Canadian Students

Canadian Students


If you are a Canadian citizen, you are not required to obtain an entry visa to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 student status. However, you must present the following upon entering the United States in order to obtain F-1 or J-1 student status:

  1.     A valid Form I-20 (for F-1 status) or DS-2019 (for J-1 status)
  2.     Your TC admission letter
  3.     Original financial documents
  4.     Proof of payment of the I-901 SEVIS Fee (detailed information about the I-901 SEVIS fee will be sent to you with your I-20)
  5.     Proof of Canadian citizenship (such as a Canadian passport)


A border inspector will review your documents and determine your eligibility to enter the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student. The inspector will then stamp your passport and issue a paper version I94 card or create an I-94 record which can be retrieved via US Customs and Border Protection website here.

Please Note:

1. If you are a new student entering the U.S. to begin studies at Teachers College, and have an I-20 marked "Initial Attendance," you are not permitted to enter more than 30 days before the start date indicated on your I-20.

2. Failure to obtain an I-94 card or record indicating "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S" may mean that your admission record may not be correct. It is essential that you request and obtain F-1 or J-1 status when entering the U.S.

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