Once you're in

The following information is designed to guide you through the University of Waterloo's exchange student admissions process.

Print a handy checklist to help you keep track of your next steps!

1. What you need to do

Note: Most of Waterloo's admissions information will be sent to you by email. It's essential that you keep your email address up to date!

• Obtain the required documents (e.g. student visa/study permit) for Canadian immigration (if necessary)
• Pay fees for the required for health insurance
• Investigate our services for students with disabilities (if applicable)

2. What you need to know

• Get information about your faculty and program
• Visit the International Student Office website

3. What's next?

• See our International Student Handbook, Destination Waterloo, to prepare for your University of Waterloo exchange experience
• Contact us - we're here to help!

Requirements of Immigration Canada

The Government of Canada regulates international study permits and visas through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Before you are permitted entry into Canada, you must present certain documents to immigration officials. These documents include a valid passport, Study Permit (if applicable), Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (if applicable), and admission letter. Further information about applying for these documents is available in the Destination Waterloo handbook (Getting ready section).

It is your responsibility to find out the specific immigration requirements and to process the necessary documents for your travel to Canada. You can find this information by getting in touch with the Canadian Visa Office nearest to you.

Study Permits

A Study Permit is the document that gives you permission to study at a Canadian educational institution. The Government of Canada regulates international study permits through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

All international students studying in Canada must have a valid Study Permit, except in cases where the duration of the program of study is 6 months or less. Besides your passport, your Study Permit is your most important immigration document.

Temporary Resident Visas (TRV)

Citizens of certain countries require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. A TRV is not the same as a Study Permit. A TRV gives you permission to enter Canada, whereas a Study Permit gives you permission to study in Canada. See the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for a list of countries that require a TRV.

Temporary Resident Visas cannot be issued within Canada. They are available only at a Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission outside of Canada; you must apply for a TRV (if required) before entering Canada.

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Health insurance

You will be required to purchase medical and hospital insurance through the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) as a condition of your registration at the University of Waterloo. UHIP covers medical and hospital costs and the Federation of Students (FEDS)/Graduate Student Association (GSA) Supplementary Health and Dental Plan covers most prescription drugs. The University of Waterloo Student Accounts Office will post your fees on your Quest account approximately one month prior to the beginning of term.

Payment of UHIP and the supplementary health insurance plan are a required part of your confirmation process. UHIP coverage is compulsory. However, you may be able to opt out of the supplementary FEDS/GSA Health and Dental Plan if you have adequate coverage through another insurance provider. You may visit the FEDS/GSA Health and Dental Plan office (located in SLC, room 1121A) once you are at Waterloo. If you provide them with proof of your insurance coverage, including the health coverage details, they will verify if you can opt out or not. If you can opt out, you should receive a cheque with the refund amount closer to the end of the term.

When you accept your offer of admission from the University of Waterloo, you should send a wire transfer to the university to pay the health insurance fees. Payment of the health insurance fees secures your registration as a student of the University of Waterloo. Payments should be made through international wire transfer by the appropriate term deadline in order to avoid late penalty fees.

To wire your funds to University of Waterloo from outside Canada, please send to the following destination bank coordinates:

University of Waterloo Bank: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Account Number: 91-09714
Account Name: U of W Incoming Student Wires
Branch/Transit Number: 00452
Bank Identifier Number: 0010

Bank Address:

Swift Code: CIBCCATT
ABA Number: 026009593

Payment to:

Please stress to your bank to include the following information:

Student’s complete name
Student identification number
Payment is for tuition fees

Wire transfers can take several days to arrive in our Canadian bank account. Once they arrive, it can take several more days for the funds to be processed and posted to your student account. To track your payment, please inquire with the issuing bank.

Please note: Canadian banks do not have an IBAN.

Once your health insurance fees are paid, you are covered beginning on the tenth day of the month preceding the beginning of the academic term. Note: If you are bringing any dependents (i.e. spouse, children) you can purchase additional coverage for them from the Student Accounts Office. Please contact the Student Accounts Office directly for details.

You are advised to arrange for separate major hospital coverage in case of catastrophic injury or illness (e.g. a hospital stay beyond three days) with a high deductible (i.e. $5,000.00 CDN).

In addition, you are strongly advised to carry health, accident and medical traveller's insurance for your journey to and from Canada and for any excursions you may wish to make outside of Canada (especially to the USA).

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