All students entering Canada from a foreign country are required to obtain a Student Visa and, if receiving a teaching assistantship, a work permit. Students should contact their nearest Canadian Embassy for full information on visa requirements. If there is no Canadian Embassy, the nearest British Embassy will usually provide assistance. In some cases it can take up to six months to issue a visa and it is suggested that students get information about procedures as early as possible. The Department is unable to assist students in obtaining a visa and unless your documentation is complete you will not be allowed into Canada.
Students holding a Graduate Assistantship (Teaching) are considered employees of the University and require a work permit. They will need to obtain this upon arrival in Calgary.
It is now possible for visa students to work under certain circumstances other than as Graduate Assistants. Check with a Canadian Embassy, Canada Immigration or the International Students Association to get the most up-to-date information.
Students who are citizens of the United States are issued visas at border crossings or on arrival at Calgary International Airport. The formal letter of admission to the University and/or the letter offering funding must be produced at the border.
Copies of the visa and work permit (if any) must be supplied to the Department and to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.