Immigration

Coming to Canada

All persons entering Canada must carry proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. If you do not have a passport, a passport card, or approved alternate document such as a NEXUS card, then a government-issued photo ID (i.e. driver’s license) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate will suffice. United States permanent residents must show their Permanent Resident Card (green card).

Returning to or Visiting the U.S.A.

Effective June 1, 2009, all American citizens are required to present a passport book, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document when entering the United States. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States from Canada or Mexico.

It is highly recommended that you obtain a valid U.S. passport before coming to Canada. It is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves that you have a right to return to the U.S.A.

Other WHTI compliant documents for American citizens include: a passport card (for land and sea travel only), trusted traveler cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), state issued Enhanced Driver's License (if available), Enhanced Tribal Cards (if available), Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card, Form I-872 American Indian Card.

Study Permit

Students from the U.S. who plan to study in Canada for a course or program over six months are required to obtain a study permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). This may be obtained either through a Canadian Visa Office in the U.S.A. or at the "port of entry" when you arrive at the Canadian border. To obtain a study permit, you will need to have the following documents:

1. A valid passport (recommended) or driver's license and birth certificate.
2. Your "letter of acceptance" from Providence University College and Seminary.
3. Proof that you have enough money to support yourself (and any dependents) for your first year in Canada (bank statements, letters from people supporting you financially, etc.).
4. A letter from your sponsoring organization, if you are being sponsored.

The study permit will cost $125 CAD. If your spouse or family is accompanying you, they must have proper identification as well (passports or driver's license and birth certificates). Your children (under 18 years old) will not need study permits to attend school in Canada as long as a parent holds a valid study permit. A study permit does not allow you to work in Canada except on the campus of the school where you are studying full time.

Work Permit

Because internships are required for many fields of study, most students will also be required to obtain a work permit. Unlike the study permit, you will apply for the work permit after you have arrived at Providence. The cost of the work permit is free because it is required for your studies. You will, however, be required to complete an immigration medical examination in order to be able to work with children or in health care settings.  For more information, see the International Student Services Coordinator. Please note that this work permit only allows you to do work that is required for your academic program.

After six months of full time study you may be eligible for an "off-campus" work permit. This work permit costs $150 CAD and will allow you to work part time off campus during the school term and full time during any scheduled breaks and holidays.

For more information see: 

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Consulate Genaral of Canada (Buffalo)
Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C.
American Consular Services