FAQs

International students

• Where can I find answers to questions about travel, immigration, and more?

  We know you have questions about travel, immigration, health insurance, and international student support.

  To learn more, visit our international students frequently asked questions page. 

  FAQS: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

  Please note that this information is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.

Student exchange

• Where can I find answers to questions about student exchange?

  Ontario Tech University continues to monitor developments both in Canada and globally. The Student Exchange program is conditional to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic status and any travel restrictions that may be in place, at the time students are expected to start their study abroad.
  
  To read our frequently asked questions about student exchange, please select the type of exchange you are interested in:

  Inbound student exchange

  Outbound student exchange

Visiting scholars

• What is a visiting scholar program?

  “Visiting Scholars” are individuals who are either faculty, students (undergraduate or graduate) or partner university staff who are interested in conducting research and working at the university with a non-paid appointment, for a limited period of time under the supervision of an Ontario Tech University faculty member.

• What are the categories of Visiting Scholars?

  Visiting Student        – An undergraduate or graduate student at another institution.

  Visiting Professor     – A faculty member at another organization or institution.

  Visiting Staff             – A staff member at another organization or institution.

  Note: Each category has a different application and eligibility requirements and conditions may apply.

• Do visiting scholars receive any type of remuneration?

  The visiting scholar appointment is non-paid. As non-employees, they have no teaching or other responsibilities and are not entitled to a salary.

• Can I request for reimbursement of expenses?

  Reimbursement of expenses can be paid by the host supervisor at their discretion.

  Eligible claims may be approved for incidental costs or expenses related to: Travel, Accommodations and meals and Medical Insurance.  All reimbursements will require submission of original receipts.

• How long can my visit to the university be for?

  Up to one year (renewable) to a maximum of 2 years.

• Do I receive a credit for my visit?

  No, this is a non-credit appointment with no course registration. 

• Do I need any Canadian immigration documents to be able to start my research work in Canada?

  All international visiting appointees at Ontario Tech University must hold the necessary authorization from Immigration and Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to enter and stay in Canada during the period of their appointment and must abide by the terms and conditions therein.

   About the immigration process:

  1. If the visit is for less than 120 days the Visiting Scholar may be exempt of a Work Permit under the Short-term (120-day) work permit exemption for researchers.
  2. If the visit is over 120 days a Work Permit will be required. More information can be found on the IRCC website.

  Both options will also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an eTA. More information can be found on the IRCC website.

  Note:    

  • • • It is the sole responsibility of the visiting appointees to ensure that the immigration documentation is valid, up-to-date, accurate, and truthful.
      • Appointments for visiting scholars who lose their authorization to stay or work in Canada for any reason whatsoever will cease on the effective date that authorization expires or is terminated.
      • Visiting appointees are responsible for providing documentation to support their ability to work in Canada upon request and they are responsible for all costs associated with the proper authorization from IRCC.