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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

Study Permit

Do I need to apply for a study permit before study at English Learning Center (ELC)?

Normally studying for less than 6 months does not require a study permit. However, we strongly suggest for you to apply for a study permit before you start especially if you have been accepted into an Ontario Tech or Durham College program. Holding a study permit for your ELC program allows you to renew or change the conditions of your study permit for further studies.

How do I apply for a study permit?

Please check Study Permit application information on the International Office website.

How do I apply for a study permit from within Canada?

Please check Study Permit application information on the International Office website.

What is the difference between study permit and temporary resident visa?

Please check information on the International Office website.

How long can I study with a study permit?

A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows someone to study in Canada for a specified period of time. You must apply to extend your study permit before it expires if you plan to continue studying in Canada past your study permit date of expiration. 

When should I apply for a study permit extension?

Please check Student Permit Extension information on the International Office website.

How can I extend a student permit?

Please check Student Permit Extension information on the International Office website.

How much of a gap can I have between by ELC studies and my program studies at the university or college?

The gap should not exceed 150 days. If you begin your program within 150 days after your ELC completion, you should be fine. If you do not begin your program within 150 days, you should do either of the following:

If you do not change your status or leave Canada, you are considered non-compliant with your study permit conditions.

More information can be found on the IRCC website.

If I intend to apply for another university or college program after ELC, do I need to apply for a study permit?

You are encouraged to apply for a study permit for your ELC studies if you intend to apply for another program afterwards.

What should I do if I change my school or program?

Please check the information on the IRCC website.

Travel to Canada

What documents do I need with me when I travel to Canada (into Pearson)?

Please check “Before you arrive” section on our International students website.

How do I get from the airport to Residence (or to my new home)?

Please check “Transportation” section on our Quarantine Resource Guide. You can also check “Arranging travel to Oshawa” section on our “Arriving in Canada” website.

Is airport pick up free?

Due to COVID-19, free airport pick up is not available.

Work in Canada

Can I work off campus while studying at the ELC?

No, you cannot. Regarding work off campus as an international student, please check the IRCC website for more information.

Can I work on campus while studying at the ELC?

You can if the condition on your study permit allows you to accept on-campus employment. You also need to make sure you meet the requirements on the IRCC website.

How do I get a SIN card?

Please check Social Insurance Number (SIN) information on the International Office website.

How can I get a job on campus?

At Ontario Tech University, there is an on-campus work opportunity named University Works which is designed to help full-time undergraduate students gain useful career-related experiences. As an ELC student, you are not qualified.

Permanent Residence

Where can I find the information about Permanent Residence?

Please check the information on the International Office website.

Contact

If I have questions that are not listed above, who should I contact?

You can always connect with your International Student Advisor by visiting the International Office website.