Hello,
You probably have many questions about Canada, KGIC and how your life is going to be once you are in Canada.
For this reason, we have answered some important questions here at the beginning.
If you cannot find the answer to your question here please send an email with your questions to
kgic@kgic.ca
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Your KGIC team :)
Do I need to get a temporary resident visa to come to Canada?
Rules and Regulations to enter Canada are set by CIC
(Citizenship and Immigration Canada).
Please visit their website for the most updated information
HERE IS A LINK THAT WILL HELP -OR- CONTACT US directly -
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp
What types of temporary resident visas are available?
A single entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once. The visa may also be used for repeated entries into
Canada from the USA within the time allowed for your stay in Canada. A multiple entry visa allows you to enter
Canada from any country as often as you wish during the validity of the visa.
HERE IS A LINK THAT WILL HELP -OR- CONTACT US directly -
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
Do I need a study permit?
You do not need a study permit if you are planning to study in a short-term program in Canada for six months or less.
If you are going to study for more than 6 moths then you will need a study permit.
Think carefully:
We encourage you to apply for a study permit BEFORE you come to Canada if you are planning to continue with your studies
in another program after the short program. If you do not have a study permit you will not be able to apply for a change
of status from visitor to student. You will have to apply from outside Canada.
The closest visa office to Vancouver is in Seattle, USA (~2 hours by car).
The closest visa office to Toronto is in Buffalo, USA (~2 1/2 hours by car).
To obtain a study permit you must provide the following documents:
** A Letter Of Acceptance ( LOA) from King George International College
** Valid Passport and/or Birth Certificate
** Proof that you have enough money to pay school fees and live near the school
** Establish that you will return home at the end of your studies
** Pass a medical exam if needed
** Qualify as a temporary resident in Canada
HERE IS A LINK THAT WILL HELP -OR- CONTACT US directly -
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp
If I decide to study longer at KGIC can I extend my visa in Canada?
Yes, if you are on a study permit you can extend your study permit from within Canada. Please come and talk to your counselor at school.
New: You now have two options available when submitting an application to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada as a student:
1) Submit your application electronically
2) Download, complete and mail your application, including all required documents to the address provided in the instruction guide.
** NOTE: YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR STATUS FROM A "Temporary Resident Visa to a study permit from within Canada.
You will have to leave Canada if you want to change your visa status!
HERE IS A LINK THAT WILL HELP -OR- CONTACT US directly -
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-student.asp
What happens at immigration at the airport or border?
An officer from Citizenship and Immigration Canada will ask you a few short questions when you arrive and you need to show following documents.
• Your valid passport
• Study permit (for studies longer than 6 months)
• TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), if you are not from a Visa Exempt Country
• Return airline ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds
• KGIC or KGIBC-CTC LOA (Letter of Acceptance )
• Accommodation confirmation (Homestay, student house), is indicated on our invoice
• Custodianship documents (if applicable)
The officer will stamp your passport to tell you how long you may stay in Canada.
Feel free to ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
**Important
If you applied for a study permit or work permit in your country you must proceed to the office of
Citizenship and Immigration to receive your Study permit or work permit. This is a piece of paper which will be attached to your passport.
Please do not leave Immigration without your Study Permit or work permit (if applicable).
You will need it in the case you want to extend your study time.
CONTACT US with with questions -
What can I expect on my first day at KGIC?
No need to worry! Relax! We are here to help you - especially on your first day at school.
Here is what the first day will look like:
- Meet at the Campus where you are registered at the Front Desk between 8:30 - 8:45.
- All ESL (English as a Second language) students will write the KGIC placement test.
This will be used to assess your proficiency in reading, writing, and grammar. After the written
test, a KGIC staff member will interview you to assess your oral proficiency.
These tests are given to determine which class level you will be placed into according to
your skill level in the above-mentioned skill areas.
- After completing your test and oral interview you will meet with a KGIC staff or counselor
who will go over our Orientation with you to guide you on the college, college life and our rules and policies.
- This will be followed by a quick tour of the campus and its facilities depending on the month and campus.
- CLASSES PROMPTLY START FOR ALL ESL (English programs) STUDENTS THE NEXT DAY AT 9 A.M.
- Students registered in KGIC programs other than English (ESL) or in programs at KGIBC-CTC will start their classes
the same day at 9 AM. Orientation will be held sometime during the day, depending on the course and campus.
CONTACT US with with questions -
What do I need to bring on the first day of school?
1) A pen
2) A photocopy of your passport (the page with your picture)
3) A photocopy of your valid student authorization (if applicable)
4) Your letter of acceptance
5) A photocopy of your medical insurance documents (Medical coverage is mandatory for all students studying at any KGIC or KGIBC-CTC campus)
6) A picture for KGIC student ID card.
Please be at the school not later than 8:45
CONTACT US with with questions -
How much money do I need per month?
This of course depends on your personal budget. Here are some figures to help you to plan your trip.
- Average Homestay rates: ~220 CAD $ per week
- KGIC's Dormitory rates: ~480 CAD $ per calendar month
- Average Apartment rates: 900 CAD $ to 1200 CAD $
Extra Costs:
- approx. 400 CAD $ for food if you live in the dorm or rent your own apartment
- approx. 120 CAD $ for a monthly bus pass
- approx. 60 CAD $ for health insurance (if you do not already have one)
- approx. 300 CAD $ for miscellaneous: movie tickets, coffee shops, clothes, clubs, magazines etc. (depends on your personal spending habits)
CONTACT US with with questions -
Do I have to purchase medical insurance?
No, if you have already taken out insurance and bring a copy of your insurance policy from your home country.
Yes, if you do not have a valid health insurance plan for the duration of your studies at KGIC. We can assist you in purchasing
insurance on your first day at the school or even prior your arrival.
CONTACT US with with questions -
Do I need to buy any books?
Your material fees include the cost for many required course materials for all your classes and levels
throughout your stay at the school. These materials are yours to keep.
In addition, we recommend an English Language dictionary and a thesaurus.
Below are examples of some of the editions you will use commencing your English studies
The standard dictionary for all KGIC students is the Oxford English Dictionary.
1. The Oxford Dictionary
2. The Canadian Oxford Dictionary
3. The New Oxford American Dictionary
4. The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary
5. The Compact Oxford English Dictionary
We strongly suggest one of the following thesaurus:
Roget
Longman
Electronic dictionaries are not permitted in the classroom!
CONTACT US with with questions -
Why can't I use my own dictionary?
There are too many different versions of dictionaries with different answers to the same questions.
Research in our classes has demonstrated that having different versions of various dictionaries is distracting and unproductive.
Our request is that you use only the Oxford dictionaries mentioned above. These dictionaries are the most efficient and useful learning tools available,
and in addition to being a sound investment, they will help you produce the best results.
Furthermore, using an electronic dictionary in class is detrimental to the English learning process in a native English language environment.
While electronic dictionaries might be helpful while studying English on your own; they are ineffective in an English language classroom setting.
CONTACT US with with questions -
You will need to deposit 10 CAD $ for your listening CD's (refundable after CDs have been returned).
CONTACT US concerning details. -
What are scholarships? Can I earn a scholarship?
Yes, of course.
At the end of every other month KGIC holds its Graduation and Scholarship Awards Ceremony.
Students who have exhibited academic excellence, had consistent attendance, and distinguished themselves
by contributing to the overall school spirit and the continuing success of KGIC are rewarded for their
efforts and become eligible to earn scholarships.
You may be the next winner!
CONTACT US with with questions -
Do I get transcripts after I complete my course(s)?
Upon the completion of a program at KGIC, students will receive an official transcript reflecting their academic performance.
The transcript will reflect their achievement on the examinations, class performance, and attendance.
Transcripts are available through the Office of the Registrar.
Students must apply for their transcript one-week prior to
their departure from KGIC. Further copies of transcripts can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
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Can I take a break during my program?
It is very important to let us know upon your time of registration if you intend to take a break during your studies.
If you intend to take a break without having informed us previously you must speak with your counselor and campus director to request a break.
All arrangements for breaks must be made well in advance (not after taking a break).
Note that you cannot extend your stay at the college for the same duration of time, which you intend to be absent for.
CONTACT US with with questions -
Can I work while I am in Canada?
In order to be able to work you will need a work permit or you must be enrolled in a study and work or coop program.
Canada also has certain bilateral agreements with some countries where Canada grants working holiday visas and vice versa.
Please check with your government if this is the case (e.g. the SWAP Program with certain European countries or the Working Holiday Program with Japan).
CONTACT US with with questions -
What happens if I want to cancel my program?
Please refer to KGIC's refund policy which is set by PCTIA.
PCTIA is the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of British Columbia.
Our refund policy for KGIC (all campuses) and KGIBC-CTC programs in British Columbia has been
formulated in accordance with their requirements. KGIBC Toronto in Ontario follows MTCU guidelines.
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What do I need to bring if I am living at a KGIC Student house?
Please refer to KGIC's refund policy which is set by PCTIA.
KGIC dorms are fully furnished.
Please bring your own towels and slippers.
CONTACT US with with questions -
Are there rules for students wishing to live at a KGIC Student house?
Please refer to KGIC's refund policy which is set by PCTIA.
Yes, there are rules.
The student houses have space for 10 to 15 people. The precise amount depends on the size of the house.
Each house has a house coordinator whose duties include coordinating the chores around the house and ensuring
a good living environment for the students living at the KGIC house.
CONTACT US with with questions -