Applying To Canadian Universities: F1 Student Options

Canada is a popular destination for international students in the US, offering a chance to explore North America and experience its cities, landscapes, and distinct culture. Before travelling to Canada, F-1 students must ensure their US immigration documents are in order, including a valid SEVIS Form I-20, a valid F visa stamp in their passport, and evidence of monetary support. Additionally, they must determine if they need a Canadian visitor visa, which can be obtained by mail or online. F-1 students can travel to Canada and return to the US with an expired F-1 visa, as long as their trip is within 30 days. However, it is important to note that travel to Canada is considered departing the US, and specific rules and documentation requirements must be followed for re-entry to the US.

F-1 students need a valid SEVIS Form I-20, signed by an advisor

F-1 students wishing to travel to Canada from the US need a valid SEVIS Form I-20, signed by an advisor at their International Student Services Office. This is a requirement for re-entry to the US from Canada. The form must be endorsed by the International Students and Scholars staff, and it is recommended that this is done in advance of your trip.

The I-20 form is a vital document for F-1 students, and it must be kept up to date. It is also required for students to re-enter the US from any other country. The form must be printed and in hand when entering the US. It is also necessary to have a valid travel endorsement on the I-20 form before mailing your visa application to the Canadian consulate.

The I-20 form is used to show that the student has been approved to study in the US. It details the student's course of study, how long they are expected to be in the US, and how their stay will be funded. The form must be signed by a designated school official, usually an international student advisor. This signature confirms that the student is maintaining their status and is making progress in their course of study.

It is important to note that the travel endorsement on the I-20 form cannot be provided if the student has completed their program and wishes to travel to Canada during their grace period.

F-1 students need a valid F visa stamp in their passport

Upon entering the U.S., a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official will review your immigration documents, visa, and other documents. They may put an ink entry stamp in your passport, though this process is being phased out. The CBP officer may also stamp your passport with an 'F-1' and 'D/S' or 'J-1' and 'D/S', with 'D/S' standing for 'duration of status'. This means you are permitted to remain in the U.S. as long as you are maintaining the conditions of your legal status.

It is important to ensure your passport is stamped appropriately as F or J before departing Immigration. If there are any questions about your F-1 status, have Immigration contact the ISO before you leave the port of entry. If you do not receive a stamp, this is also okay, as CBP is phasing out passport stamping. Be sure to check your I-94 after arrival.

When travelling to the U.S., you should present the following documents to the admitting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:

• Your UVA Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of admission
• A valid F-1/J-1 visa in your passport
• Copy of SEVIS fee receipt

It is important to note that Canadian citizens are not required to have a U.S. visa, but they are required to have all other documentation.

F-1 students need evidence of monetary support as listed in Section 8 of the I-20

F-1 students need to provide evidence of financial support, as outlined in Section 8 of the I-20 form. This is to ensure that they can cover their expenses while studying in the US and that their education remains the primary reason for their visa application. The required funds must cover at least the first year of tuition and living costs. This can be demonstrated through various documents, including personal or sponsor bank statements, loan sanction letters, scholarships, and fixed deposits. It is important to note that certain types of funds, such as stocks, real estate, and gold, are not preferred as they are not easily convertible into liquid cash. If the required funds are insufficient, the visa application may be rejected, and students can reapply after addressing the stated reasons for rejection.

F-1 students need an Employment Authorization Card (EAC) if they have practical training

F-1 students can seek off-campus employment through practical training programs. There are two types of practical training: curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT). CPT is any alternative work, study, internship, or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. OPT is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study.

To be eligible for CPT, the F-1 student must be enrolled full-time at an SEVP-certified college, university, or seminary, and the training must be an integral part of the school's curriculum. The student must also secure a training position and have it authorized by a designated school official (DSO) before beginning work. The DSO will authorize CPT on the student's Form I-20, and the student must present this form, along with their unexpired foreign passport and Form I-94, to establish their identity and employment authorization.

For OPT, F-1 students can apply to receive up to 12 months of employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies. To be eligible, students must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year at an ICE-certified educational institution. The DSO will recommend OPT by endorsing the student's Form I-20 and making a notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students must then file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the required fee and supporting documentation.

Both CPT and OPT require employment authorization, which is granted through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or an Employment Authorization Card (EAC). The EAD is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and allows F-1 students to work off-campus during their practical training. The EAD will specify the type of practical training, such as CPT or OPT, and the dates for which the student is authorized to work. To maintain their student status, F-1 students must not work on an expired EAD, as this will result in termination of their employment authorization.

F-1 students need a valid travel endorsement to re-enter the US from Canada

F-1 students can apply to Canadian universities from the USA, but there are several important considerations to keep in mind regarding travel endorsements and visas. Firstly, travel to Canada is considered departing the US, and most travel rules and documentation requirements apply when returning to the US. This means that F-1 students need a valid travel endorsement to re-enter the US from Canada. Obtaining a travel endorsement can take 7-10 business days, so it is important to plan ahead.

To obtain a travel endorsement, F-1 students must have a valid Form I-20 with their school officer's "Travel Endorsement" signature, authorizing travel. Additionally, those on F-1 Optional Practical Training must also have a valid employment authorization card (EAD). It is important to note that F-1 students may need a Canadian visa even for a one-day trip. The Canadian Consulate only accepts visitor visa applications by mail, so proper planning is essential.

When returning to the US from Canada, F-1 students must ensure they have the proper documents. This includes a valid passport, a Form I-20 endorsed for travel and signed by a Designated School Official (DSO), a valid visa or proof of automatic visa revalidation, and financial information showing proof of necessary funds. It is recommended to consult with a DSO before travelling to ensure all requirements are met.

In summary, F-1 students need a valid travel endorsement and the necessary documentation to re-enter the US from Canada. The process can take time, so it is important to plan ahead and ensure all requirements are met to avoid any issues with re-entry into the US.

Frequently asked questions