International Student Guide

TABLE

OF CONTENTS

3 Welcome 4 Studying in Canada 5 Programs 6 Admission Requirements 6 English Language Proficiency 9 Application Process 10 Admission to the Program 11 Fees and Refunds 12 Other Information 13 Frequently Asked Questions 16 Student Checklist 19 Other Resources

W E L C O M E

GETTING STARTED It is recommended that applicants begin the process of acquiring a student visa while in their home country, at least six months prior to registering in a program at NLC. If already in Canada, the applicant is required to provide a copy of their current visa (work, visitor, etc.) to be followed by the student visa once received. The student visa must be presented no later than the program’s last date for registration. A certified true copy of any Government issued photo identification is required (i.e. passport), to be submitted no later than the program’s last date for registration.

An International Student is an individual that is not a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident (this includes ‘landed immigrant’ status). If a permanent resident, a certified true copy of any Government issued photo identification must be provided for the student file (examples include: provincial government ID card, motor vehicle license or a valid Canadian passport).

International students are responsible for all of their visa/study permit, travel, health insurance, accommodation and financial arrangements.

Please read the following information carefully. If you need assistance with the application process or have any questions, please contact Northern Lakes College:

CONTACT US Northern Lakes College Email: admissions@northernlakescollege.ca Phone: 1-866-652-3456 (toll free in Canada) or Phone: 1-780-849-8600

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S T U D Y I N G

I N

C A N A D A

APPLICATION TO STUDY IN CAN ADA When applying to study in Canada, the applicant should consult the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website for processes, applications and any special requirements.

Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship: www.cic.gc.ca

DESIGN ATED LEARNING INSTITUTION Northern Lakes College is registered as a Designated Learning Institution and our registration number is required when applying for a study permit.

Northern Lakes College Designated Learning Institution Number: O19391056848 Note: The first character is the letter “O”, followed by eleven numbers.

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P R O G R A M

L E N G T H

PROGRAMS 1. PROGRAMS GREATER THAN SIX MONTHS IN LENGTH An international student requires a valid student visa (also called a study permit) to be enrolled in a program greater than six (6) months in length. International students in these programs are required to take programs that include a face-toface component and attend full-time at one of NLC’s campuses.

Note: If the program of study includes a work study component (practicum), students must also provide a co-op/internship work permit.

2. PROGRAMS LESS THAN SIX MONTHS IN LENGTH A student visa (also called a study permit) is now required to be enrolled in a full time program that is less than six (6) months in length with a mandatory work study (practicum) component.

International students in these programs may be taking parttime or full-time studies, and delivery may be asynchronous (any time) or synchronous (real time).

Note: If the program of study includes a work study component (practicum), students must also provide a co-op/internship work permit.

International applicants must present their current visa (temporary, work, visitor, study, etc.) and any Government issued photo identification (i.e. Passport, driver’s license, etc.) no later than 2 weeks prior to the program start date.

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R E Q U I R E M E N T S

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must be at least 17 years of age to apply to Northern Lakes College programs.

Applicants must meet all admission requirements before a “Conditional Letter of Acceptance” is provided. All appropriate documentation verifying the applicant’s eligibility to attend the program must be presented no later than 3 months prior to the program’s start date.

Those who plan to enter into a program with a practicum, work experience or clinical placement may be required to provide a satisfactory Police Information Check (PIC) (or Criminal Record Check) to the host site. If applying from outside Canada or have lived in Alberta for less than six months, this is to be obtained from the country of residence. If the applicant has lived in Alberta for six months or more, the PIC may be obtained from the local Police Services (ie: city police or RCMP).

ENGLISH L ANGUAGE PROFICIENCY English is the language of instruction and communication of Northern Lakes College. Applicants must submit evidence of their English Language Proficiency (ELP) as part of the application process.

Note: The results of the Proficiency Tests listed below must be issued directly from the testing office to be considered official. Test scores must be valid and verifiable and be current within two years of admission.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

ENGLISH L ANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS Demonstration of written English language proficiency may be done by providing any one of the following test results to Northern Lakes College Admissions Office.

Note: The results of Proficiency Tests listed below must be issued directly from the testing office. Test scores must be valid and verifiable.

Full Name of Proficiency Test

Full Name of Proficiency Test

CAEL

Canadian Academic English Language

Score of 60 with no subtest below 60

CLBA

Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment

Score of 8 with no skill score below 7

CELPIP

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program - General

Score of 8 with no skill score below 7

IELTS

International English Language Testing Systems – Academic

Score of 6.0 with no band score below 6.0

PTE Academic

Pearson Test of English – Academic

Score of 50

TOEFL

Minimum Score Required

Internet based (iBT) score 84 (no section below 21) ; Paper based score 560 with TSE 50

Test of English as a Foreign Language

Computer based score 220 and TSE 50 TOEIC

Test of English of International Communication

Score 730/790 and TSE 50

Note: Where evidence of a deficiency in English Language Proficiency is identified, additional ELP assessment may be requested. The ELP requirement may be waived in special circumstances, based on any additional information received regarding an individual’s English proficiency skills.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

ENGLISH L ANGUAGE PROFICIENCY EXEMPT COUNTRIES The following countries are recognized as English Language Proficiency exempt, providing the applicant has been educated for a minimum of three years at a qualifying educational institution.

• • • • • • • • • •

merican Samoa A Anguilla Antigua Australia Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda British Honduras C anada (Individuals

educated in French language must provide proof of additional English language instruction)

• C ayman Islands • England/ Great Britain • Falkland Islands • Fiji

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ibraltar G Grenada Guam Guyana I reland Jamaica M alta M auritius M ontserrat New Zealand N igeria Northern Ireland Pacific Islands R yukyu Islands S cotland S eychelles Singapore

• • • • •

S outh Africa St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines • Tanzania • Trinidad and Tobago • Turks and Caicos Island • Uganda • United States of America • Virgin Islands • Wales • Zimbabwe

Note: This applies to all programs at Northern Lakes College.

Other countries are known to educate in the English language medium.

However, this may not be consistent in all regions of that country and/ or meet the Alberta standards to qualify for the exemption list. For those applicants that were educated in a country that is not on this list, ELP will be required for admission.

Northern Lakes College does reserve the right to request ELP, even from applicants of countries listed on the exemption list, if contradictory evidence exists. An example of this is significant communication difficulties (written or spoken).

Admissions will make the final determination if an applicant is required to provide proof of English Language proficiency.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

APPLICATION PROCESS 1. International students submit an application to Northern Lakes College, either paper-based or through the Apply Alberta - Alberta Post-Secondary Application System.

2. Organizations that provide transcript evaluations accepted

by Northern Lakes College for review are those included in the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC), specifically: International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) https://www.alberta.ca/iqas.aspx The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) http://cicic.ca When arranging for a transcript evaluation, ensure that you choose the assessment meant for educational purposes.

Completed results of the assessment are to be sent directly from the issuing body to the College along with a copy of the transcripts. All assessment and shipping costs are the responsibility of the student.

3. The College will evaluate your assessment to ensure that admission requirements for the program have been met.

Applicants should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements of the particular program for which they are applying. Refer to “Admission Requirements� under the specific program of study section of the website for details.

You can find this information at: https://www.northernlakescollege.ca/programs-courses Applicants will be contacted either by email or mail if there is additional information required.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

APPLICATION PROCESS 4. Once all admission requirements for the program have been met, the applicant is sent a letter verifying the applicant is eligible to be enrolled. This letter is to be used for the student visa application.

5. Registration in the program will not be complete until the appropriate student visa documentation and program course enrollment documents have been provided. In addition, full payment is expected at the time of document submission. If the admission requirements are not met, the applicant is notified through email, and the application is closed.

ADMISSION TO THE PRORAM Once your application and any required documents have been reviewed, the applicant will be issued a conditional acceptance letter. The acceptance will typically have the following conditions: 1. Payment of a non-refundable tuition deposit (Commitment Fee) of $200 (See “Fees and Refunds� below) 2. Copy of a valid student visa and/or co-op work permit and a copy of government issued photo identification (ie passport)

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FEES AND REFUNDS

FEES AND REFUNDS International students at Northern Lakes College pay double the domestic rate of tuition. Other fees (Students’ Association & Learning Resource Fee) are charged at the regular domestic rate. A non-refundable deposit on tuition (Commitment Fee) is required upon acceptance into a program. Fees are assessed by term and are due by the deadline specified in the letter of acceptance. Information is available on the deadline schedule and Fees sections of the College website.

TUITION & OTHER FEE REFUNDS On Balances paid over the non-refundable Tuition Deposit (Commitment Fee): • C losed application (prior to start date) - Refund of all fees paid, less Commitment Fee • Withdrawal up to & including first 10 days of the start date (5 days for shorter programs) – full tuition and Students’ Association fee refund, less Commitment Fee. Learning Resource Fee may be refunded if books have not been opened.

• Withdrawal between the first 10 days and 20 days of the start date – refund of 75% of tuition and Student Association fee.

No refunds on Learning Resource Fee are given.

• Housing refunds are automatically prepared based on checkout information. Student receives a refund as per Student Housing regulations.

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OTHER INFORMATION

HEALTH INSURANCE Students are responsible for ensuring they have health care coverage during their stay in Canada.

International students planning to remain in Alberta for 12 months or more, and their dependents, can apply for coverage with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). They should apply within 90 days of arrival in Alberta. http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/temporary-residents.html Applicants planning to reside in Alberta for less than 12 months will have to arrange for their own health coverage.

STUDENT RESIDENCE Northern Lakes College Student Residences are available at the Grouard and Slave Lake Campuses. For information on student residence and accommodations, refer to the College website at: https://www.northernlakescollege.ca/prospective-students/ housing

PROGRAM INFORMATION A full listing of Northern Lakes College programs can be found with our programs listings on the website: https://www.northernlakescollege.ca/programs-courses International Students requiring more information, please contact: 1-780-849-8600 Admissions Services or 1-866-652-3456 (toll free in Canada).

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

INTERN ATION AL STUDENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. When should I apply for my program?

You must have applied a minimum of 4 months prior to the program start date. This will help ensure that the timelines for receipt of visa and assessment of your academic credential will be met.

2. How long will it take for my application to be processed?

Once we have received all required documents, your application will take two weeks or less to process.

3. What happens if I apply after or miss the deadline?

Your application will be closed and you must reapply to be considered for the next intake.

4. What happens if the timeline for receipt of my permit (Work or Study) is not met?

Your application will be closed and you must reapply to be considered for the next intake.

5. Can I bring my international transcripts to Northern Lakes College for Assessment?

No, you must have your transcripts assessed by an external Canadian service such as IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service ) To obtain information about IQAS visit their website at: http://www.alberta.ca/iqas.aspx

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

6. What happens if I disagree with my academic credential assessment used for admission? (i.e. IQAS) We recommend you pursue an appeal through the organization that assessed your out of country transcripts.

7. What happens when I do not meet the admission requirements for my program?

Applicants may be recommended to apply for academic upgrading programs.

8. What happens if I do not submit a permit?

Your application will be closed.

9. If my program has a practicum (work study) component, what documents must be provided?

You must provide both a study permit AND a co-op work permit.

10. If my program is normally offered as a full time program for less than 6 months and I would like to take the program as part time student for a period longer than 6 months. Can I do this?

Your permit must demonstrate the length of time you will be enrolled.

11. What happens if my work permit or my study permit ends before the program completion date?

A student must have applied to Canada Immigration a minimum of three months (90 days) to extend their permit.

Evidence of extension request must be provided.

12. What happens if my study permit is not approved before the program start date?

Your study permit must be received at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date or your application will be closed.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

13. Are there any special international admission requirements for applying for a trade?

Yes, to apply for a trade program, applicants must be a Canadian citizen or Landed Immigrant.

All trades programs require that you be a registered apprentice with Alberta Industry and Training to be eligible to take the program. For more information, refer to: http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/ 14. What happens if I wish to switch programs after I have been accepted?

All documents would be reassessed to determine if you meet the new program admissions requirements. Your study permit would have to reflect any change in program timeline.

15. When and how should the program fees be paid?

Once your application has been processed, your permit has been provided, an initial commitment fee is required upon acceptance and payment in full is due ten business days prior to the start of your program.

International Fees are twice the domestic rate for Tuition only. The Learning Resource Fee and Student Association Fee are at domestic rates.

16. If I am unable to attend my program will I be refunded?

Please refer to our website for information on our refund practices.

17. Are there bursaries or scholarships available to international students?

Not at this time.

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STUDENT CHECKLIST

STUDENT CHECKLIST ❏❏ Research and choose your program of study and ensure that you meet the program requirements.

• In addition to the academic requirements, international

applicants must also meet English Language Proficiency requirements. English Language Proficiency exams should be the Academic version.

❏❏ Apply to Northern Lakes College online at

www.northernlakescollege.ca through Apply Alberta or complete the application provided.

❏❏ Submit Required Documents – To be considered official, these documents must be sent directly from the service provider.

• International transcripts cannot be assessed for

equivalency by Northern Lakes College. You must have your transcripts assessed by an external Canadian service such as IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service). To obtain information about IQAS visit their website at: http://www.alberta.ca/iqas.aspx.

Please note that the transcript assessment must be for educational purposes.

• You must also submit Proof of English Language

Proficiency. In order to be considered official, test scores must be received directly from the testing service provider. (Please refer to the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements table to choose the ELP exam for admission.)

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STUDENT CHECKLIST

❏❏ Additional Documentation – Ensure that you have submitted all documents as requested by Admissions. If you currently hold a Canadian Study Permit, Work Permit or similar document, the Office of the Registrar will need a copy of this document.

• If a Criminal Record check

or Vulnerable Sector check is requested for your practicum portion, this must be completed no sooner than 3 months prior to your practicum (work study) placement.

Note: If your program of study includes a practicum component, international applicants must provide a Co-Op Work Permit in addition to a Study Permit.

• Please visit http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/steps-obtaincertified-criminal-record-or-vulnerable-sector-vs-check for more information.

❏❏ Applying for a Study Permit – Once all program

requirements have been submitted, a “conditional” letter of acceptance will be provided.

• For information regarding study permits please visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp

• For information regarding co-op work permits (if

applicable), please visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/ study/work-coop.asp

• Northern Lakes College is a registered Designated

Learning Institution, the DLI number is required when applying for a permit.

Northern Lakes College

Designated Learning Institution Number O19391056848

(The first character is the letter O, followed by eleven numbers) INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE I 17

STUDENT CHECKLIST

❏❏ Receipt of a study permit • Once you have received your study permit, a copy must be provided to Northern Lakes College, Admissions Office. This must be provided at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date. Once this has been received, applicants will be fully accepted into their program of study.

❏❏ Commitment fee • Once you receive your “conditional” acceptance to your

required program, in order to reserve your seat, you must pay the required, non – refundable commitment fee. Full time students must pay $200.00 and part time students must pay $150.00. This amount will be applied toward your tuition amount after registration is completed.

❏❏ Course Enrollment Forms • You will receive program Course Enrollment forms along with your “conditional” acceptance. These forms must be completed, signed and returned to the Admissions Office to complete registration into your studies.

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OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES

USEFUL RESOURCES Study in Alberta http://study.alberta.ca/ International Qualifications Assessment http://www.alberta.ca/iqas.aspx Study in Canada http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp Alberta Language Test Centres http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/programs-andforms/language-test-centres.aspx English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations http://www.directionsforimmigrants.ca/english_language_ proficiency.htm Edmonton IELTS http://ieltscanadatest.com/landing-pages/edmonton/ International Scholarships Canada http://www.scholarships-bourses.gc.ca/scholarships-bourses/ non_can/opportunities-opportunites.aspx?lang=eng

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