INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
InFocus Film School welcomes a very diverse student body. As a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) recognized by Immigration and Citizenship Canada, international students are able to apply and study with us. Every class contains a broad mix of domestic and international students from around the world, and we strive to make studying abroad as simple and enjoyable as possible.
While this information should not be considered legal immigration advice, we have compiled a few important things to know for students looking to study in Canada.
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
All classes at InFocus Film School are conducted in English. If English is not your primary language, you may be required to provide Proof of English Proficiency through the successful completion of a recognized English Language Proficiency exam. You may have other options if you have not completed an English Proficiency Exam. Contact us for more details.
ENGLISH UPGRADING
If a student meets the InFocus Admission requirements, but does not have an acceptable English proficiency test score, the student still has several options for language upgrading.
InFocus has joint programs with Language-Education partners to assist students in meeting English Language requirements. Students can study English full-time until they achieve the necessary level of English proficiency, and then transition directly into the diploma program without completing the exam. Please email us to receive more information on our Language-Education partners.
ENTERING CANADA
STUDY PERMITS
For programs over 6 months in length, international students require a study permit. While Study Permits are issued by Immigration and Citizenship Canada (CIC), InFocus can assist in your application. For countries where visas may be problematic to obtain, we highly recommend you work with a specialized accredited immigration consultant or lawyer before applying for your visa to maximize the potential for success.
Students who are applying to the Compositing for VFX Program do not require a study permit, as the program is only 20 weeks in length.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of certain countries and territories need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada. Find out if you need a TRV here. Once more, we highly recommend you work with a specialized accredited immigration consultant or lawyer before applying for your visa to maximize the potential for success.
If you are traveling to Canada from a country that you do not hold citizenship in, you may require additional documentation. Please check with an immigration agent or consular official before you leave.
ARRIVING IN CANADA
Before you depart, ensure you have all of the documentation you will need to enter Canada. Most important are:
- A VALID PASSPORT – Your passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay in Canada. Check the expiration date and ensure you have enough time to renew your travel documents if required
- YOUR ACCEPTANCE LETTER FROM INFOCUS FILM SCHOOL – This will be required to prove the intention of your stay to border agents.
- YOUR INTRODUCTION LETTER FROM IMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP CANADA – This document shows that you have been approved for a study permit and will allow border agents to issue it to you.
- YOUR TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA – If applicable
- PROOF OF FUNDS – You may be asked to prove that you will be able to support yourself for your time in Canada. A bank statement or other proof of funds will be required.
This list may not be complete. You should check with a consular official before departing to ensure you have all required documentation.
STUDYING IN VANCOUVER
Located at the Pacific Rim gateway of Canada’s west coast, in beautiful British Columbia, Vancouver is a dynamic hub for media creators and storytellers from all walks of life. Nicknamed ‘Hollywood North’, Vancouver boasts a thriving film and television production center – the third largest in North America after New York and Los Angeles – and is the proud host to some of the world’s greatest film festivals including the Vancouver International Film Festival and DOXA Documentary Film Fest.
Along with a thriving film and TV industry, Vancouver is a world-class city for 3D, game, and visual effects production. Vancouver is home to some of the largest visual effects studios in the world including Industrial Light and Magic, Scanline, Sony Imageworks, Method Studios, and more.
With its outstanding natural beauty, Vancouver also offers many recreational benefits, access to the ocean, mountains, parks and fitness centres, all complemented by a lively arts scene and vibrant nightlife.
HOUSING
The Vancouver rental housing market can be daunting, but there are resources for both domestic and international students. If you do not already have a place to stay, here are some links to homestay and other accommodation resources.
Homestay services:
- vhicanada@hotmail.com
- Westerncanadahomestay.ca
- Canadahomestayinternational.com
- Vancouverhomestayagency.com
Other accommodation resources for students:
MEDICAL SERVICES
All international students should have their own medical insurance coverage while studying in Canada. After three months living in BC, students can qualify for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). Ensure you are privately covered for your first three months in British Columbia. As soon as you arrive in Canada enrol for MSP – your coverage usually starts three months after your arrival date. Apply here.
