INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Vancouver | Transportation | Climate
Miscellaneous | Links | Homestay | Student Visas

STUDENT VISAS

In addition to each program's Admission Requirements as set out by OMNI College, if you are an international student, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid student visa authorization, issued by Canada Immigration
• Hold a valid work visa authorization (if your program includes a paid practicum component), issued by Canada Immigration
• Have proof of medical insurance coverage for your stay in Canada
• Hold a valid passport
• Provide a physicians’ report stating that you are in good health

For more information on applying for student/work visas, please consult your country’s Canadian Consulate or Embassy. You can search for one in your area --> www.cic.gc.ca/english/offices/index.html

STUDY VISAS:

Programs less than 6 months:
In Canada, Student Visas/Authorizations are not required for students studying for less than six months. However, you should check to see if citizens of your country need a Visitor's/Tourist Visa to visit Canada temporarily.

Programs longer than 6 months:
Student Visas are required for study programs that will last longer than six months. You must obtain a Student Authorization before you come to Canada.

To apply for a Student Visa, you will need:

• A valid passport
• A letter of acceptance from a school or college in Canada (we can send this to you after you have completed our application form and have paid your tuition fees)
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself in Canada during your studies
• To complete the Student Authorization application form
• To pay the Student Authorization application fee

You can apply at the nearest Canadian Consulate.

Currently the fee is $125 CDN.

If you have a spouse or dependent children, they can accompany you to Canada or they can join you at a later date for the duration of your studies.

For more information on applying for student/work visas, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada, or consult your country's Canadian Consulate or Embassy. You can search for one in your area --> www.cic.gc.ca/english/offices/index.html

WORK VISAS:

International students taking a program that includes a practical (work experience) component that is a required part of the program must obtain a Working Visa. Students in the RN Licensure Examination Preparation, the Live-In Caregiver or the Health Care Aide Programs will require a Working Visa.

You can apply for a Work Visa at the same time as you apply for your Student Visa. There is no extra charge for applying for a Work Visa at this time. Your Work Visa can usually be processed within the time it takes to obtain a Student Visa, so you can have both a Student Visa and Work Visa when you come to Canada.

For more information on applying for student/work visas, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada, or consult your country’s Canadian Consulate or Embassy. You can search for one in your area --> www.cic.gc.ca/english/offices/index.html

MEDICAL INSURANCE:

As an international student in Canada, you must provide your own private medical insurance to cover the first 3 months of your stay. This insurance must cover comprehensive health and accident coverage.

After three months, you are required by law to purchase medical insurance through the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), which is a medical insurance plan offered through the Province of British Columbia. Therefore, you do not need to purchase private insurance for longer than three months before you leave your home country. The current rate for the BC medical insurance plan is CDN $54 per month.

If you are planning to come to Canada with family members that will be staying with you for the duration of your study/work experience, BC Medical Services Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for your family members as well.

For more detailed information about MSP, please see www.hlth.gov.bc.ca/msp/.

OMNI College and the OMNI Centre of Excellence are not responsible in any way for claims related to medical insurance. OMNI College and The OMNI Centre of Excellence is not liable in any way to the student for loss, damage, or injury to persons or property regardless of cause.