INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION PACKAGE

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION PACKAGE

CONTENTS(CLICK THE ICONS)

TABLE OF CONTENTSIMPORTANT REMINDERS ........................................................ 4

TRANSPORTATION .................................................................. 6

BANKING ................................................................................. 7

HEALTH INSURANCE ............................................................... 8

CERTIFICATION LETTERS ....................................................... 13

STUDY PERMIT ...................................................................... 14

TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA(TRV)/VISITOR VISA .............. 17

WORK PERMIT FOR CO-OP/ WORK PLACEMENT ................ 20

ON-CAMPUS/OFF-CAMPUS WORK PERMIT ........................ 22

POST GRADUATION WORK PERMIT .................................... 26

WITHDRAWAL/REFUND POLICY .......................................... 28

SCHOLARSHIPS ..................................................................... 31

4ImportantReminders

THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OFFICEThe International Centre at St. James Campus, part of the College’s International & Immigrant Education division, coordinates the College’s international student services to provide maximum benefit and support to our students, staff and learning community.

International activities include recruitment of international students, international student admissions and student services, and facilitation of study & work abroad opportunities for students.

WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS!We speak English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Mandarin, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog—and a few other languages too!

Need assistance? Have questions? Visa expiring? Applying for a work permit or study permit extension? Require a certification letter?

Come and see us. We are here to help!

Wondering about working in Canada? See our website at:

http://www.georgebrown.ca/interntl/local/EmploymentTitle.aspx

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE SERVICES INCLUDE: • International Admissions (Enquiries, Applications, Letters of Acceptance)

• Information provision and referral services

• Certification letters (for proof of registration for Co-op, Off Campus Work Permit, Study Permit renewal applications, Re-entry Visa, etc.)

• International Student Orientations, Social events, and Workshops

• Liaison with academic divisions & other College departments

• Homestay Accommodation Service

• International Student Scholarship information

• Study & work abroad information

• Withdrawal and refund requests

Also, see the International Education section of the College website at:

http://www.georgebrown.ca/quickpaths/potential_intl_students.aspx

or contact us by e-mail: [email protected]

5THE TOPMOST IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS!• Always update changes to your address and e-mail at the International Centre or Stu-view

• Activate your George Brown e-mail address. See http://www.georgebrown.ca/studentemail/index.aspx

• Remember your Study Permit must be submitted to the International Centre soon after you arrive.

• Don’t forget to pick up an Orientation Package at the International Centre or view it on our website. Check http://www.georgebrown.ca/interntl/local/index.aspx

• Be aware of your passport’s expiry date and renew it before you apply for any Canadian immigration documents.

• Applying online for Study Permit extensions or Off Campus Work Permits is the fastest way.

• Check the expiry date of your Study Permit and submit a renewal application online at least 60 days before expiry.

• Don’t forget that you may require a Re-Entry permit if you leave Canada and have plans to return

• Remember that a Work Permit is required before you start co-op, externship, or practicum placements.

• Don’t forget that you are not eligible to apply for an Off Campus Work Permit if you have a failing grade or incomplete in the previous 6 months.

• Remember that graduating students only have 90 days from the date of the last day of classes to submit an application for a Post Graduate Work Permit.

• Don't forget to pay your school fees by the due dates. Due dates may change so check http://www.georgebrown.ca/Admin/Registr/Important_Dates_for_Students-2010-2011.pdf. A $125 late payment fee will be automatically charged after the due date:

• For the September - December semester, the due date is on the 3rd or 4th week of June

• For January - April semester, the due date is on the 1st week of November

• For May - August semester, the due date is on the 1st week of March

OH AND..DON’T FORGET TO STUDY HARD, MAKE FRIENDS, AND BE HAPPY!!!

International Centre at St. James Campus

200 King St. East, Main Floor (just off of the main west Lobby)

Tel: 416-415-5000 ext. 2115

Fax: 416-415-2120

Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We encourage you to drop by to pick up your International Student Orientation Package (if you don’t have one already!) or just to say hello.

ImportantReminders

6Transportation WHERE CAN I BUY THE TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION (TTC)TICKETS, TOKENS AND MONTHLY METROPASS?Available at all subway stations at regular prices. The monthly Metropass is also available to George Brown students at a discounted rate from any Student Association (SA) offices while supplies last.

HOW MUCH ARE THE FARES*?10 tickets or 10 tokens: $25.00

1 token/ticket or 1 cash ride: $3.00

Monthly pass: $121.00 at TTC ($107.00 at SA)

TTC Weekly Pass (Mon-Sun): $36.00

GTA Weekly Pass (Mon-Sun): $52.00 (GTA Weekly Pass covers TTC, Mississauga, Brampton &York Region Transit routes)

*Fares increase yearly so check http://www3.ttc.ca/Fares_and_passes/Prices/index.jsp

THE MONTHLY METROPASSThe Monthly Metropass is good for unlimited travel in a specific month on all regular TTC routes within Toronto, except special and Downtown Express Services. Make sure you keep your expired Metropass, as you can claim it as a tax credit.

HOW CAN I BUY A METROPASS?Check with the Student Association (Room 147, St James Campus/ Room E100 Bldg E, Casa Loma Campus) when Metropass is available for purchase. You can also go to http://studentassociation.ca/services/ttc-sales/ for information.

Please bring a photo ID and a current semester class schedule or proof of registration for purchase. Acceptable payment for the Metropass is only by Debit transaction or Credit card.

WHERE CAN I FIND TTC MAPS AND SCHEDULES?Subway maps and transit schedules are available on the TTC website at www.ttc.ca. TTC maps can be requested from TTC personnel at any TTC subway station. For more information, call 416 393 4636.

7TUITION FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS

AT THE COLLEGE AT THE BANK* FROM YOUR HOME• Bank Draft/Money Order• Credit Card• Direct Debit• Certified Cheque

• If overseas, by bank transfer

*Please note bank transfer within Canada is no longer available.

• STU-VIEW

• PC Banking

• Tele-Banking

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNTYou would need to open a bank account in order to exchange foreign currency, pay bills by cheque, receive bank transfers or place your money in the bank. Most major Canadian banks offer special banking programs for students.

REQUIREMENTSYou must present at least two (2) pieces of identification (for example, Passport with Study Permit, GBC student ID card, and/or major credit card.)

TYPES OF ACCOUNTS• Personal chequing account • Personal savings account

• Daily interest chequing account • Daily interest savings account

MAJOR BANKS NEAR ST JAMES CAMPUSScotia Bank 44 King St W. (King St W. & Bay) T 416 866 6430CIBC 1 Toronto St (King St E. & Church) T 416 988 2772Canada Trust/TD Bank 110 Yonge St (Yonge & Adelaide) T 416 869 6262Bank of Montreal 6 King St W. (Yonge & King) T 416 867 5323Royal Bank 161 King St E (King St E & Jarvis) T 416 365 9070

MAJOR BANKS NEAR CASA LOMA CAMPUSCanada Trust/TD Bank 675 Dupont St (Dupont & Christie) T 416 531 9955Royal Bank 10 St Clair Ave W (St Clair & Yonge) T 416 974 7840Bank of Montreal 659 Dupont St (Dupont & Christie) T 416 534 3543 WE VALUE YOUR SAFETY. TO BE SAFE, DO NOT WALK AROUND WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH

Banking

8Health Insurance

TYPES OF COVERAGEThe Health Insurance plan for International Students has two types of coverage. The medical services reimbursement program facilitated by Expert Travel Financial Security (ETFS) and Extended Health + Dental coverage facilitated by Greenshield.

A. MEDICAL SERVICES BY EXPERT TRAVEL FINANCIAL SECURITY (ETFS)Medical Services include basic medical services such as seeing a doctor in a walk–in clinic and using the hospital for emergency/serious medical issues involving hospitalization. For any emergency/serious medical issues, an ETFS card will be issued to International Students to facilitate access to hospitals for serious and emergency cases. For simple doctor’s visits, such as seeing a regular doctor at a walk–in clinic, a student pays first and then uses a claim form to be reimbursed afterwards.

B. EXTENDED HEALTH + DENTAL COVERAGE BY GREENSHIELDThe Extended Health + Dental insurance policy is for services that do not fall under medical services. These include buying prescription drugs, purchase of prescribed eyeglasses, massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic and dental care. The Greenshield plan covers these “other” health service costs. All international full–time post secondary students have this extended plan, in addition to basic.

For buying prescription drugs, a Greenshield ID number will be available, so students pay only a small amount when buying prescription drugs.

All other health services usually have to be paid first by the student who then uses a claim form sent to Greenshield to get reimbursed for the expenses incurred.

CLAIMS PROCEDURES: WHAT TO DO TO MAKE A CLAIM FROM ETFS

FOR SIMPLE MEDICAL VISITSShould you require immediate medical attention, please use any local walk–in clinic or hospital. Most walk–in clinics and family doctor expenses will be out–of–pocket which means you have to pay first then claim reimbursement from ETFS after. If you need an arrangement of direct billing, please visit the Student Association Office to obtain a list of walk-in clinics that accept direct billing by ETFS.

9Health Insurance

TO CLAIM FOR ELIGIBLE OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES• You must complete a claim form

• Have the doctor fill-out the second section of the claim form

*Important: The documentation fee is not covered by the plan. If you are charged the fee, leave the section blank.

• Make sure you sign and fill the form completely

• Attach original receipts and mail to ETFS for review

YOU SHOULD BRING A CLAIM FORM TO ANY DOCTOR’S VISITS. HAVE THE DOCTOR FILL OUT HIS/HER PORTION OF THE FORM DURING THE VISIT, AND MAIL IN YOUR CLAIM RIGHT AWAY FOR REIMBURSEMENT. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT FILLING OUT THE FORM, THERE IS A TOLL-FREE PHONE NUMBER LISTED ON THE FORM. ETFS PHONE REPRESENTATIVES ARE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES.

FOR HOSPITALIZATIONSIf you are hospitalized, please do the following:

• You or your representative must contact Worldwide Emergency Assistance in order to verify benefits coverage or payment within 48 hours. The number for Global Excel is 1-800-715-8833.

• Have your George Brown College student card on you at all times. That way, your coverage through the College can always be verified whether you have your ETFS card or not. Failure to notify Global Excel during an emergency will delay payment and limit ETFS liability, whether payment will be made direct or by claim form.

• Serious hospital visits will always result in payment directly to the hospital by ETFS. Your coverage will be verified either through your ETFS card or GBC ID card.

• ETFS will either pay the hospital directly or the hospital will mail you the bill/invoice, which you can then mail to ETFS using a claim form. These bills are paid directly because hospital expenses are typically more than a student can afford out–of–pocket. The school understands this and looks after these situations for the student.

WHAT TO DO TO WHEN MAKING A CLAIM FROM GREENSHIELD FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGSTo pay, use a Greenshield Paydirect Drug ID number available at the Student Health Benefits office approximately eight weeks after the start of classes. At any pharmacy in Ontario, the pharmacist will take the member identification number off the Greenshield ID number, so that the insurance payment will come off the total owing to the pharmacy automatically. The student then only has to pay what is owed at the time.

10FOR OTHER SERVICES, SUBMIT A CLAIM TO GREENSHIELDGreenshield operates on a claim form reimbursement system for most services except prescription drugs and dental claims. Claim forms are mailed to Greenshield with any original receipts, to the department for which the service is for. (For example, the Vision Care Department is where a claim form should be mailed to for the purchase of glasses). All the different departments are listed in the Greenshield Outline of Benefits booklet, at greenshield.ca/studentcentre. When submitting a claim form to Greenshield, make sure:

• The Claim form is complete, signed and dated

• Original receipts are attached

• You Submit or mail the form to the appropriate department

OPT-OUT INFORMATIONHealth Insurance costs will be charged automatically along with your tuition. You are covered from the 1st day of classes, and a wallet card will be made available to you through the Student Association Office 8 weeks from the start of classes. The period of coverage depends on which semester you started your program. See next page for Periods Covered.

A number of overseas insurance plans are not adequate to Canadian standards and, therefore, not acceptable for exemption or opt-out. There are no refunds in this case.

However, refunds will be considered if:

• Your Study Permit application was rejected; or

• You have a comparable insurance plan (which will be assessed at the Student Association Office);or

• You withdraw from the program by the College withdrawal date and you did not make a claim

• You become eligible for the Government health insurance plan

If you wish to opt-out from the Health Insurance plan, you must contact the Student Association Office and submit a request before the opt-out deadline.

Please contact the Student Association Office for the opt-out deadline dates in the first week of your program or check the Student Association website at :

http://studentassociation.ca/health-benefits/international/

Health Insurance

11IMPORTANT: YOU MUST HAVE ALTERNATIVE COVERAGE FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STUDY PERIOD IN ORDER TO OPT OUT. IF YOUR ALTERNATIVE INSURANCE COVERAGE IS SHORTER THAN YOUR STUDY PERIOD, WE CANNOT PROCESS YOUR OPT-OUT REQUEST.

PROCEDURE TO OPT-OUT FROM THE COLLEGE’S HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE• Student completes and signs the Waiver Application Form available at the Student

Association Office. A Student Association Office staff will help the student put in the correct information on the Waiver Application Form

• Student must fax or mail the completed waiver form to his/her insurance company overseas. The official representative of the student’s insurance company overseas will complete and sign the form. By completing and signing the waiver form, the insurance company overseas agrees that any cost and liability for the student will be covered and paid for by that insurance company

• A copy of the English policy from the insurance company overseas must be attached to the completed and signed waiver form

• These two documents, once completed must be faxed to the Student Association Office at 416 415 4719 or 416 415 2491

• The Student Association Office staff will inform the student once a decision has been made

COVERAGE PERIODS• SEPTEMBER INTAKE: September 1 to August 31

• JANUARY INTAKE: January 1 to August 31

• MAY INTAKE: May 1 to August 31

VISIT THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION OFFICEFor information packages that include:

• Expert Travel Financial Security (ETFS) and Greenshield plan coverage

• A claim form for immediate medical services

• Contact numbers to call in case of a medical emergency

• When ETFS cards and Greenshield ID numbers are expected to arrive and be activated

Posters will go up in the Student Centre areas of all three campuses informing International Students when their cards will be available for the school year.

Health Insurance

12ST. JAMES STUDENT ASSOCIATION OFFICE (ROOM 147) CASA LOMA STUDENT ASSOCIATION OFFICE (E BUILDING, ROOM E100)St. James & Casa Loma campus office hours:

Day Monday to Friday

Office Hours 09:30am - 4:30pm

RYERSON STUDENT HEALTH BENEFITS OFFICE(Sally Horsfall Eaton centre, 6th floor room 614) Ryerson front office hours: call 416 415 5000 ext 4049 for schedules

If you have any questions, call the STUDENT HEALTH BENEFITS HOTLINE at 416 415 5000 ext 2443 or e-mail us at [email protected]

Health Insurance

13CERTIFICATION LETTERS

The International Centre issues Certification Letters upon request. Letters are issued to students who are registered in a full-time program and in good standing (which means no Academic or Financial hold). Letters are issued for the following purposes:

• Extend Study Permit

• Renew the Temporary Resident Permit (Visitor Visa)

• Apply for Work Permit

• Open a Bank Account

• Apply for U.S. / European Visa

• Other

HOW TO APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION LETTERS

• Clear any holds if you have a hold by going to the Student Service Centre/Registration Office. Please ask what kind of hold you have because it may be a Financial hold for non-payment of fees or a Divisional hold for academic matters, or simply an incorrect Address hold. The hold has to be cleared before a letter can be issued.

• Complete the Certification letter request form available from the International Centre (Main floor, 200 King St. East) or the website under International Education: http://www.georgebrown.ca/interntl/local/certification_letter3.pdf

• Certification Letters verifying program completion will be issued upon presentation of a note from the Academic Department (e.g., Program Chair, Coordinator or designate) that the student has successfully completed the program and is eligible to graduate.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE CERTIFICATION LETTER?The letter will be ready for pick-up after 2 business days.

Certification Letters

14STUDY PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

International Students must have valid documents to be able to stay and study in Canada.

• Students who study for a full-time program of 6 months or less only need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Visitor Visa.

• Students who study for more than 6 months or who plan to study a Post-Secondary program at George Brown College are required to have a Study Permit or Student (Visa)

• Your Study Permit and/or Temporary Resident Visa/Visitor Visa may have been stamped directly in your passport or it may have been given in the form of a document stapled to your passport

• Students from some countries may only be required to have a Study Permit while students who are citizens of some other countries are required to have both Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa/Visitor Visa

• Your Passport and Study Permit must be valid at all times. Check your Study Permit’s expiry date and apply at least 60 days before it expires if you need to extend your stay in Canada to Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC).

• If you submitted your Study Permit extension application but your Study Permit expires before you receive your new Study Permit, you can still continue to study while waiting for the response

• If you submitted a Study Permit extension application and you leave Canada before receiving an answer, your application for extension will be considered by CIC to have been abandoned and your extension denied

HOW TO EXTEND YOUR STUDY PERMIT

Study Permits can be extended by

a) Sending an application electronically online to CIC or

b) Mailing an application with supporting documents.

SENDING AN ELECTRONIC/ONLINE APPLICATION FOR STUDY PERMIT EXTENSION• Visit the link http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/epass.asp for information on how to

apply for your Study Permit extension online.

Study Permit

Visit the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website:

http://www.cic.gc.ca

Inform them of a change of address at

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/change-address.asp

15SENDING AN APPLICATION FOR STUDY PERMIT EXTENSION BY MAIL

STEP 1. GET AN APPLICATION PACKAGE • Call Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) toll-free at 1-888-242-2100 between 8:00 am

and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday to speak to an agent and request an Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada (Form IMM 1249) and Fees Receipt (Form IMM 5401)

OR• Go to www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-student.asp and download

the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada (Form IMM1249) Please note you cannot download the Fees Receipt Form IMM 5401 but you can request it by calling CIC at 1-888-242-2100 or by going to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp

STEP 2. ATTACH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:• A Certification Letter (School Letter) from the George Brown College International

Centre. The Certification Letter Request Form is available at the Centre or at http://www.georgebrown.ca/interntl/local/CERTIFICATION_LETTER3.pdf

OR• An Acceptance Letter from the International Centre if you have just been accepted to a

full-time Post-secondary program at George Brown College

STEP 3. GO TO YOUR BANK AND GET A LETTER THAT STATES YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE

STEP 4. PAY THE APPLICATION FEE A. Pay the $125 CDN Processing Fee at any Canadian Bank using the Fees Receipt Form IMM

5401 that comes with the Application Form:

• Complete the “Payer Information” section on the reverse side of Form IMM 5401.

• Pay the $125 processing fee and the bank will stamp the form and give you back 2 sections which you will attach to your completed application

ORB. Pay online if you have a computer, internet access, printer and credit card (AMEX, VISA,

MasterCard)

• Go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp

• Print the CIC Official Receipt (Not the Confirmation Page)and complete the Payer Information Section and attach to your application

Study PermitSTEPS FOR MAILING AN APPLICATION

16STEP 5. PHOTOCOPY YOUR PASSPORT PAGES AND IMMIGRATION DOCUMENT:• Passport page with your photo;

• Any passport pages that have been stamped at point of entry

• Study Permit(Visa) and or Temporary Resident Visa/Visitor Visa

STEP 6. TRANSCRIPTS OF YOUR LAST TWO PERIODS OF STUDY (IF APPLICABLE)

STEP 7. REVIEW THE DOCUMENT CHECKLIST (COMES WITH THE APPLICATION KIT OR DOWNLOAD FROM WEBSITE)

STEP 8. PHOTOCOPY ALL THE ABOVE AND KEEP THE COPIES IN A SAFE PLACE

STEP 9. MAIL YOUR APPLICATION WITH THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS USING A LARGE ENVELOPE TO.

Citizenship and Immigration - Study Permit

Case Processing Centre

6212 - 55th Avenue, Unit 101

Vegreville AB

T9C 1X5

• At the Post-Office, have your envelope weighed

• Send by Registered Mail and

• Keep the Post Office Receipt with your photocopies for tracking in case your documents are lost or misplaced

Please check the CIC website at www.cic.gc.ca for any changes in the above information.

Study PermitSTEPS FOR MAILING AN APPLICATION

17International Students must have valid documents to be able to stay and study in Canada. For instance, a valid Study Permit allows students to study in Canada. Students from many countries may also be required to have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (Visitor Visa) to enter Canada in addition to the Study Permit requirements.

TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA (TRV) REQUIREMENTS• Students who come to study for a full-time program that is 6 months or less in duration will

only need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)(Visitor Visa)

• Students who study for more than 6 months, or who plan to study a Post-Secondary program at George Brown College require a Study Permit, and depending on the student’s country of citizenship, may be required to have both a Study Permit and TRV.

• The list of countries needing a TRV is available at the Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.

• The list of countries exempted from the TRV requirement is available at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5256PEA.asp

• TRVs are usually issued with the Study Permit when a student first applies from their home country and stamped directly in the passport

• A TRV must be valid to re-enter Canada

• TRVs are only issued outside of Canada

HOW TO APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA (TRV)You can only apply outside of Canada for the TRV. The nearest Canadian Consulate is located in Buffalo, New York, U.S.A. and applications with supporting documents can be mailed to this location or you can apply in person if you have a Visa to enter the U.S.

STEP 1 GET AN APPLICATION PACKAGE • Call Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) toll-free at 1-888-242-2100 between 8:00

am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday to speak to an agent and request an Application Package for a “Temporary Resident Visa Outside Canada” Form ( IMM 5257 Pilot Project) if submitting your TRV application at Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle or Washington, DC

OR

• Go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa-pilot.asp

Temporary Resident

Visa (TRV)/Visitor Visa

18and download the Instruction Guide IMM 5256P, Application Form for a Temporary Resident Visa (Form IMM5257 Pilot Project), Document Checklist (IMM5484) and Visa Application Photograph Specifications if submitting your TRV application to Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle or Washington, DC

STEP 2. ATTACH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:• A Certification Letter (School Letter) from George Brown College’s International Centre.

The Certification Letter Request form is available at the Centre or at http://www.georgebrown.ca/interntl/local/CERTIFICATION_LETTER3.pdf

OR

• An Acceptance Letter from the International Centre if you have just been accepted to a full-time Post-secondary program at George Brown College

STEP 3. GO TO YOUR BANK AND GET THE FOLLOWING: • A Letter that States Your Account Balance

• A Money Order, Cashier’s Cheque, Certified Cheque or Bank Draft in Canadian or U.S. Currency Payable to the “Canadian Consulate General” (Note: Cash, Personal Cheques, Credit Cards, Receipts for fees paid in Canada, Receipts for online payments are NOT ACCEPTABLE)

STEP 4 Attach a Photocopy of your valid Study Permit and TRV

STEP 5 Originals of your most recent School Transcripts

STEP 6 Valid Passport with at least one completely blank page other than the last page

STEP 7 Document Checklist (comes with the application kit or download from website)

Temporary Resident

Visa (TRV)/Visitor Visa

19STEP 8 Two photos (see specifications at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/photospecs-e.pdf)

STEP 9 Photocopy all the above and keep the copies in a safe place

STEP 10. RETURN OF PASSPORT WITH THE TRVIf you want your Passport returned by Canada Post’s National Xpresspost service, you must include a 24 x 32 cm prepaid National Xpresspost envelope available at any Canada Post outlets. Complete the mailing label showing your full mailing address in both the “Deliver To” and the “Return Address” fields

STEP 10Mail your application

Send your application by Registered Mail or Xpresspost with the required documents using a large envelope to:

Consulate General of CanadaImmigration Regional Program Centre

3000 HSBC Center, 30th Floor

Buffalo, New York 14203-2884 U.S.A.

Consulate General of Canada Contact Information:

Fax: 716-852-2477 or 716-858-9591

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/buffalo/

• At the Post-Office, have your envelope weighed

• Send by Registered Mail and

• Keep the Post Office Receipt with your photocopies for tracking in case your documents are lost or misplaced

Please check the CIC website at www.cic.gc.ca for any updates or changes. Please note that you may be required to attend an interview. You must inform the Consulate if you are unable to attend and cancel the appointment for the interview or you will have a note in your Immigration file of a TRV refusal. If you cancel the interview, you will simply have a note that TRV application has been withdrawn.

Temporary Resident

Visa (TRV)/Visitor Visa

20The work permit is a document required by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) before International students can start their field placement, work placement, externship, practicum or volunteer work, even if these placements are unpaid.

FEATURES • No application fee required for processing

• Employer indicated on the Work Permit is George Brown College

• Takes between 4-6 weeks to process this type of Work Permit but processing time may change. Check the CIC website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/canada/process-in.asp#temp_res

• Application is by mail only

REQUIREMENTS The International Centre will prepare the Certification Letters based on a list of students provided by the Academic Department.

The list will include the following information:

• Name of Student and Student ID Number

• Program

• Term of student (eg. first, second)

• Placement Period (from when to when)

• Total Number of Placement Hours and whether placement is one-time only or for each term. If placement is done each term, total number of hours per term.

If student has a HOLD in Banner or is not currently registered, a Certification Letter cannot be issued.

When the Certification Letters are ready, the International Centre will either

a. Inform the academic department so student can pick up the letter from the International Centre; or

b. Send the letter to the department where it can be picked up by the student.

Work Permit

For Co-Op/Work Placement

21HOW TO APPLY FOR A WORK PERMIT

STEP 1. GET THE APPLICATION PACKAGEGo to the CIC website at www.cic.gc.ca to print the application form for: Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada (IMM1249) or

Request from the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100

STEP 2. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM When completing the form, ensure you have provided all required information. On Section D –MY REQUEST Box 10 in particular, please write that the request for work permit is for work/ co-op placement which is an integral part of your program.

STEP 3. ATTACH THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTSOnce the application form has been properly completed and signed, mail this with the following:

• Certification Letter from the George Brown College International Centre • Copy of your valid Study Permit • Copy of your Passport

STEP 4. PHOTOCOPY THE APPLICATION FORM AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

STEP 5. SEND BY REGISTERED MAIL TO:FIRST TIME OR NEW APPLICANTS FOR EXTENSION/RENEWAL OF WORK PERMITCitizenship & Immigration – Work Permit CPC-Vegreville

6212 – 55th Avenue, Unit 555 Vegreville, AB T9C 1X6

Citizenship & Immigration – Work Permit CPC-Vegreville

6212 – 55th Avenue, Unit 202 Vegreville, AB T9C 1X6

STEP 6. KEEP THE CANADA POST RECEIPT WITH YOUR PHOTOCOPIES FOR TRACKING PURPOSES

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBERInternational students going into Co-op work terms must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada.

Service Canada SIN Requirements:

• Certification Letter from the George Brown College International Centre• Valid Work Permit • Valid Study Permit• Valid Passport

Work Permit

For Co-Op/Work Placement

22On-Campus WorkRequirements

International students are permitted to work at any job on the campus of the educational institution where they are registered as full-time students.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTSTo work on-campus, a student must:

• Have a valid Study Permit

• Be registered full-time in a certificate, diploma or degree granting program

PROCEDUREOnce a student has found a job on campus, the following steps are necessary

1. The hiring department must email the International Centre the name and ID number of the student to verify the following:

• Academic and financial standing of the student;

• That the student has submitted a copy of a valid Study Permit to the International Centre

• That there are no restrictions on the Study Permit

2. The hiring department will issue a Contract of Employment. The form required by Service Canada is available at the Human Resources Office. It should:

• Be an original and on College letterhead

• Have the employer’s name (i.e. Manager's name) and telephone number

• Specify the job offered, student’s name and the fact that the student has accepted the offer

• Indicate the start and end date of employment, which should be within the dates on the Study Permit

• Be signed by both the employer and the student

3. Student must then apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada with the Contract of Employment, Passport, Study Permit and GBC Student ID.

SERVICE CANADA LOCATION25 St Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 3A4 Located one block east of Yonge St., near the St Clair subway station on the Yonge University Spadina Line. Office Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm Tel.: 416 973 6915

23International Students studying in a post-secondary program in Canada can apply for an off-campus work permit.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTSTo be eligible for the program, you must:

• Be registered full-time in a certificate, diploma or degree program• Have a valid Study Permit• Be in good academic standing (1.7 or higher overall GPA, with a passing grade in all

courses)• Have completed 6 months of full-time study at a public post-secondary institution in the

12 months preceding your application • Have no financial hold, which means you will be required to pay any outstanding fees on

your college account before being issued a Verification Number.

MAINTAINING THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTSTo remain eligible for the OCWP program, you must:

• Maintain full-time status• Sustain satisfactory academic standing • Have a valid off-campus work permit and • Work no more than 20 hours a week during regular classes.• If you meet all the eligibility requirements, with the exception of full–time status, but are

in your last semester, you will still be eligible for the Off–Campus Work Program, but you are still restricted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during this period.

INELIGIBLE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS INCLUDE EXCHANGE STUDENTS, VISITING STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS, STUDENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED AWARDS FROM THE CANADIAN COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AWARDS PROGRAM OR THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY.

STEPS INVOLVED IN THE OCWP APPLICATION PROCESS• Self-Assessment to determine if you are eligible • Submit Electronic Verification Request for eligibility to the College• Issuance of an Electronic Verification Number (EVN) to eligible students• Submission of OCWP application by eligible students by logging into MyCIC(e-pass)

Off-Campus Work Permit

24HOW TO APPLY FOR AN OFF CAMPUS WORK PERMIT

1. Do the self-assessment using the Self-Assessment Tool.( http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.asp) Proceed to Step 2 if you are eligible.

2. Create a MyCIC/e-pass account or log into MyCIC/e-pass if you have already registered: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/epass.asp (Please remember your e-pass login and password)

3. Submit an online Verification Request as per the instructions if you meet the minimum eligibility requirements as outlined in the self-assessment. Review your answers before submitting your final Verification Request. Answers can be changed and saved before the Request is submitted.

4. Electronically sign your request to:

• Acknowledge student responsibilities and

• Provide consent for information to be shared among CIC, the Province and George Brown College. Please note that you will need your e-pass password for this process.

5. George Brown College will review the Verification Request and your academic records to determine eligibility or ineligibility for this program. Please allow 5 working days for College processing of the Verification Request.

6. Student is advised on-line by the MyCIC system that Verification has been completed. If the student is eligible, an Electronic Verification Number (EVN) will be issued to the student by CIC. Ineligible students will not be issued an EVN.

7. Eligible students may then submit the OCWP application to CIC by logging into http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.asp.

8. Students must wait until they receive their work permit before starting work, training, or non-approved volunteer work. It can take approximately 4 weeks to receive your off-campus work permit in the mail but the duration may vary depending on work volume at CIC. Check http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/canada/process-in.asp

Off-Campus Work Permit

25SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)International students wishing to work in Canada must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada. Service Canada recommends that students apply in person and allow three weeks for processing. Students must apply for a SIN before or within three days of the start date of employment and may work during the waiting period. The expiry date of a SIN card corresponds to the expiry date of a student’s off-campus work permit.

SERVICE CANADA SIN REQUIREMENTS1. Certification Letter from the GBC International Centre

2. Off-Campus Work Permit

3. Valid Study Permit

4. Valid Passport

SERVICE CANADA LOCATION25 St Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 3A4 Located one block east of Yonge St. near the St Clair subway station on the Yonge University Spadina Line. Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm Tel.: 416 973 6915

www.servicecanada.gc.ca

Off-Campus Work Permit

26International students are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit that is valid from 8 months to up to three (3) years, depending on the duration of the academic program completed.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POST GRADUATION WORK PERMIT1. The permit is valid from 8 months to up to a maximum of three (3) years

2. The permit allows students to work anywhere within Canada

3. Students are not required to find a job related to their field of study.

4. Students do not need a job offer to apply for a post-graduation work permit.

5. The work permit is an “open” permit and not employer specific (which means that students do not need to change their work permit every time they change a job).

6. Post Graduation Work Permit application may be done on-line or by mail

APPLICATION INFORMATIONInternational Students who wish to apply for the Post- Graduation Work Permit must:

1. Possess a valid Study Permit

2. Have graduated from an eligible program at a post- secondary Institution

3. Apply for a permit within 90 days of your last day of class in your final semester

4. Have not previously been issued a work permit for post-graduation employment following any other course of study

5. Submit signed copies of the appropriate forms along with supporting documentation

6. Submit a processing fee of $ 150

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for a Post Graduation Work Permit can be done On-line or by Mail. For details go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad-how.asp

Students must submit their application for a Post-Graduation work permit within 90 days of the last day of class in the final semester.

APPLYING ON-LINE

Please go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/post-grad.asp for information

Post Graduation Work-Permit

27APPLYING BY MAIL

STUDENTS MUST ENSURE THEY SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING COMPLETED DOCUMENTATION TO CIC:

1. Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada [IMM 1249]

2. Document Checklist [IMM 5583]

*. Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] - optional

3. Photocopies of passport information pages

4. Photocopy of Study Permit

5. Original document stating the student has completed all of the requirements for graduation. This may include :

a. A final transcript; and

b. Certification letter from the George Brown College International Centre confirming successful completion/graduation of program; or

c. A formal notification of graduation (Diploma, Certificate etc.)

6. Copy 2 of the receipt from CIC [IMM 5401] or Internet receipt if paying by credit card online

THE APPLICATION PACKAGE IS AVAILABLE AT www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work-students.asp

PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTS BY REGISTERED MAIL TO THE ADDRESS BELOW AND KEEP A PHOTOCOPY OF ALL DOCUMENTS YOU SEND.

CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION - WORK PERMITCPC- Vegreville6212 - 55th Avenue, Unit 555Vegreville, AB T9C 1X6(1-888-242-2100)

WHILE WE ATTEMPT TO STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND POLICIES GOVERNING THE POST GRADUATION WORK PERMIT, STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO CONSULT THE CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA WEBSITE FOR FULL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, THE INSTRUCTION GUIDE, THE APPROPRIATE FORMS, MAILING INFORMATION AND PROCESSING TIMES: www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp

Post Graduation Work-Permit

28• The College’s refund and withdrawal policy is designed to be in compliance with Ministry

of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) and Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) policies.

• Before a refund can be processed, funds covering the tuition fee must be in your College account (i.e., cheques and money orders cleared and bank transfers received).

• Refunds will be paid within six (6) weeks of the receipt of a written request with all required documentation from the student.

• Because students with Study Permits received their authorization based on a Letter of Acceptance from George Brown College, any change in study status (e.g., you are no longer studying at the College), may be updated with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

REFUND PROCESS

You must apply in writing on or before the deadline date or you will not be eligible for a refund (a Withdrawal/Refund Form is available from the International Centre, the Casa Loma ESL Office, or the GBC International Education website). Deadlines are as follows:

Intensive English programs First 5 days of the session

Post-secondary programs First 10 days of the semester

TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS WITH STUDY PERMITS ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF THEIR VISA, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TO SUPPORT YOUR WITHDRAWAL/REFUND REQUEST:

• A copy of a Letter of Acceptance from another educational institution; or

• Proof of return to your home country (e.g., one way airline ticket with confirmed travel dates; refund processing will begin after the departure date of a confirmed ticket) or

• Letter of visa refusal from the Canadian Embassy or High Commission

Withdrawal/ Refund Policy

29IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND, YOUR REFUND WILL BE SENT TO

• Your new educational institution (or to you if you have already paid tuition and provided proof of payment) or

• Your home country or

• The person who paid tuition on your behalf. In order to issue a refund to a person other than yourself, we require your signed authorization in order to issue the refund to that person. Please provide the person’s complete contact information, including address and telephone number.

If you miss the deadline for withdrawal, you are not eligible to receive a refund. However, if withdrawal is due to a serious medical emergency outside of your control, you can appeal to the International Centre Director for review. Official documentation, such as a doctor’s certificate, will be required to substantiate any claim of this nature.

ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES• If this is the first session/semester of your program, and you have applied within the

deadline date, you are eligible for a refund, less the non-refundable administrative fee.

WITHDRAWAL/REFUND DEADLINES

Intensive English program Administrative fee

Post-secondary (diploma, certificate, degree programs)Administrative fee

$500 $500

• If this is the second or higher session/semester of your program and you have applied within the deadline date, you are eligible for a refund, less the non-refundable administrative fee of $100.

• If you were refused a Visa and you have applied within the deadline date, you are eligible for a refund, less the non-refundable administrative fee of $100.

• In all cases, the application fee of $65 ; the $100 homestay placement fee; and the $100 airport pickup fee, are non-refundable.

• There are no refunds for Health Insurance fees after the withdrawal deadline date. Refunds may be issued before the deadline date if no claims have been made against the plan.

Withdrawal/ Refund Policy

30POSTPONING OR SKIPPING A SESSION OR SEMESTER

If you are planning to postpone or skip a session/semester, you must withdraw from your program and pay the withdrawal fee. If you decide to return to the College, you must re-apply by completing an international student Application Form / Re-Admission Form and pay the non-refundable $65 application fee.

For Post Secondary programs, attendance is expected as follows:

• September start programs: September to end of April, with a summer break from May to August.

• January start programs: There is no break in the first academic year. You are expected to attend from January to August, September to December, January to April, with a May to August break in the second academic year.

• May start programs: You are expected to attend from May to August, September to December, and January to April.

Withdrawal/ Refund Policy

31ScholarshipsThe International Centre at George Brown College is pleased to announce an increase in scholarship funding for GBC international students.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE ARE GENERALLY IN-COURSE AWARDS BASED ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE (AND OTHER CRITERIA) AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM.

Please note the following:

• Only successful applicants will be notified

• Successful scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply again for a second scholarship or bursary

• All award recipients require a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). Awards are considered part of a student’s taxable income for the year. The College will issue T4A forms to all recipients in the spring of the year following the year in which the award was issued

• Awards are provided for returning students based on the eligibility requirements as outlined below.

POST SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

DIPLOMA/DEGREE PROGRAMS

Sixteen Scholarships to be awarded to eligible returning students in full-time post-secondary programs (diploma or degree) as follows:

• $5,000 scholarships: 7 awards

• $1,000 scholarships: 9 awards

TO QUALIFY AN APPLICANT MUST:

• be an international visa student with a valid Study Permit

• be registered in a full-time 2, 3 or 4-year diploma or degree program

• have completed at least two consecutive semesters of study with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 prior to current semester

• have participated in activities that have made a contribution to other students, their academic department and/or the College community in general

32APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 31st (recipients will be notified by November 30th)

Please complete the application form available at the following link:

http://www.georgebrown.ca/financialaid/finassis/fininternat/Post_Secondary_scholarships.pdf

REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

• A cover letter briefly outlining the contributions you have made to other students, your department/School and/or the College community in general (include the start date/ end date of the activity; name of the organization; number of hours per week; and some specific details about the activity).

• Attach two letters in support of your application (at least one should be from a George Brown College staff member).

FORWARD COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS AND ATTACHMENTS TO:

International Centre, Main Floor

George Brown College,

200 King Street East,

Toronto, Ontario M5A 3W8

HOW ARE AWARD DECISIONS MADE?

Successful scholarship award recipients will be selected by a committee established by the College; the committee will have representation from academic divisions. The decision of the committee is final and cannot be appealed.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT :

Aida Viveiros at (416) 415-5000 ext. 2868 or e-mail [email protected]

Scholarships

33CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Eight scholarships to be awarded to eligible returning students in full-time post-secondary Certificate or Post Graduate Certificate Programs (2 or 3 semester) as follows:

SCHOLARSHIPS OF $2,000:

• 3 awards for January start

• 1 award for May start

• 4 awards for September start

TO QUALIFY AN APPLICANT MUST:

• be an international visa student with a valid Study Permit

• be registered in a full-time 2 or 3 semester certificate program

• have completed at least a full semester of study with a minimum 3.5 GPA prior to current semester

• have participated in activities that have made a contribution to other students, your academic department and/or the College community in general

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

• For January start

– Deadline is June 15th (recipients will be notified by July 15th)

• For May start

– Deadline is October 31st (recipients will be notified by November 30th)

• For September start

– Deadline is February 15th (recipients will be notified by March 15th of every year)

Please complete the application form available at

http://www.georgebrown.ca/financialaid/finassis/fininternat/Partial_Scholarships.pdf

Scholarships

34EXTERNALLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS (NOT FUNDED BY GBC INTERNATIONAL CENTRE)

*The Availability of externally funded scholarships each year is dependent on the renewal of donor funding.

WOORI EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

One award of $1000

Awarded to an international student of Korean nationality based on academic performance and community involvement.

TO QUALIFY AN APPLICANT MUST:

• be an international student of Korean Nationality, with a valid Study Permit

• be registered in a full-time diploma or degree program

• have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 in at least two full semesters of consecutive study

• have participated in activities that have made a contribution to other students, their Department/School and/or the College community

REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

• A cover letter briefly outlining the contributions you have made to other students, your department/School and/or the College community in general (include the start date/ end date of the activity; name of the organization; number of hours per week; and some specific details about the activity).

• Attach two letters in support of your application (at least one should be from a George Brown College staff member).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28 (RECIPIENT WILL BE NOTIFIED BY MARCH 30)

Please complete the application form available at

http://www.georgebrown.ca/financialaid/finassis/fininternat/Woori_Education_Scholarship.pdf

Scholarships

35

STUDENT ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

TWO AWARDS

This award is administered by the GBC Awards Office.

Criteria: Awarded to an international student based on financial need and contributions to the College community.

Application Deadline: Please check with Student Association Offices.

AWARDS OF MERIT

International Students may be eligible for awards of merit if there is no tax (i.e., government) money involved. Please check the existing awards at:

http://www.georgebrown.ca/financialaid

These awards are administered by the GBC Awards Office.

If you have any questions regarding scholarships or bursaries for international students, please contact Aida Viveiros at (416) 415-5000 ext. 2868 or e-mail [email protected]

Scholarships