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International Student Services

Welcome to Ambrose University! We are excited to have you at Ambrose. Our International Student Services team is here to support you in your transition to Ambrose University and to Canada. 

International Student Support

Julian Erb
Director of Community Life
julian.erb@ambrose.edu

 

 
International Admission Requirements
Now that you're admitted

 

Once You're Admitted & Before You Arrive (Pre-Arrival)

  • Apply for a Study Permit
  • Make Travel Arrangements
  • Arrange for Housing

Apply for Scholarships and Awards 

What you Need to Know about Immigration Requirements

Study Permits

A study permit gives you the legal right to study legally in Canada while a student visa allows you into Canada. 

Who Needs It? 

Anyone who has been admitted to Ambrose University for a designated program of study that is longer than 6 months in length. 

Benefits

  • You may be eligible to work on-campus
  • If you want to extend your stay in Canada, you can apply for an extension of your Study Permit from within Canada. 

How much does it cost?  

Student Visa Costs to Study in Canada

Other Links

Study Permit 
Student Visa

Working in Canada

Can I work in Canada?

  • Yes you can! International student work programs require you to be a full-time student with a valid study permit. If you are not enrolled full-time or you do not have a valid study permit, you may not be eligible to work in Canada.
  • You are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week while your program is in session, and full-time during scheduled breaks in the academic calendar. 
Accompanying Spouse and Children

In order for your spouse or children to come to Canada with you, they will need a valid passport and a valid entrance document should they require one. They can apply for their entrance document at the same time as you apply for your study permit. 

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a requirement for all visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by air. The eTA is issued by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Can my spouse work in Canada?

Your spouse does not need to be a student in order to work in Canada as long as they apply for an Open Work Permit. They will need to indicate that they are the spouse of a full-time student in Canada. 

How to get a work permit for your spouse

Can my kids go to school in Canada?

Your children can attend school depending on their level of study and whether or not they are already inside of Canada. They may require a Study Permit.

Calgary Board of Education

Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number is needed to receive an income in Canada. A SIN also makes you eligible to receive benefits and services from government programs (such as Tax Rebates). You are required by law to provide your SIN to your employer within three working days after your employment begins. 

Where to get your SIN

Service Canada Office 

Renewing your Study Permit

The expiry date on your study permit tells when you have to stop studying and you cannot work or study until you get a new permit.
This date could be the length of your:

  • Program, plus 90 extra days
  • Pre-requisite courses plus 90 extra days (if you were conditionally accepted by your school) or
  • Passport minus 30 days, if your passport will expire before you can finish your studies.

How to renew/extend your study permit

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Ambrose University’s Requirements for TOEFL  
  • A minimum score of 560 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test, or a minimum score of 83 on the internet-based TOEFL* test; OR
  • A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test. More information on IELTS
  • TOEFL institution code for Ambrose is 8915
  • Note: The requirements may be waived at the discretion of the University in cases where a student has attended an equivalent institution in North America, or can demonstrate English proficiency by other means.

More information about TOEFL 

 

Upon Arrival to Ambrose 

Banking

Now that you are temporary resident in Canada, it is advised that you open a Canadian Bank Account. In light of this, there are certain documents that you will need to present to the bank employee(s) before you are allowed to open an account:

  • A valid Study Permit or Visa
  • A Passport 
  • A deposit of a required amount of money (Contact the bank of your choice before going in to setup an account to verify the amount of money that needs to be deposited) 
  • Ambrose Student Identification Card (most banks offer student rates and fees, therefore it is advised to carry along your Student ID with you) 
Nearby Banking Options 
  • TD Canada Trust
  • Royal Bank of Canada
  • Scotia Bank
  • Bank of Montreal
  • CIBC: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
  • HSBC Canada

Budget Planning 

Cellphone

  • You will need a cellphone when you arrive 
  • You can purchase either a prepaid or a monthly cellphone plan in Canada, which will include voice calls, text messages and mobile data. 

Health Care for International Students 

  • Every newcomer should register within three months for health care. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan issues a personal health card for each family member covered under the plan. 
  • If you will be in Calgary for longer than 12 months, you may register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. 
  • As an Ambrose student you have Student Health Coverage 
    • Even though you are automatically put on the Ambrose Student Health Plan, you might need another for your family (Alberta Health). 

Helpful Resources for Settling in Canada 

Resources and Services for Newcomers  

Helping Newcomers Get Started in Calgary

Calgary Newcomer Services Guide

Immigrant serving agencies (non-profit organizations) 

Centre for Newcomers (CFN) 
Immigrant Service Calgary (ISC) 
Calgary Immigrant Educational Society (CIES) 
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) 
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

International Student Handbook

 

Students