On this page, you’ll find important details about:
“Moving from Kerala, India to Belleville has given me a distinct and contrasting experience, particularly regarding transportation, shopping, and dining. If you value a tranquil and serene natural setting, this is an ideal destination. The local community is exceptionally welcoming, and their sincere hospitality has made me feel truly embraced and included. This kindness mirrors the city’s friendly reputation, ensuring a comfortable living experience for students like me.”
Oshin, Global Business Management, India
Immigration
All immigration information for international students can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or by calling 1-888-242-2100.
Under Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), “Education agents, recruiters and employees at educational institutions, who are paid to provide services to their clients, are prohibited from providing advice to students…with regard to immigration applications, such as visas or student work permits. As a result, they may not explain or advise a person on their immigration options, complete and submit immigration forms on a client’s behalf, communicate with CIC on a client’s behalf (except for the direct translation of a client’s written or spoken submissions), represent a client in an immigration application or advertise that they can provide immigration advice” (Bob Brack, President & CEO of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, June 20, 2013).
In order to study in Canada, you will need your Letter of Admissions along with your passport to process your study permit/visa application at your local Canadian Embassy or Consulate. Please go to the IRCC website for details on applying for a visa/study permit and working in Canada. This website has helpful information about work permits for students, information for after you graduate, and for applying for permanent residency. If you are interested in staying in Canada after you graduate, please be aware that the length of study will determine the length you will be granted to remain in Canada after graduation. It is a requirement of CIC that international students study full time.
Study permits
By Canadian law, you are required to obtain a valid Study Permit from IRCC. The study permit is a document that IRCC issues to allow foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. To apply, visit IRCC Study Permit Application.
Entry visas – Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Also known as a re-entry visa or visitor visa, this is the visa that is stuck like a sticker into your passport. Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. To find out whether this is required from your country, check the IRCC website for a list of visa exempt countries.
Travelling to Canada
Current rules for all travellers entering Canada:
You’re strongly encouraged to check current information on the official Government of Canada website before confirming your travel plans.
Booking flights and arrival dates
Loyalist College students should book flights into the Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario.
The approximately driving distance from the airport to Loyalist College’s locations:
- Belleville: two hours
- Port Hope: 1.5 hours
| Fall 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Arrival dates (no earlier than) | August 3, 2024 |
| International Orientation | Belleville: August 26-29 Port Hope: September 3 |
| Orientation (college-wide) | September 3, 2024 |
| First day of classes | September 4, 2024 |
| Last date to arrive: Students must be present in class no later than this date | September 17, 2024 by 12 p.m. EST |
Register your travel (mandatory)
All international students must register their travel in advance by completing our online webform, regardless of vaccination status.
Step 1: Preparing to arrive in Canada
Consider purchasing a refundable ticket for flexibility. Arrivals should be scheduled within four weeks of the semester start, per CBSA guidelines.
Step 2: Submit the mandatory online travel registration form with your arrival plans
Complete and submit your travel details via our online form. Ensure all required information and documents are included to avoid delays.
- If you cannot submit the Travel to Canada web form today, please try again tomorrow, as there is a daily entry limit.
- Once you have submitted the web form, there’s no need to send an email.
- Early arrival health insurance will be arranged automatically once you register.
- Loyalist College does not provide travel documents for entry to Canada.
Early arrival health insurance (mandatory)
The mandatory annual health insurance included with tuition begins on the first day of your semester intake (e.g., September 1, January 1, or May 1). If you arrive before this date, regardless of vaccination status, you must purchase Canadian health insurance at a daily rate of $1.65 from your arrival until your policy starts. This insurance is automatically arranged and billed to your Loyalist College student account – no extra steps are needed from you.
Health care costs in Canada can be very high during emergencies, accidents or illness. The daily insurance cost until your annual policy starts is much lower than potential medical expenses from a Canadian hospital. Students arriving before their mandatory annual health insurance starts and who do not register their travel with Loyalist College will have no coverage. They will be responsible for all medical costs incurred in Canada.
Entering Canada: Document checklist
- Valid letter of acceptance (LOA)
- Proof of tuition payment
- Valid passport and letter of introduction (study permit authorization)
- Semester schedule (if available)
- Letters of reference or any other documents the visa office told you to bring (not required if you were not instructed)
- GIC proof confirming living expenses (only applicable to SDS applicants)
- No criminal or immigration-related convictions
- Valid immigration medical exam results
- myLoyalist portal login credentials – you may be requested to log in at the airport
- Address of where you will be staying in Canada
- Airport pickup details
We recommended that you print each item above for entry to Canada and have each available in your carry-on bag. You can monitor updates on the Information for International Students web page.
Studying at Loyalist College as an international student is a special and thrilling journey. My transition to life in Belleville, Canada, has brought about positive changes that greatly impacted my family’s experience. Having moved from the Philippines with my husband and two sons, I appreciate the warm atmosphere of our new home.
Joana, Global Business Management, Philippines
Budgeting in Canada
Planning your budget before arriving in Canada is very important. As part of the immigration process, you must ensure sufficient funds for your studies and have a financial plan in place. Although there are job opportunities, securing work upon arrival is not guaranteed. Budgeting helps manage finances by outlining income and expenses during your studies, which vary based on personal preferences and needs.
| Expenses | Estimated cost (CAD) per semester |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,600 – $4,800 |
| Utilities (water, hydro, heat, internet) | $400 – $1,000 |
| Cell phone | $200 – $400 |
| Food | $800 – $1,600 |
| Bus pass | $280 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 – $1,200 |
| Textbooks and other study materials not included in tuition cost | $400 – $600 |
| Total range per semester | $4,080 – $9,880 |
Bringing dependents
When bringing dependents to Canada, it’s your responsibility to arrange their arrival and settlement. Plan ahead before starting your program as there’s no on-campus daycare and children can’t be left unattended.
Considerations include:
- Securing larger accommodations for your family
- Budgeting for additional family living expenses and Ontario’s cost of living
- Arranging health insurance for dependents (Loyalist only provides insurance for students but can advise on purchasing coverage for dependents in Canada, given the high cost of medical care)
- Researching daycare options and local school boards
- Understanding Canadian laws regarding child carseat safety, minimum age for leaving children unsupervised, and other related regulations
If you’re bringing dependents, please email international@loyalistcollege.com to schedule a virtual meeting before your arrival in Canada.
Housing
Residence
Loyalist offers residences in Belleville, Port Hope and Cobourg. To secure your room, apply directly through the myLoyalist portal. For details about residence options or to apply, view our Residence and housing page.
Off-campus housing
You have the flexibility to explore and arrange your own housing options independently of Loyalist College. To learn more about how we can support you in finding suitable accommodations, visit the Residence and housing page.
Temporary housing
When you arrive in Canada, you can arrange to stay at a local hotel for up to three nights at no charge while settling into the community and finding longer-term accommodations. Rooms at the hotel are shared with other Loyalist College students of the same gender for the initial three nights. If additional nights are needed, you must cover the cost yourself. Loyalist College does not cover hotel expenses beyond the initial three nights. To request your three-day stay in a local hotel, please email international@loyalistcollege.com.
- Please note: We kindly ask for at least 72 hours’ notice to arrange your three-day stay. Please note that our staff are unavailable on weekends and cannot accommodate last-minute requests for hotel stays.
In my short time at Loyalist, I’ve acquired valuable knowledge, formed important connections, and discovered more about myself. The strong support from peers, faculty, and staff has made Loyalist feel like a second home. Being here offers not just academic and career growth, but also significant personal development.
Angel, Early Childhood Education, Mexico
Working while in Canada
As an international student in Canada, you’ll receive a work permit upon arrival, allowing you to work. While there are opportunities to apply for on-campus jobs, securing a position is not assured. Loyalist College Career Services posts job openings and offers support for your job search in a new environment. Ontario’s minimum wage is $16.55 per hour.
On campus
You can only start working in Canada on campus once your study program begins; working before then is not permitted.
- On-campus job opportunities are limited, so it is up to you to secure employment. Arriving early with a CV or résumé to give to potential employers is advisable.
- Working on campus allows you to engage with the college community and gain valuable Canadian work experience. However, relying solely on a student job for financial support in Canada is not recommended.
- You’ll need approval from the International Centre to work on campus and must maintain a GPA of 60 percent or higher, depending on the position.
For more details, visit IRCC – Work on campus.
Off campus
You can work off campus if your study permit allows for on- or off-campus employment.
- Students can apply for an off-campus work permit through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
- This permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during school sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks as identified on the Academic Calendar.
- Each student is responsible for finding their own employment.
For more details, visit IRCC– Work off campus.
Orientation
Orientation registration (highly recommended)
Join our Fall International Orientation at Loyalist College in Belleville! Designed for new international students like you, this event covers everything about studying here and settling into life in Canada. Enjoy refreshments, win prizes, and get essential semester tips! Reserve your spot for an in-person or virtual session that fits your schedule. Three options available—secure your preferred date and time now. We’re excited to welcome you!
FAQs
Please refer to the International Student FAQ webpage.