Immigration
- I need school documents for my application for a study permit, visa, or Post-Graduation Work Permit. I’m unable to order them from Carleton Central. Is it because I have an outstanding balance in my Student Account?
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If you owe money to Carleton, a “financial hold” is placed on your registration documents at Carleton Central. If you are able to pay off the balance, the hold will be released. If you are not able to pay off the balance, and you are facing an immigration deadline such as a study permit expiry date, contact the ISSO. We may be able to facilitate a solution with Student Accounts so that you can submit your application on time.
- Do you have any information about traveling to Canada with current COVID-19 protocols?
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The ISSO is constantly monitoring Government of Canada announcements as it pertains to international travel that may affect Carleton Students. Please see the ISSO’s Travel and Quarantine Planning Support website for the most up-to-date information.
- I’m an international student and I would like to take a break from my studies. How can I do that?
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Most international students must remain enrolled in school while they are in Canada in order to maintain the validity of their study permit and their eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) by abiding by the terms and conditions of their temporary resident status. There are some limited exceptions to this rule: students can consult the ISSO’s immigration advising team to learn more.
For students who need to take one term off, an approved Leave of Absence for the term allows them to remain in Canada without risk to their study permit validity, PGWP eligibility or health coverage under the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Students are reminded that they are not permitted to work in Canada while on leave.
Undergraduate students must contact an ISSO immigration advisor to begin the process of requesting a leave of absence. A leave may be granted for reasons that include Illness or injury, family situations, academic suspension, deferral or change of program.
Graduate students should contact the FGPA for information on the graduate leave policy and to submit the request.
Taking more than one term off may require a student to either leave Canada for a time, or apply to change their status in Canada.
To learn more about the immigration consequences of taking a break from studies, or to discuss options, students may contact: immigration.advising@carleton.ca
- My study permit expires shortly after my final term. Do I need to renew it?
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We recommend that you have a study permit that is valid for at least 90 days after the end of your final term. This gives you time to get confirmation that you will graduate and to apply to extend your status in Canada if you want to or need to. This is especially important if you plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
You should apply for renewal early in your final term, because you want to receive your new study permit before the end of the term.
It is Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s usual practice to allow this 90-day window, so they should approve your application for renewal.
- I’m doing an online application at the Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. How do I upload an extra document when there is no line for it?
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The ISSO often recommends that students include additional documents to make their study permit or work permit application clearer or more convincing.
The IRCC online application takes only one PDF document for each “Upload” button. However, you can combine several PDFs into one file and then upload that. If you don’t know how to do this on your computer, there are free websites that offer a “merge PDF” function.
You can also use the “Client Information” line for additional documents. It is most important to include all your documents, without worrying about where they go.
- Should I hire a lawyer or consultant for my immigration application?
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Many Carleton students are able to prepare their own study and work permit applications. IRCC’s online system is easy to use, and the ISSO provides information and support for immigration applications.
If you pay someone to do an immigration application for you, make sure they are an Authorized Representative under Canadian law: a lawyer, paralegal, Quebec notary, or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. These professionals are members of regulatory bodies that work to protect consumers against fraud and unethical practices. You can check if someone is authorized by visiting the Government of Canada law society directory.
An Authorized Representative will always ask you to sign an IMM 5476 Use of Representative form, found on the IRCC site, to include with your application. Using an unauthorized or undeclared representative is illegal and may lead to a refusal of your application.
Applications prepared by Authorized Representatives don’t get faster processing times or other preferential treatment from IRCC.
Learn more about Authorized Representatives from the IRCC’s website.
Still have questions? Connect with us through the ISSO’s Contact Us page!
- What Carleton documents do I need to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
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When you apply online for a PGWP, your application must include these documents from Carleton to prove you are eligible for a PGWP.
- Unofficial transcript (from Carleton Central) – to show the length of your program, that you studied full-time, and took no unauthorized breaks.
AND
- Senate notification email and a Certificate of Enrolment showing graduation (from Carleton Central)
The Senate usually meets about a month and a half after the end of the term. If you prefer not to wait, you can get a Letter of Completion that confirms your eligibility to graduate once all your marks are posted on Carleton Central. Look under “Apply to Graduate” for a Confirmation of Eligibility to Graduate.
Note to graduate students: If your transcript does not make it clear that you studied full-time, you should provide additional documentation that confirms you had full-time status, such as Certificates of Enrolment.
If you still have questions, please visit the ISSO.
- This is my final term at Carleton. Can I work full-time after I finish all my course work and exams?
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No, not until you apply for your Post-Graduation Work Permit. Learn more about work you can do as a study permit holder on our ‘Working in Canada’ page .
Working illegally can endanger your eligibility for a PGWP or other status in Canada. Contact the ISSO if you have questions..
- I transferred to Carleton from another Canadian university. Do I need a new study permit?
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You don’t need a new study permit, if your study permit says you can study at any Designated Learning Institution found on this IRCC page, You must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that you have changed schools; instructions can be found on this IRCC website.
If your study permit names your former school, or if you have any questions about your study permit, visit the ISSO.
- I’m planning to take a trip outside of Canada. What documents do I need?
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As a first step, you should have the right documents to enter the country you are visiting. The ISSO cannot advise on immigration to other countries, but we can help you find the right sources of information.
To re-enter Canada, you should have your passport, as well as a study permit and Temporary Resident Visa (if you need one) that are both valid for the duration of your trip. You should also have a current Carleton Certificate of Enrolment.
Other Things to Note
- If you go to the United States only, you can travel with only a study permit that is valid for the duration of your trip. However, if you are flying back to Canada, you should check with the airline about their policies for requiring a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa).
- Applying for a new study permit and a TRV within Canada is a two-step process. You can’t apply for the new TRV until you receive the study permit.
- If you leave Canada with a valid study permit but with a TRV that has expired, you won’t be allowed to return to Canada (unless you go only to the United States).
- It is always possible to apply for new documents from outside of Canada, but you should expect that this will delay your return.
- If you apply for a study permit extension and your old permit expires while you are waiting for the decision, you have implied status as a student if you remain in Canada. You lose this implied status when you leave. If you return while your study permit application is still being processed, a border services officer will make a decision whether to re-admit you to Canada or not. Read more on the IRCC’s Help Centre about some of the possible decisions.
Still unsure about what documents you need? Visit the ISSO’s Contact Us page for assistance.
- What documents from Carleton should I include with my application for a study permit extension?
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You should provide documents that show you are enrolled and making progress in your studies.
Where the online application asks for your Letter of Acceptance, you should provide at least two items:
- Certificate of Enrolment – available from Carleton Central (choose the option for study permits and visas).
- Undergraduate / Graduate Specific:
Additional documents are occasionally required. Learn more by visiting our Study Permit Extension page and reviewing our detailed Study Permit Renewal Guide. Visit the ISSO or send us an email if you need more information or help.
UHIP
- I am taking online classes from outside Canada. Do I need UHIP?
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If you are taking online classes from outside Canada, then UHIP is not required. You can have the fee removed from your student account by completing our opt-out form.
If/when you decide to travel to Canada, please email us at isso@carleton.ca for the most current travel and quarantine information. Your UHIP will be reinstated based on your travel date. If you plan on coming to Canada for summer term, you must be enrolled in summer classes.
- Do I still have UHIP coverage if I don’t enrol in summer classes? What happens if I withdraw from classes?
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Please visit the UHIP website to learn all about UHIP health coverage for international students at Carleton.
Student Life
- Can I order textbooks for international shipping?
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Yes – The Carleton Bookstore is ready to help you get the textbooks and other materials you need to succeed in your courses at Carleton. Students can order their textbooks from the Bookstore website at www.carletonshop.ca to have them delivered promptly anywhere around the world.
- The bookstore suggests that you place your order as early as possible.
- Some students have had issues using international credit cards on their web site, a recommended solution is to deposit the funds needed onto your Campus Card, and then use the Campus Card to purchase their our site.
- Please use your mailing address, not your home address, if they are different, when placing your order. If you are uncertain on how to write your address for an international delivery, please contact your local post office or delivery service.
- Please use a phone number and email that you currently have access to (i.e. don’t use your future Ottawa phone number if you’re not currently in Ottawa) when placing your order.
- Once your order is placed through their website, the Carleton Bookstore will be in touch by email with a shipping quote. Once that quote is approved, the payment will be processed, the shipment will be sent, and you’ll receive a tracking number so you can follow your shipment.
- Some countries charge an import fee for textbooks, it will be each students’ responsibility to pay these import fees if needed.
Students with any questions about placing an order should contact The Carleton Bookstore by email at thebookstore@carleton.ca or by phone at 613-520-3832.
- What are tuition fees at Carleton University?
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Tuition fees at Carleton, which can be found on Student Accounts’ page, vary depending on your program. Some international students are eligible to apply to pay domestic fees instead of international student fees. Find these exemptions on the Registrar’s Office site.
- Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Please check the Admissions website for scholarships and bursaries available to all Carleton University students.
Graduate students can check the Graduate Admissions website for information on financial assistance for international graduate students.
Make sure to all check the ISSO’s list of Scholarships for international students.
Prospective Students
- What are the course options for winter semester?
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Based on student demand, Carleton will be revising the course schedule to offer more online options in the winter 2022 term. More information on these courses will be provided by the end of October.
Any international students looking to make travel arrangements to Carleton should keep in touch with the International Student Service Office for travel and quarantine support. Contact us at isso@carleton.ca with any questions.
- How do I apply to come to Carleton for a graduate degree program?
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If you would like to study in a Master’s or PhD Program, please visit the Graduate Admissions website.
- How can I apply to come to Carleton for an undergraduate degree?
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If you would like to apply to do an undergraduate degree at Carleton University, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions website.
- I want to come to Carleton on Exchange. What should I do?
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Learn all about coming to Carleton on Exchange.
Outgoing Exchange
- Why should I go on exchange? Where can I go on exchange? How can I apply?
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Why should I go on exchange? Where can I go on exchange? How can I apply? What are some stories from students who have gone on exchange? What do I need to do before I depart for exchange? What scholarships are available for outgoing exchange students? Find the answers to these questions and more information at My Exchange.
Faculty and Staff
- What is a Student Exchange Agreement and how can I propose one?
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Learn about how departments and faculties can propose a new Student Exchange Agreement.
Contact Us
If you have a question and cannot find the answer on our website, please feel free to contact the ISSO by dropping by in person, phone call, or e-mail.
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