Yes, all international students registering for one of our academic program should apply for a study permit. Even if you are applying for a short-term academic program, you are strongly encouraged to apply for a study permit.Students who register for five months or less are not required to have a study permit to enter the country. However, students who register for five months or less often ask to extend the length of their stay. If you have not already received a study permit before you leave to study with us, you may find it either difficult or impossible to be approved for a study permit once you are in Canada.If you intend to stay for a period of five months or less as a participant in our English Language Development program or as a member of a Sooke SummerSide summer camp program you do not need to apply for a summer permit.
To find out how to obtain a Study Permit, contract the nearest Canadian Embassy, Consulate General, or Trade Commission, or go directly to the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website.
Is it possible to extend my valid Study Permit once I’ve begun my studies?
Yes, you may extend your valid Study Permit as long as you remain in a recognized educational program and send all of the necessary documents to Citizenship & Immigration Canada at least two months before your Study Permit expiry date. Once you are studying with us, the Sooke Schools International Student Program office will be happy to help you with the Study Permit renewal process.
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes. To be a registered student within a Sooke Schools International program, you must be covered by medical insurance. The cost of this insurance is included in our program fees.
It is compulsory that our international students have health insurance. Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP) will cover all international students at the end of a three-month waiting period. MSP coverage is required by law. During the three-month waiting period for MSP coverage, the school district purchases private medical coverage for all international students. You can learn more about MSP here: http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/
Do I need a custodian while studying in the Sooke Schools International Programs?
Immigration Canada requires that all international students under the age of 18 appoint a custodian to act in their parents place. This is a legal requirement that must be met in order for you to reside in Canada. This notarized declaration must be signed by both the parents and the custodian. The Sooke School District is able to act as the student’s custodian without any additional charge.
How long does it take to receive approval of my application to the Sooke Schools International Student program?
Applications are usually acknowledged within 48 hours after all of the elements (link) have been submitted. Applicants will normally be advised within one week whether they have been offered placement in the Sooke Schools International program.
Why are school transcripts required as part of the application process?
For admission into our academic program, students must include transcripts for the past two years, translated into English. Please also email or fax the original, un-translated copies of the transcripts.
Study in a language that is not familiar to you can be challenging. Students with a below average academic record are not likely to succeed.
We also look for evidence of your English language abilities. Those familiar with the IELTS should be confident of their ability to score at least the 4.5 level prior to applying. While no English language ability test is administered prior to your arrival, please be aware that our academic program is not for those who lack the ability for at least some study in English as a student within classes that are also being taken by Canadian students. Please see Program FAQ’s for additional information.
What is the refund policy?
If the request for a Study Permit is denied by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the total School Fee paid is refundable, less $500 administration costs. To be eligible for a refund of fees on this basis, the applicant must provide a copy of the visa application and a copy of the letter of denial from CIC.
If a student cancels before the program begins, two-thirds of the School Fee paid is refundable. If a student leaves the program within 30 days of beginning, half of the School Fee paid is refundable. No refund will be provided to students choosing to leave beyond the first month of their program. Nor is any refund available to those who are dismissed from the program.
The Sooke School District is not liable for losses/expenses that may incur as a result of the District being unable to provide education owing to labour disputes, inclement weather conditions or other causes beyond its control. If the student’s educational needs are greater than disclosed on the application, the District reserves the right to charge for extra support if such support is available. Any inaccuracy in the application submission is grounds for the District to terminate the agreement and send the student home without refund and at the parent’s own expense.
