You may be required to apply for a visa/study permit in advance of your departure for your exchange. It is your responsibility to research your host country's visa requirements, and to liaise directly with the country's nearest Canadian consular office regarding the requirements. Sometimes, the visa requirements can be intensive, such as fingerprints, criminal records check, and so on. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for a visa upon acceptance to their host school, as the processing times can be lengthy. Students cannot apply for a visa in advance of this, as an acceptance letter from the host school is usually a required document.
There may be costs associated with your visa application. Some countries may require in person interviews at their Canadian consular office, which are usually located outside of Manitoba. All related visa and travel costs are the responsibility of the student.
The Asper Exchange Office does not offer advice or information on visa requirements, as they may change without notice, and may be specific to individual circumstances. All official visa advice must come from the Canadian consular branch nearest you.
Asper international students must ensure that they have a valid Canadian visa and study permit for reentry into Canada at the end of their exchange.
Students should be aware that receiving a visa is not guaranteed, and is at the discretion of the host country's Canadian consulate.
Some general visa information is contained in reports submitted by past Asper exchange students. Click on the link in the yellow box here to request access to these reports. Please note that these reports are advisory only, and official visa guidance must come from the consulate.