Tips for Canadian Students

• First, before school even starts, make sure to have all your documents completed. Canadian citizens do not need a visa to study in the US, but you will need an I-20 form issued by the school you plan to attend. This requires proof of finances to be submitted to the school so that they can process the I-20 form and register you with SEVIS, a student tracking system.
  
  Next,you must then pay your SEVIS I-901 fee and bring the receipt, as well as the I-20 form and your financial information for the first time you cross the border. Every time you travel home and return back to the US, you will need to bring your I-20 form. Getting all your documents together for the I-20 form can take a while, so it’s best to start early.

• Second, get a Social Security Number (SSN) as soon as possible! This will allow you to work on campus, and is also necessary for optometry students to complete a mandatory fourth-year rotation at a Veterans Affairs Center.  This process can take several weeks as it involves a lot of paperwork and visiting a social security office in person, so it is best to start soon after arriving in the states.

  

• Once you’re at school, join any student-run clubs or organizations associated with home. Attend their events and meet your classmates. At NECO, we have CAOS (Canadian Association of Optometry Students). For a small fee, you will have access to many helpful Canadian-centered events and resources to help you both build a successful future career, as well as create a sense of community among Canadian students. Here are some examples of events CAOS has hosted:
  • Canadian Graduate Strong: Annual presentations on topics ranging from private practice management and loan debt repayment to US immigration/visas. These can help you plan your future path after graduation and help you decide if you want to stay in the US or move back home.
  • Ontario Association of Optometry (OAO) networking event: Students have the opportunity to meet with the President, Vice-President, and other OAO members to discuss pertinent issues relating to the advocacy of optometry and practice management in Ontario and Canada.
  • Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner: A fun event hosted at NECO where CAOS members can come together and celebrate over a yummy meal while away from home.

• Lastly, consider completing a final-year rotation at a Canadian site. Although this may feel like it is super far away, it is never too early to start thinking about where you want to do your fourth-year rotations!. NECO has an array of fourth year sites, and most years, offers elective sites in Canada. This is an excellent opportunity to work with Canadian ODs and see what practicing in Canada will be like before you graduate.

Before you decide on a school in the US, research the student body and learn about which countries your potential classmates come from. At NECO, we have a large number of students from Canada. One thing that makes us stand out is the opportunity to connect and create a community for Canadian students. Since they make up over 25% of the school population, there are many events catered specifically towards Canadian interests! Your school’s admissions and registrars departments will be a great resource for you to connect with before and during the process of moving to the US. Ask lots of questions! They will be familiar with navigating the legal nuances surrounding Canadian and other international students, so you can rest assured that you will be supported in every step of your journey. Moving to a different country can be stressful, but with some careful planning and the support from your chosen school’s community, your transition will be much smoother. Good luck on your journey!