Study Permits / Temporary Visa
All International students in a program longer than six months (including Open Studies) must submit a copy of their Letter of Introduction and their Visa or ETA one month before their program starts.
Once you enter Canada, you will be provided with your study (and co-op work, if required) permit, a copy must be provided to your Admissions Officer. Students that do not provide copies of this documentation within the time frame specified may be removed from the program.
If you are denied a temporary visa/study permit by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada you are required to submit a copy of the official denial letter in order to receive a partial refund of the $5,000 CAD tuition deposit.
International students must maintain valid immigration documents to live and study in Canada. It is solely the student’s responsibility, and not that of Olds College staff to:
-
Ensure your immigration and legal documents are current and maintained, this includes paying attention to processing times for study permit renewals.
-
Ensure that any documentation submitted for immigration purposes meets requirements and is accurate and complete.
-
Understand and be compliant with immigration requirements as they pertain to you. This information is subject to change, therefore, please refer to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada website.
*Olds College can not advise you, or act on your behalf, on immigration matters.
*Immigration laws, regulations and rules can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Website.
Application Process
We strongly recommend applying a minimum of 4-6 months in advance of the program start date - this allows for application (3-6 weeks) and Study Permit processing. It is important to pay close attention to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for Study Permit Processing times.
-
Submit an application through Apply Alberta online and pay the non-refundable application fee of $160 (CAD)
-
Submit all supporting documentation to admit@oldscollege.ca for a preliminary admission assessment - include your Alberta Student Number (ASN) created at the time of application. Original transcripts will be required before a final admission decision and documentation will be issued.
-
Not submitting all supporting documentation in a timely manner will significantly delay Olds College processing times
-
Refer to the International Document Requirements for information on how to submit your original documents.
-
International applicants must meet the specific admission requirements for their desired program.
-
Allow 3-6 weeks for application processing of a complete application. Your Admissions Officer will be in contact with you via e-mail with a decision. Incomplete applications will take longer to process.
-
While you wait, apply and obtain your temporary visa & study permit. Contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country for details.
-
Reserve your seat in the program by paying the $5,000 (CAD) tuition deposit through Flywire by the deadline indicated in your Admission Letter.
-
Send proof of application for your Temporary Visa/ Electronic Travel Authorization & Study Permit to your Admission Officer by the deadline indicated in your Admission Letter.
Supporting Documentation to Submit
Certified official documents issued by the high school, college or university sent in a sealed envelope bearing the institution’s seal, stamp or signature are required.
-
High School and Post-Secondary transcripts
-
English Language Proficiency assessments
-
If your documents are not in the English language, you must provide a certified English literal translation (word-for-word) with the documents at the time of submission. (We recommend Scholaro Transcript Translation)
-
Refer to the International Document Requirements to learn which documentation to submit. If your country isn’t listed, contact admissions@oldscollege.ca to determine what specific documents are required to be submitted.
International Documentation Assessment
Before you can receive an offer of admission, your original transcripts/diplomas/examination certificate must be submitted for evaluation. All applicants are assessed based on the completion of education at the senior secondary/high school level. Applicants who have completed education in another country must have graduated with appropriate high school documents and credentials.
The transcript assessment will be completed by the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology Admission Office
-
Once you have applied, a preliminary admission assessment will be completed and for the purposes of this assessment, scan the documents into one pdf file and e-mail to admissions@oldscollege.ca.
-
The Admission Officer will then request that official transcripts be sent to them by issuing institution or organization, in a sealed envelope.
-
If your documents are not in the English language, you must provide a certified English literal translation (word-for-word) with the documents at the time of submission.
-
Applicants may be required to submit verification documentation to support their application (e.g. WAEC scratch card/e-pin, Admit Card, etc.)
-
Once official documents have been received, and presuming that there is still space in the desired program, an Offer of Admission will be made.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Once you are admitted into an Olds College of Agriculture & Technology program, you can request that an assessment be done on any of your previous post-secondary education to see if you might be eligible for transfer credit towards your new program. You will be required to submit:
- A notarized colour copy of your post-secondary transcripts, where a signature and/or official stamp is visible
- Copies of all relevant course outlines or descriptions for the courses you want assessed for transfer credit
PLEASE NOTE: All transcripts, course outlines and other supporting documentation must be in English. If your documentation is in another language, you must provide a certified English literal translation (word-for-word) along with a notarized colour copy of the original documents.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Tuition Deposit
All admitted International students are required to pay a $5,000 CAD tuition deposit to secure your seat in the program. Your admission documentation will provide your tuition deposit deadline date. Please visit oldscollege.flywire.com to make your payments.
For more information on tuition or refunds, please visit our Tuition and Fees Payment page.