Students

Immigration

International Students have a special responsibility to maintain their immigration status while entering or in Canada. The International Department is happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about your immigration status. Please stop by the International Department for more information or find out more below about:

Extending Your Study Permit

If your study permit is going to expire, CIC has recently made an Online Applicaiton available. Drop by the International Office to pick up instructions on how to complete your application online. Paper Applications are still accepted however, Online Applications are recommended and may be processed faster. To extend your study permit, you will need:

  • your passport with your study permit inside
  • a bank statement showing the funds you have available to support yourself
  • $125 Cdn. paid by credit card or at a Canadian Bank (receipts available at the International Office)
  • transcript from schools other than Niagara College attended in Canada

Processing time for extending your study permit can take up to 60 days so plan to start the process three months before your study permit expires.

For more information, please see Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website.

Temporary Resident Visa

Also known as a re-entry visa or visitor visa, this is the visa that is stuck like a sticker into your passport. Not all students require a visa to enter Canada. To find out whether you do, check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for a list of visa exempt countries.

Applications for this visa must be sent outside of Canada. Typically, the application is sent to the Canadian Consulate General in Buffalo, New York, USA. Processing time on average is about one month. The visa is usually granted for the same length of time as your study permit.

What do I need to apply?

  • you passport with your study permit inside
  • a bank statement showing how much money you have to support yourself while in Canada
  • two passport-sized pictures take in the last six months
  • transcripts from any other school attended in Canada
  • money order made out to the Canadian Consulate General
    • $75cdn for a single entry
    • $150cdn for a multiple entry

The International Department is happy to help you complete the application form, provide you with the necessary documents from the college and mail your application package. Our offices are open at both campuses all year round.

Applying for a US Visa

Most international students who require a visa to enter the United States can apply for one while they are in Canada. All applicants must appear for an interview at a US Consulate or Embassy to present their application. To schedule an interview, use the visa appointment reservation system found at www.nvars.com.

The cost to apply for a US Visa is $140(US). Once you have scheduled your appointment, a confirmation package will be sent to you that includes a list of documents required in the application. You can request:
1. an official transcript from the Registrar's Office
2. a notice of confirmation from the International Department

Helpful Sites:
The Embassy of the United States of America
The United States Consulate General of Toronto
Consular Services at the US Mission in Canada
US Department of State
Visa Appointment Reservation System