Canadian Students - Immigration Information

 

I-20:

 

  • Saginaw Valley will issue each qualifying student a US Department of Justice Form I-20 (a certificate of Eligibility for nonimmigrant (F-1) student status) at the time s/he is admitted to the institution. This form will allow you to enter  the United States as a student in "F-1" status.
  • Immigration officials will require a financial statement of proof verifying that you, as a student, can cover your expenses for an academic year. This should be a current bank statement showing available funds in an account, and/or a letter from the bank stating that your balance is at least $14,290 US (Subject to change with exchange rate and tuition costs).
  • Your student status (I-20) does NOT permit you to work off campus.
  • If you are a landed immigrant in Canada, not a Canadian citizen, you will need to schedule in advance with the American consulate for an interview appointment in order to be issued a student visa. Please contact Rebecca Dewald in the SVSU Admissions Office (800.968.9500) for further information. See also: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html AND http://www.usembassy.gov.

On-Campus Employment:

  • Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
  • Please contact the Career Planning and Placement Office at 989.964.4954 to have an application sent directly to you, or access it online.

Basic Health Insurance:

  • Though strongly encouraged to consider the personal advantages of doing so, Canadian students are not required to purchase health insurance from Saginaw Valley State University while attending classes. However, SVSU does offer an optional health insurance policy to all international students who do not have full coverage during their stay in the United States.
  • Canadian students are strongly excouraged to provide SVSU with a copy of current policies to verify that they have full coverage while in the United States.
  • Students must sign a form opting to either purchase insurance or waive the right to purchase health insurance offered through SVSU's international health insurance carrier.
  • A basic policy purchased through SVSU's insurance vendor costs approximately $350 US per semester.
  • For more information, please contact the Office of International Programs at 989.964.4473.

Athletic Health Insurance:

  • SVSU varsity athletes are required to carry their own primary athletic health insurance coverage from a source of their choosing. For more information, please click here.
  • The basic policy available through SVSU's insurance vendor (see above) does NOT include athletic coverage. However, a student who opts to purchase SVSU's basic insurance coverage can also opt to add an athletic rider to his/her policy at an additional cost.
  • The cost of athletic riders varies depending upon the sport. For more detailed information, please contact the Office of International Programs at 989.964.4473.