Subject: Arrival Guidance for Canadore College International Students – Spring 2024
Dear International Students,
The Spring 2024 semester is around the corner – we look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to Canadore College and the community of North Bay.
The following information, in FAQ format, is for Canadore College international students who are coming to Canadore's North Bay and Parry Sound campuses, to help assist you in your travels, arrival and settling in the Spring 2024 semester begins.
This information builds on what you learned in the pre-departure session and prepares you for upcoming orientation on April 26, 2024.
Please be reminded that it is your responsibility to make final decisions, follow all protocols, and meet deadlines.
Wishing you all the best in your studies!
Canadore International
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In this communication, we'll cover the following:
When should I arrive in Canada and at my campus?
Can I begin ONLINE if I can’t get there on time?
Do I need an enrolment letter for travel? What documents do I need to travel to Canada?
What information should I review before I travel?
When is orientation and do I need to be there?
Where can I find information/guidance on housing?
How do I find my class schedule?
International student support services
International student health insurance
When should I arrive in Canada at my campus?
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We understand that there has been quite a bit of uncertainty this year due to changes with IRCC. We recommend that you should arrive in time to attend orientation on April 26 (more information about orientation can be found here).
Note that international students in hybrid or in-person classes will be expected to attend classes at the campus indicated in their offer letter.
How early can I arrive? It is best practice to aim to arrive no earlier than 4 weeks before your program start date to comply with border officer expectations.
Can I arrive later? Canadore College requires on-time arrival. Late arrivals may jeopardize academic progression, loss of seat and loss of fees. Consider deferral if you’re unable to arrive on time.
Please note you must register and begin classes within the first ten days of the term. There are no exceptions. If you are unable to begin classes on time, due to any reason, you are encouraged to request a deferral. Please note the last date to request a deferral for Spring 2024 intake is April 26, 2024. Please see deferral instructions here.
Can I arrive late if my flight is delayed or I am still waiting for my Visa/study permit? What if the reason for the delay is my attestation letter?
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You must arrive and begin classes on the day indicated in your offer letter.
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- There are no exceptions à even if your flight is delayed, if you’re still awaiting your visa/study permit or if your attestation letter was delayed.
If you are unable to arrive in time, you are encouraged to request a deferral. Please note the last date to request a deferral from Spring 2024 intake is April 26, 2024. Please see deferral instructions here.
What if I can begin classes soon after they begin?
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Note that beginning classes anytime after the first day as indicated in your offer letter will be considered late. This means that you could lose your seat, jeopardize your academic progression and incur loss of fees.
If you are unable to begin classes on time, due to any reason, you are encouraged to request a deferral. Please note the last date to request a deferral for Spring 2024 intake is April 26, 2024. Please see deferral instructions here.
Can I begin classes ONLINE if I am still waiting for my visa/study permit, my flight is delayed or my attestation letter was delayed?
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If your program is in-person or hybrid, you may not begin classes online while you await your study permit/visa, if your flight is delayed or for any other reason, including a delay due to attestation letters.
If your program is online and you still do not have your study permit or visa, you may not register or begin classes until you have a study permit uploaded to your OCAS (see registration info below).
If you are unable to begin classes on time, due to any reason, you are encouraged to request a deferral. Please note the last date to request a deferral for Spring 2024 intake is April 26, 2024. Please see deferral instructions here.
Do I need an enrolment letter to come to Canada? What documents do I need to travel to Canada?
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Please note that you do not require an enrolment letter for travel.
When you arrive in Canada, you’ll meet a border services officer who will make sure you meet some basic requirements. To enter Canada, you must
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport
- have the port of entry letter of introduction the visa office sent you when they approved your study permit
- This letter has your permit reference number, which we use to issue your study permit.
- have a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from your school
- have letters of reference or any other documents the visa office told you to bring
- have a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA), a valid visitor visa (temporary resident visa), a valid green card (or equivalent official proof of U.S. status) or another valid travel document
- If you have a valid eTA, it’ll be linked to the passport you used to apply for your study permit.
- have enough money for your stay (the amount you will need can vary—it depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives)
- be in good health
- have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
- convince an immigration officer that
- you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
- you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
- have valid immigration medical exam results (if you needed one)
- Your exam is valid for 12 months from the day you get it.
- It must be valid the day you enter Canada.
- If your exam will expire before you enter Canada, you need to get another medical exam.
- This applies even if your letter of introduction is still valid.
- prove that you’ll leave Canada at the end of your stay
If you need proof you entered Canada
Your school or training facility may need you to prove you entered Canada. If you need proof of entry, make sure a border services officer stamps your passport before you leave Canadian customs. You may also be able to use a Primary Inspection Kiosk to stamp your passport.
For more information: https://go.canadorecollege.ca/e/916991/ermit-prepare-arrival-html-s04/szl2f/2180110461/h/UqBjjGujcUJnePcF_rr1T6eF1rkwiJI-L0CBW8RhWIs
What information should I review before I travel?
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- For in depth information on travelling to Canadore, please watch our Pre-Departure Orientation here.
- Ensure to download the iCent app, as it's mandatory for all international students at Canadore College. This app will deliver crucial messaging and information directly to you, so it's essential to have it before planning your start.
- Don't forget to check the Pre-Departure Planning widget in the iCent dashboard!
When is Orientation and do I need to be there?
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On April 26 there will be an In-Person Spring Orientation and Welcome Event happening at College Dive Campus. This all-day event will allow you to connect with your Canadore Community and meet your classmates, instructors, and support staff who will be your home away from home throughout your educational journey with us!
The check-in and welcome reception begins at 8:30 and the first session starts at 9:00.
The full schedule is available on the Canadore Spring Orientation website.
If you will be joining us for Orientation, please complete the Spring 2024 Orientation Registration form.
We understand that there has been quite a bit of uncertainty this year due to changes with IRCC.
Please note that you should arrive in time to attend orientation on April 26, but if this is not possible, you will have access to resources and information here: https://go.canadorecollege.ca/e/916991/spring-welcome-and-orientation/szl1m/2180110461/h/UqBjjGujcUJnePcF_rr1T6eF1rkwiJI-L0CBW8RhWIs
**Note that you will not be able to access orientation virtually.
Where can I find information/guidance on housing?
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Students with in-person or Hybrid mode of delivery must be physically present at the campus indicated on their offer letter.
Please note that housing options are limited.
Canadore College Residence offers accommodation options in North Bay for international students. We still have some availability for the summer! For further details, and to submit an application, please visit this link.
You may also search for housing through Canadore’s off campus housing website: https://go.canadorecollege.ca/e/916991/support-Housing/szl2t/2180110461/h/UqBjjGujcUJnePcF_rr1T6eF1rkwiJI-L0CBW8RhWIs
There are also housing options posted to Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and Rentseeker. Please search these websites regularly for new listings.
Please be aware that international students in Canada have, unfortunately, been targeted by rental scams. We strongly advise all students to exercise caution. For tips, please see: https://go.canadorecollege.ca/e/916991/helpdesk-safety/szl2x/2180110461/h/UqBjjGujcUJnePcF_rr1T6eF1rkwiJI-L0CBW8RhWIs
You may also contact: Housing.Support@canadorecollege.ca
How do I find my class schedule?
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Your class schedule is in the self-serve portal. You will be able to access your class schedule once you’ve registered and have access to the self-serve portal.
What can I expect in my first few days at Canadore?
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You should take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with your campus, attend orientation and visit the International Department (see location and hours below)!
International Student Support Services
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Canadore College provides a wide range of support services tailored to the needs of international students.
Below is a breakdown summary of the individuals and room locations you should be aware of for guidance and support. You can access an interactive map of our campuses here.
Commerce Court Campus | College Drive Campus | Aviation Campus | West Parry Sound | |
Immigration and settlement-related supports | Aamil Ferhath | Dig Paul Singh | Jessica Boissonneault | Laura Foltz, Campus Administrator Laura.Foltz@canadorecollege.ca |
Registration-related matters (timetable, blocks, campus changes, etc) | Room E100 | Room C204 | Room Y119 | |
International Transition, retention, support-related matters* | Room E101d | Room C260 | Room Y237 | |
International Academic Support Hub Academic and Language support | Room E201 | Room C106 | Send email to Ksenia or Julia below | |
Ksenia Gvozdikova, ESL Technologist Julia Tignanelli, Faculty | ||||
International student health insurance information
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The provider of health insurance to Canadore international students is Guard.me health insurance. North Bay and Parry Sound International Students are automatically enrolled in the Canadore College health insurance plan on April 17 for the Spring 2024 term.
All students will receive an email within 10 days of the first day of classes with information on their coverage and their electronic health card (note that there is no physical card).
If you need medical assistance before this time, you can access the covered medical services on your own. Once you have your health card, you can submit a claim online with guard.me to request reimbursement.
For details about our medical insurance services, visit this link.
For health insurance inquiries, email health.insurance@canadorecollege.ca or visit the International Student Services Coordinator at College Drive (C210) Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.