Visa Information for International Students 

Please keep in mind that RCIT does not issue any kinds of visas for international students, which is a common misconception in the minds of most students. Rather Visa regulations are determined by a department of the Canadian government called Immigration Canada and these regulations often change. The safest approach is to always check with the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate. The information they give will be up to date and accurate.

For an up to date list of the countries whose citizens need a Visa please visit this website.

Requirements for Student Visa:

Students wishing to study in Canada at the Royal Canadian Institute of Technology must 

• Present a letter of acceptance from the Royal Canadian Institute of Technology to Canadian High Commission in your country; and
• A completed application form:
  To complete your application you will need to know the cost of your education including tuition fees and books, medical insurance, return transportation costs and living costs for yourself and any dependants while in Canada. Living costs vary in each province.
• Demonstrate that you are able to pay the tuition fees for the course or program of studies that they intend to pursue;
• The application fee of $125 CAD; Payable to Receiver General of Canada
• Valid Passport
• Two passport-size photographs; please check the specifications of the photos;
• Financially support yourself and any family members who are with you during their period of study;
• A transcript from your last program of study
• Cover the transportation cost for yourself and any family members to and from Canada; and
• Pass a CIC medical examination, if required
• Police background check may be required.

How to Apply for a Study Permit or Student Visa:

Find all the forms you need to apply for a Study Permit, along with step-by-step instructions. This includes information about:

• medical examinations;
• police checks;
• application fees; and
• financial requirements

Step 1:    Fill the Application for a Study Permit.

Step 2:    Collect the documents you need to apply:

• Proof of acceptance
• Proof of identity
• Proof of financial support
• Letter of explanation, if you wish to apply for a Study Permit, even though you do not need one

Step 3:  

Complete the application for a Study Permit. Fill in the forms carefully and completely.

• Follow the instructions
• Use a typewriter or print clearly, using black ink.
• Add appropriate characters for languages that do not use the Latin alphabet, such as Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Japanese, Hebrew, etc.
• Sign and date your application forms.

Step 4:   Include the correct Application Fee. There is a processing fee to apply for a Study Permit.

Step 5:   Make sure that your application is complete, using the document checklist.

Step 6:   Submit your application, fees, and required documents to a Visa Office at the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the country in which you are living.

Step 7:   Supply additional information or documents when the Visa Office requests it. This may include:

Medical Examination Results:

• You must pass a medical exam.

A Visa Officer will advise you if you need to take a medical examination, and will provide you with instructions on how to proceed. If you need a medical examination, processing your application could take at least three extra months.

Police Certificates/Certificate of Good Conduct:

A Visa Officer may request a police certificate to prove to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Officers that you are a responsible person and that you do not have a criminal record.

Police agencies may do a criminal or security background check. These checks may be done on anyone 18 years of age and over applying for a Study Permit.

If you have any questions about your application, please contact the Visa Office where you submit your application.