceful and friendly country and is ranked by the United Nations as one of the best places to live in the world. A degree from a Canadian university is recognized world-wide and as a result, international students who graduate from Canadian universities enjoy successful and prosperous careers.
Students must be accepted in programs of study by a recognized Canadian post-secondary institutions. Students must apply for and be granted a student authorization from Canadian immigration authorities. For nationals of some countries such as India, visas are also required. Visas are issued at the same time as the student authorization. In some cases, a medical examination by a doctor designated by the Canadian government may be needed. The immigration officer will provide information on this requirement. There is a processing charge of $125 for the student authorization. There is no fee for the visa when it is issued with a student authorization. A personal interview with a visa officer may be required.
- A valid passport
- An original letter of acceptance from a university
- Evidence of adequate funds to cover tuition and living costs for the student, including return transportation
- If applicable, a letter from student's sponsor
- A letter of reference from a dependable person in student's community may be helpful
The annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education (IIE), with support from the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, reports that the number of international students from India rose 12% to a total of 74,603 in academic year 2002/03 bringing the total this year to a new record high of 586,323.
To enter the United States as an F-1 student, the student must apply at a US Embassy of Consulate for an F-1 student visa. By law, all non-immigrants are viewed as "intending immigrants". This means that the visa officer is under the assumption that the student will be coming to the US and will remain in the US permanently. Student visas (F class) are given to students that can demonstrate to the Consul that they intend to return permanently at the conclusion of their studies. To prove intent to return, the student may want to present documents that demonstrate ties to the student's home country that would convince the consul of the student's intent to return.
- Proof of ownership of property
- Economic and social ties are important: An applicant's future role in a family business, academic institution, government agency, professional organization are all possibilities. Bring letters from appropriate parties to demonstrate such facts
- The family's extended relationships in the community, civil service posts, church, etc., can make a difference. Additionally, if other family members have studied in the U.S. and returned it should be mentioned
- For students from nations with strict banking regulations, an application is strengthened when funds can be shown either in a U.S. account, or already received by the school
- Letters from prospective employers recognizing the need for specialized training offered in the U.S. can also serve to aid an application
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