SAIT International Students and International Centre





SAIT Polytechnic has welcomed international students from over 115 countries to our campus of 9,200 full-time students.  In order to ensure their success, the International Centre provides services to International Students as they study at SAIT.

• Announcements
• How to Apply
• Application Process
• International Student Fees
• Tuition Fee Payment
• Studying in Canada
• Working in Canada
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
• International Student Resources
• About the International Centre
• Contact Us

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Announcements

Global Buddy Program New!!

The Buddy Program connects new international students with an upper year student that can assist in the transition process and act as a resource for advice and support.  An upper year student will offer guidance in order to help the new student gain the knowledge, skills and experience needed to succeed as a student at SAIT.  Upper year student volunteers will get the opportunity to gain valuable volunteer experience and the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership abilities and contribute to the success of first year students.  Upper year students that volunteer as a buddy may be eligible for the International Students Excellence and Leadership Scholarship.

The Global Buddy Program is a great way for new and continuing students to meet other students from around the world, develop new friendships, gain support and develop leadership skills. Join us Now! 



International Student Orientation
September 1, 2010

International Student Orientation is MANDATORY for all International Students who are NEW to SAIT or have not been able to attend our Orientation Session in the past. This Orientation is open to all International Students in all programs. It’s a great way to meet other International Students that are new to SAIT.

Some of the topics that will be covered include but are not limited to:

• International Centre Services and Programs

• Immigration Information

• Academic Policies

• mySait

• Field Trips and Cultural Activities

• Living In Calgary and Adjusting to Canadian Culture

• Services on Campus

You must bring your Passport and Study Permit to Orientation

September 1, 2010
10 am - 3 pm
Online Registration



S.T.E.P. into SAIT - Student Transition and Education Planning

Attend a FREE One Day Workshop for NEW REGISTERED STUDENTS To Help You Maximize Your Post-Secondary Experience

NOTE: STEP into SAIT is not mandatory and is not part of, or in place of, your program orientation. It is a voluntary workshop designed to help you succeed as a new student at SAIT.

Find out more information and register online!

How to Apply

SAIT welcomes applications and transcripts by mail (original documents), fax (applications only), email (colour scan of original transcripts) and in person. When applying, the $200.00 (CDN; non-refundable) application fee must be paid by Cash, Certified Cheque, Visa or MasterCard at the time the application is submitted, otherwise the application will not be processed. It is necessary to forward original transcripts (translated into English) and other documents as soon as possible.
Please include the following documents with your application:

• Application form

• Information Waiver Form

• Official high school and post-secondary transcripts

• Original English translation of transcripts (notarized)

• Copy of diploma /degree if applicable

• English language proficiency results for direct entry (IELTS, TOEFLibt, CLBA, CAEL)

• $200.00 CDN non-refundable initial fee

• Any other documents that are part of the admissions requirements for a specific program

APPLY EARLY! SAIT’s programs of advanced technology are very popular and classes tend to fill up quickly. It is recommended that students apply well in advance. Applications will be accepted starting on the following dates:

Please note: For most Fall semester programs the deadline to apply is in June/July. We continue to accept applications until all seats in a program are filled. To increase your chances of gaining acceptance into high demand program, we recommend you apply for the Fall semester before March 1st.



Application Process

Step 1: Submit SAIT Application & Transcripts
Send in your completed application form and high school / post-secondary transcripts (original & English translation) by email (colour scan of original transcripts), mail (original documents), or in person.

Please note: All electronic transcripts must be in color, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) will only accept color scanned of original.

Step 2: Pay Initial Fee
When applying, the $200.00 CDN (non-refundable) application fee must be paid by Cash, Certified Cheque, Visa or MasterCard at the time the application is submitted, otherwise the application will not be processed. For each additional paper application, the fee is $100 CDN non-refundable.

Step 3: English Language Proficiency For All SAIT Programs
All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. English Language Proficiency is requirement for all SAIT programs. In order to demonstrate English Language Proficiency, all applicants must have successfully completed assessment testing in one of the following:

Please note: Tests are valid for a one year period from date of issue. If you are not qualified to enter your academic career program at this time, we will contact you to submit an application to SAIT's English Language Foundations (ELF) program. For further information, please visit English Language Foundations website.

Step 4: Schedule a Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) Test at SAIT
Students accepted into ELF are required to book their CLBA test by contacting Academic Learner Services at 1.403.210.4045 or by email.

Please note: Students must arrive at SAIT approximately 2 weeks prior to class start in order to adjust to Calgary and take your CLBA test.

Setp 5: Applying For A Study Permit
Once you are accepted into a program, you will be sent an acceptance letter and information form to take to the Canadian Embassy in your country to apply for a study permit and temporary resident visa (if required).

Step 6: Pay Confirmation Fee
You will receive information regarding payment of your $1,000 CDN confirmation fee and your first semester tuition fees on or before the date indicated in your letter confirming your attendance into your program.

Please note: Tuition deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable if you wish to cancel the program you were selected for. If you withdraw or cancel after paying the confirmation fee, only $750 CDN will be refunded. For further information, please visit Tuition, Fees and Refunds website.

Step 7: Homestay Program
Homestay is available to international students who would like to live in a Canadian home. The Homestay host provide a safe and friendly home where students can learn about Canadian culture and lifestyle and can practice their English. If you require Homestay accommodations, please submit your completed Homestay application form to International Centre.

Step 8: Airport Pick-Up
There is optional fee for Airport Pick-Up and Homestay placement and search fees. Please specify both or one on your application.

International Student Fees

International Student Registration for Credit Courses

The tuition fee to be charged to all international students for all Continuing Education credit courses is 2.5 times the domestic rate. Students will be contacted by the International Centre after registration for payment of additional fees. If fees are not paid the registration will be cancelled.

Please note: These fees are subject to change.
Tuition Fees per Semester (approximate)

• All full-time programs $5,500 - $6,800 (depending on program)
• English Language Foundations (ELF) $4,600 ($2,300 per 8-week session)
• International Tuition Fee Table
  
  Please note: the Fee Table does not include other mandatory fees and are subject to change without notice.

Other Fees

• Books, Lab Materials $200 - $1,000 (depending on program)
• Campus Recreational /Athletic Fee $63
• *Laptop Deposit $500
• Student Association Fee $65.65
• Transit Pass (unlimited use of public transit) $90.50
• Health and Dental $105

(All tuition fees are listed in Canadian dollars and are subject to change without notice)

*Not applicable to all programs

Tuition Fee Payment

Final balance of tuition is due four weeks prior to the start of classes for Fall, Winter and Spring. To pay the tuition, please indicate the student’s full name and SAIT ID number with payment.

• $1,000 ($250 non-refundable portion) July 1st for Fall start and December 1st for Winter start.

The following payment methods are available:

• Visa and MasterCard (in person, phone, fax, internet or mail)
• Cash (in person only)
• Certified Cheque (in person or by mail)
• Bank Draft
• Bank Transfer

Studying in Canada

If you plan to study in a fulltime Program (6 months or longer) at SAIT you need a valid Study Permit.  Depending on what country you are from you maybe required to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa. Please check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website to see if you require this visa.

Prospective Students
Applying for your 1st Study Permit

If you are applying for your 1st Study Permit the application has to be filed outside of Canada. This application is for persons who are outside Canada who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and who wish to study temporarily in Canada. A study permit is issued if the application is accepted.

A temporary resident visa to visit Canada may also be required. Check the list of countries and territories whose citizens need a visa.

Many visa offices have specific local instructions about which documents you must submit with your application. You need to find out what they are, and make sure you include all the correct documents. Consult the list of Canadian visa offices abroad to find the office responsible for your country. The page for your visa office includes a link to their website. Go to the website and find out what requirements and procedures you must follow when you apply.

For more information about how to apply for your 1st study permit please go to CIC website.



Current Students
Study Permit Extension

International Students have to apply online for the extension of their study permit.

Step 1: Please go and talk to an International Student Advisor and request a Confirmation Letter. You are going to need this document when applying online for the Study Permit extension.

Step 2: Please go to CIC website and apply Online for the extension of your study Permit.  You will need to create a MyCIC account in order to apply for the extension. Payment and other necessary documents will be to need submitted online.



Current Student
Traveling Outside of Canada – Temporary Resident Visa

If you are planning to travel outside of Canada be aware of the expiry date of your entry visa and current study permit. Once you have submitted an application to Canadian Immigration for a Study Permit extension, it is recommended that you do not leave Canada prior to approval of the new permit as you may have difficulty re-entering Canada. A Study Permit does not allow you back in the country if you also need an entry visa.

You will need Transcripts and a letter Confirming you are a full-time student at SAIT to be submitted as additional documents in your Temporary Resident Visa Application. Please go to the International Centre and talk to an Advisor to get these documents.



Working in Canada

Working on Campus

You may work on campus at SAIT if you have a valid study permit and you are a registered full time student in good standing.

For On Campus employment opportunities please visit the International Centre or contact an International Student Advisor



Working Off-Campus

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows international students to work off campus while completing their studies. To qualify, you must be a full-time student and have a good academic standing for the last 6 months of study. If you have been on Academic Probation in the last year you will not be eligible for this program. 

To work off campus, you must apply for a work permit. It is illegal to work off campus with out a valid work permit. The work permit authorizes you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks (for example, winter and summer holidays, and spring break).

A work permit does not guarantee that you will find a job. It is your responsibility to look for work. Even if you work off campus, your studies must be the main reason you are in Canada. If you are no longer a full-time student or do not maintain satisfactory academic results, you must return your work permit to a local Citizenship and Immigration Canada office.

Off Campus work permit applications and extensions have to be filed online.

For more information about the program and the application process please visit us at the International Centre or contact an International Student Advisor



Practicum/Co-Op/Internship Work Permits

Some programs at SAIT provide students with the opportunity to alternate academic semesters with paid work terms. International students need a work permit in order to participate in a co-op work term.  Please make sure you go to the International Centre six to eight weeks before your co-op work term is to begin.  A work permit will only be issued if the work is integral to the completion of the program.

You will need a Confirmation Letter from an International Advisor to apply for your Work Permit. There is no application fee for a co-op education work permit.



Working after Graduation

If you want to work in Canada after you graduate from your program, you must apply for Post-Graduate Work Permit. 

Impact of length of study in Canada and the length of the work permit

A Post-Graduation Work Permit cannot be valid longer than the length of time you studied in Canada.

You will need a Graduation Letter from an International Advisor to apply for your work permit.

If you need to apply for your Post Graduation work permit please contact an International Student Advisor

Please Note: Applicants need to apply for a work permit within 90 days of completing their program. For more information please visit CIC website



Work available to your spouse or common-law partner

Work permits for your spouse or common-law partner are valid for the same period of time as your study or work permit.

Note: Accompanying spouses or common-law partners of foreign students (including spouses or common-law partners of foreign students with post-graduation work permits) are eligible for an open work permit, which means they do not need a job offer or a labour market opinion from Service Canada.



Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

International graduates

If you are considering living and working in Alberta permanently after you graduate, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) can help you, your spouse/common-law partner and dependant children fast-track your application for permanent residence.

Obtaining your permanent residence status through the AINP takes an average 6-18 months.  The AINP is generally faster than immigration classes, including the Federal Skilled Worker Class through Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC).

For more information please visit their AINP or contact an International student Advisor



Canadian Experience Class

If you are a temporary foreign worker or a foreign student who graduated in Canada, you often have the qualities to make a successful transition from temporary to permanent residence. You are familiar with Canadian society and can contribute to the Canadian economy. You should have knowledge of English or French and qualifying work experience. You must meet these minimum requirements to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class. You must:

• plan to live outside the province of Quebec
• be a foreign graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution with at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada
• have gained your experience in Canada with the proper work or study authorization
• apply while working in Canada – or – within one year of leaving your job in Canada

If you need more information about the Canadian Experience Class please visit CIC website or contact an International Student Advisor.

For more information about Application Processing Times, please visit CIC

Government of Canada Links:

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Information about study permits, work permits, temporary resident visas; determine if you need to have a visa to come to Canada; access on-line services such as checking the status of your application and more.
• Canada Revenue Agency: information for international students studying in Canada about Canada's income tax system, including understanding your rights, entitlements and obligations; social insurance number, determining your residency status, filing a tax return, GST/HST credit, and more.
• Service Canada: information for newcomers to Canada and about obtaining a social insurance number
• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada: learn about the national occupational classifications with descriptions of various occupations.
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade: through Voyage Canada provides services to travelers such planning a trip, country information, essential resources and quick links. Also find the location of the Canadian embassy in your country.
• Canada International: the international gateway to Canada, including visiting, studying, working and immigrating.
• Travel Canada: the official travel guide to Canada.

International Student Resources

This section will provide you with helpful information and website links.

• Government of Alberta - learn more about our beautiful province through this site.
• To learn more about Calgary please go to City of Calgary, Calgary Economic Development and Live In Calgary sites for more information.
• Transportation: Do you know how to get to Calgary and around the various communities where SAIT s located? Please visit Calgary Transit website for more information.
• Currency Converter: convert the currency of your country to CAD dollars.
• Weather: Environment Canada; The Weather Network
• How to make an international telephone call: use either of these sites - country calling codes and international dialing codes
• Join a two-hour daily radio show aimed at connecting new immigrants to Canada and Canada to the world.
• Student Resources Directory
• Cross Cultural Connections

Individual Tax Number (ITN) and Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You will need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to complete your tax forms. If you do not have a SIN number, you will be issued an “Individual Tax Number (ITN)” by the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency which can ONLY be used for the purposes of completing your tax forms (you cannot work with the ITN). You can obtain this number by completing the form “Application for a Canada Revenue Agency Individual Tax Number” (Form T1261) which you can get by downloading it from the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency website.

Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN) Card

Setp 1: You need a letter from an employer. The letter must include:

• An offer of employment to the student.
• Clearly stated acceptance of position by the student.
• Name of the supervisor and the student.
• Date the student begins work.
• Signatures from the employer and the student.

Setp 2: Take your letter offering employment; your passport and your study permit to HRDC (Human Resources Development Canada) office.

Harry Hays Building, Suite 270
220 4th Avenue South-East
Calgary, Alberta
T2G4X3



About the International Centre

The International Centre assists international students in their new environment at SAIT and in Canada. In addition to student services available at SAIT, the following additional services are provided for international students:

• Admissions assistance
• Academic advising
• Airport pick-up
• Assistance with Study/Work Permits and Temporary Resident Visas
• Cultural counselling
• Housing options, including 2 residences at SAIT
• Home Stay with a Canadian family
• Information on Health Insurance
• International student room with phone and computer
• International Orientation
• International student handbook
• Pre-departure assistance
• Registration
• Social, cultural and recreational events

• Volunteer opportunities

Contact Us

The International Centre is available to help you with questions or concerns, please contact us:

Mail:
SAIT Polytechnic
International Centre
MA206, Heritage Hall
1301 – 16 Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T2M 0L4 Canada

Phone: 1-403-284-8852
Fax: 1-403-284-7386
E-mail: International Centre

Hours of operation:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time)
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time)