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Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

The International Students Office is currently in the process of building a database of Frequently Asked Questions. Since this database is currently under construction it is possible that your question is not listed below. Hopefully we will be adding it in the near future but you are welcome to contact us with questions you may have at iso@alcor.concordia.ca.

Please note that the International Students Office has limited information about admissions here at Concordia University. If you are interested in international student admissions, we invite you to link to the following site: Future Students. You can also get admission information at Connect2Concordia.

I am an International Student and I want to study at Concordia University?

Thank you for your interest in Concordia University. In selecting Concordia, you will be choosing a University where students are held in high regard, and where services are developed to help you succeed personally and academically.

Unfortunately the International Students Office has limited information about admissions here at Concordia University. If you are interested in international student admissions, we invite you to link to the following site: Future Students. You can also get admission information and apply for admission online at Connect2Concordia.

Admission related questions should be directed to Connect2Concordia. After creating your own personal profile you will have an individual mailbox, directly linked to the admissions office.

I need to apply for a Visa(Study Permit) because I want to study at Concordia University?

Firstly, it is a common misconception to confuse a Visa and a Study Permit. As an international student you will be required to obtain Study Permit as this will be your legal status in Canada, however citizens of a number of countries must also have a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. Also, since Concordia University is located in the province of Quebec, you will be required to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in order to apply for a Study Permit.

Secondly, the first thing you require in order to start the process of applying for the proper immigration documents in order to legally study in Quebec, Canada (CAQ & Study Permit) is an official offer of admission from an educational institution, in this case Concordia University. If you have not yet applied for admission at Concordia University, it is too soon to be asking questions about immigration documents. You will first have to apply to the university and follow the admision process as detailed on http://www.concordia.ca/info/futurestudents/.

Once you have received your official offer of admission in the mail, it will incled the ISO Pre-Departure Guide which clearly indicates the entire process for applying for the proper immigration documents. If you would like to get a head start in reading the information, we encourage you to download and read the ISO Pre-Departure Guide.

Please keep in mind that you absolutely must have an official offer of admission before starting any of the immigration document procedures. By official, we are referring to the hard copy as an email version will not be accepted.

How do I become a Permanent Resident?

Unfortunately the staff at the international studetns office is not trained to answer questions about permanent residency. We do encourage you to visit the following websites for more information http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/peq-students or http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/email. You can also try and reach Immigration Quebec by phone at (514)864-9191.

The ISO also periodically invites representative from Immigration Quebec and Immigration Canada to give workshops on permanent residency. These workshops are always advertised in the ISO Bulletin, therefore if you be interested in attending one of these workshops we recommend that you sign-up for the ISO Bulletin which is explained at the following http://supportservices.concordia.ca/iso/isopublications/isobulletin/index.php.

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What is a Permanent Code and how do I apply for one? Why is there a Permanent Code surcharge on my account?

The purpose of the permanent code is to individually identify students in the Quebec education system. It is a 12 character significant code that consists of the first 3 letters of the family name, the first letter of the given name, the date of birth (day, month [the female gender is identified by adding 50], year) and 2 validation numbers as determined by the ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport. The number 62 is added to the day of birth of all students born after 1999.

A surcharge of $319 per credit (amount subject to change) will be billed to students who do not provide the required permanent code information. This is to cover the funding that will be withheld by the Ministry of Education. If the information is submitted by our reporting deadlines the fee will be removed. If it is submitted after that date the billing will remain and interest charges will accrue. To have this surcharge removed, you must apply for your permanent code in two easy steps:

Step 1: Log into your Concordia portal (www.myconcordia.ca), select the "Student Services" tab, choose the "Permanent Code Data Form", fill out and submit the "Permanent Code Data Form" online. You will be asked to provide your MEQ code. If this is the first time you study in Quebec, you do not have one and you can simply leave the answer field blank.

Step 2: Submit your study permit to the ISO (if you will be attending Concordia University for more than six (6) months) or your passport (if you will attend Concordia University for less than six (6) months). You must comply with these two steps by December 15 (if you start your studies in September), April 15 (if you start your studies in January) or August 15 (if you start your studies in May). We suggest that you do it when you arrive to Montreal. Please note that that all fees left unpaid by the payment deadline will be charged interest fees and is subject to a late payment fee.

For more detailed information about the Permanent Code please visit the following website: http://permanentcode.concordia.ca/codeperm2.html

How do I apply for the reduced fare for public transit?

Students who are 26 and under by October 31 of the current year can get reduced bus and metro fare on the island of Montreal (a monthly pass will cost you around $43.75*, as opposed to $75.50* for non-reduced fare). Here is how to apply for the reduced fare bus and metro pass:

  • Get the “Proof of full-time school attendance” filled out at LB-185, (you can get the form at the ISO).
    You must be registered as a full-time student before you ask for this form to be filled out!

  • Bring your form (filled out!), AND a proof of age (your student ID card, your passport) AND a proof that you live in Montreal (utility bill, class schedule, etc.) AND $21.00* to pay for the card($6.00 for the card and $15.00 for the photo service); and go to :

    •                                        STM Photo Studio - Berri UQAM Metro Station
                                           1717 Berri Street
                                          
                                           To get to the Photo Studio:
                                           From inside Berri-UQAM station, follow the sign indicating GARE D'AUTOCARS to exit.

    Please note that even if your card is valid for a two-year period, you must renew your eligibility for the reduced fare yearly.
    * All prices are subject to change.

    The above information if only valid for residents who live on the island of Montreal. More information can be found at www.stm.info.

    If you are a resident of Laval more information can be found on the STL website www.stl.laval.qc.ca or if you live in Longueuil visit www.rtl-longueuil.qc.ca.

    How do I pay my tution fees?

    Concordia University no longer accepts cash or credit card payments for tuition fees.  Here are a few methods of payment:

    • Online banking
    • Debit card from a Canadian bank account
    • Certified cheque or money order
    • International wire transfer

    For a complete list of methods of payment, please visit http://tuitionandfees.concordia.ca/u_faq?#3.

    Payment deadlines are as follows:

    • Tuition fees for Fall must be paid by September 30
    • Tuition fees for Winter must be paid by January 30
    • Tuition fees for Summer must be paid by May 31

    If your tuition fees have not been paid by the deadlines listed above, you will be charged a $75.00 late fee penalty and monthly interest fees will start accumulating on your account. You also risk not being able to register for courses until your tuition fees have been paid in full. Your student account is available on your portal (www.myconcordia.ca) under the “Financial” tab.

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    How do I open a bank account?

    Go to the "New Accounts" department. A bank employee will explain the different types of accounts and the costs and services of each type of account. It is a good idea to check with several banks to determine which bank offers the best account for your needs. In most banks, it is possible to open a bank account by showing your passport, your Concordia letter of admission or I.D. card, your Quebec Acceptance Certificate, and Study Permit. You will also be asked to show a copy of your apartment lease as proof of residency in Montreal. Here is a list of major banks in Canada:

    HSBC Bank Canada: www.hsbc.ca Royal Bank of Canada: www.rbc.com
    Bank of Montreal: www.bmo.com CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce): www.cibc.com
    National Bank: www.nbc.ca TD Bank (Toronto Dominion): www.td.com
    Scotia Bank: www.scotiabank.com Laurentian Bank: www.laurentianbank.com

    Currency Exchange

    Any financial banking institution or foreign exchange bureau will exchange currency. We recommend that you ask what administrative fees are charged. Some establishments will charge a 'fixed fee', whereas others will charge a percentage of the amount being exchanged. The Bank of Canada website offers an excellent reference in determining exchange rates:
    www.bankofcanada.ca

    How do I mail letters and parcels from Canada?

    The government postal system in Canada is efficient. Stamps for letters inside Canada currently cost $0.57, letters to the United States cost $0.98, while stamps for overseas are $1.70. (All prices are subject to change). Stamps can be bought at University bookstores on both campuses.
    Canada Post Offices offer a variety of services from sending letter mail, priority courier, sending parcels to distant places to making money orders.
    For further information consult the Canada Post website at: http://www.canadapost.ca/
    Postal outlets near the SGW campus are:
       
    Canada Post Office                                                              Pharmacie Jean Coutu
    1974 Ste. Catherine Street West (corner Fort)                          1675 Ste. Catherine Street West (corner Saint Mathieu)
    1250 University Street (south of Ste. Catherine Street)              

    Pharmaprix
    1500 Ste. Catherine Street West

    How do I get a driver's license?

    Depending on your country of origin, you may be able to use your current driver’s license in Quebec. For more information, please contact the SAAQ (Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec) :              
                           
                            Place Dupuis, 850 de Maisonneuve Blvd East, M-103
                            Tel. : 514 525-7332, Internet : www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca    

    How do I get a telephone?

    Long distance and overseas calls can be very expensive. Verify rates with the long distance operator. There is a number of competing telephone companies that offer landline and/or cellular phones, such as:

    AT&T: www.att.com Bell: www.bell.ca
    Bell Canada: www.bell.ca Telus: www.telus.com
    Sprint: www.sprint.com Fido: www.fido.ca
    Primus: www.primus.ca Koodo: www.koodomobile.com
    Rogers: www.rogers.ca Virgin: www.virginmobile.ca

    How do I setup my wireless account at Concordia?

    Concordia University provides 802.11n compatible wireless networking for all of its currently registered students, active faculty, and active staff. Guest wireless accounts may be granted (for a small fee) to visiting scholars and researchers.

    For complete instructions on how to configure your laptop for wireless access please visit http://wireless.concordia.ca

     

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