A study permit is a document certifying that you are permitted to study or do research in Canada and is required for stays longer than 6 months. Norwegian exchange students/researchers who will be in Canada for less than six (6) months do NOT need a study permit.
However, it should be noted that foreign nationals who require a temporary resident visa will still require this. For example, a Polish citizen going to study in Canada for no longer than 6 months will still need to apply for a Temporary Resident visa, but not a study permit.
NOTE: Students/researchers who believe there is a chance that they will extend their stay or wish to work on campus may still apply for a study permit even when their studies/research are not scheduled to last for longer than 6 months.
Applications for a study permit are found on-line. In order to be eligible for a study permit you must have an acceptance letter or letter of invitation from the host institution. Applications should be sent to the:
Canadian High Commission Immigration Section 38 Grosvenor Street London, W1K 4AA, United Kingdom
Students and researchers accepted/invited to a university in the USA and who need a visa will be issued a CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE) by the host university. This certificate is either form I-20 or DS-2019. Without this form you cannot obtain a visa to the USA!
After you receive your COE (I-20 or DS-2019) you should:
A COE is a document certifying that you are eligible for a visa to study or do research in the USA. Without a COE you cannot obtain a visa to the USA. The COE is just another name for the forms I-20 or DS-2019.
The host university will provide you with specific instructions on what they require before they can issue you a COE. Typically in addition to being accepted by the host university you must provide the host university with:
A copy of your passport
Documentation of financing, for example:
Statement of Financial Support from the State Educational Loan Fund, Norway = økonomiske garanti fra lånekassen
A letter from your employer stating how much salary you will be receiving while in the USA
A letter from your bank confirming availability of private funds
Students taking courses will need documentation of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS ). This requirement may in some cases be waived by the host university.
You should check with the host institution to find out how long you can stay in the USA after your program ends and how many days prior to the start of the program you will be allowed to enter the USA. If you would like to stay longer, in some cases you can be issued an extension. The regulations vary depending on the type of visa you have.
In many cases you will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to obtain a U.S. bank account, telephone etc. Unfortunately you cannot obtain the SSN prior to arrival in the U.S. If you find you need a SSN you should contact the nearest Social Security Office. The International Office at the host university can tell you where it is. You will need:
original birth certificate (Those born in Norway can contact the folkeregister and request a birth certificate with information in both English and Norwegian.
your passport showing a valid visa
You should explain your reasons for needing the SSN.
Yes, the paper-based GRE general test and the GRE subject tests are given in Trondheim. For an additional $35 fee it is possible to take the GRE as a standby on a space-available basis.
Test Dates: the GRE general test will be given the last Saturday in October and the subject tests will be given the first Saturday in November. For exact dates please see www.gre.org
For all other test centers, please see www.gre.org; +1 (609)771-7670
Register on-line for the computer-based GRE in Europe and other locations at on-line at www.prometric.com. Please note: In most cases GRE is only required for degree seeking students, not non-degree visiting students/exchange students. One exception is the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech. Another exception is when applying for the University of Minnesota Torske Klubben Stipend.
