Can i go to Canada without a student visa?
PLEASE READ. Im an american citizen going to study in halifax. I haven't applied for a student visa yet because it takes 8-10 weeks. and im traveling way before that. They said If im american i can apply at a canadian port of entry. How long will it take to get it once i apply there?
Immigration - 3 Answers
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1 :
Congratulations and welcome! You'll find it's a pretty cool city -- I've lived here all my life and I've got few complaints. The English page for Citizenship and Immigration Canada is located at the link below. You'll be looking for the section marked "Study" In Canada, Immigration is a federal department (although for the purposes of educational programmes and requirements you can divide the guidelines for study into Quebec and the rest of the country. I think the site outlines a few requirements, namely: - If you're a student then you should already have an idea of which institution you'll be attending, and (ideally) have already been accepted. If this is the case, then the institution's website may have resources to aid you in applying for a study permit and/or a student visa (after all, for them to get your money they really should help you to *arrive*) - Either a student visa or a study permit would be required to enter the country for your purposes. It does say that "If you are from the United States, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon or Greenland, you can apply at the point of entry when you arrive in Canada." That being said, however, they may wish for you to satisfy the requirements of a visitor / tourist for the duration of the application period (i.e. if you intend to stay for 8-10 weeks at a minimum, you should have enough money to support yourself for that length of time *and* be able to satisfy the Immigration people that you would be leaving either after the completion of your studies or after the end of your application processing, should it be rejected. It'll also mean having the rest of your travel documents in order, etc.) There is a section of the site (under Study --> How to apply --> Apply Online) where you can apply online (and, let's be fair, anything electronic is likely to be faster than a paper application) and that may be worth looking into. So have a look at the site, get all of your papers together, and we'll see you soon. Factoid: On a per-capita basis, Halifax has the highest density of universities per square kilometre of any city in North America. Coincidentally (or consequently -- whichever) it's reported to have the highest density of licensed drinking establishments.
2 :
Can't you get your student visa to be expedited somehow or get some type of temporary visa paperwork? If I were you I would not wait until reaching the border to sort this stuff out. The state of immigration nowadays where the most desirable countries to immigrate are tightening up their security and restrictions it would be wise to have your visa beforehand.
3 :
I think student visa is mandatory. But it would be better, if you seek of some advisor providing such services. Someone has mentioned Goldman Associates for a similar question.
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