Study in the US from Canada

The USA is home to some 150 QS-ranking universities well-known for cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse educational programs with the most affordable fees. The United States is a vast 50-state country offering countless academic opportunities for students. Leaning in the US as a Canadian becomes more straightforward when focusing on your budget, ideal location, financial aid opportunities, and proximity to family and friends. With a world-class education and top-renowned universities, the United States of America is the world's top study destination. The US education system caters to comprehensive, skillful, and advanced learning. The USA is also ranked no. 1 for the education system that it provides. 

Canadian citizens who plan to study in the US do not need a visa, but they must register with SEVIS and obtain an I-20 certificate from the US school they plan to attend.

Why study in the US?

The US offers an unstoppable mix of world-class education, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. Studying in the US as a Canadian is more than earning a degree. It’s about welcoming new experiences, developing your skill set, and creating a foundation for a bright future.

Here are some of the reasons to study in USA:

• Access to globally recognized universities
• Wide range of academic opportunities
• Experience culture and professional growth
• Proximity and ease of travel
• Build a stronger career foundation 

US student visa from Canada

Canadian citizens do not need visas to study or participate in an exchange program in the US. However, Canadian students must obtain an I-20 (or DS-2019) Certificate of Eligibility from the universities, schools, or exchange programs they plan to attend.

Types of US Student Visa for Canadians

Canadian citizens and students residing in Canada don’t need a US student visa; they need different forms and SEVIS fees to study in the US.

For Academic Study in Canada (F-1 visa)

Unlike other international students, Canadian citizens and Permanent residents do not need to apply for an F-1 visa at a US embassy; rather, students must obtain F-1 status at the port of entry by presenting a valid Form I-20.

For Study- and Work-related exchange programs (J-1 visa)

As Canadian citizens or temporary residents, they most likely do not need a J-1 visa to participate in Study- and Work-related exchange programs in the United States. Instead, they must apply for a DS-2019 form (Certificate of eligibility) from an Intuition or program.

For Non-academic or vocational studies (M-1 visa)

As a Canadian citizen, you are not required to apply for an M-1 visa to study in the US, but you need to obtain an I-20 (Certificate of eligibility) from the school. Conversely, for Canada Temporary residents who are planning to study vocational or non-academic studies, you must apply for an M-1 visa.

For Canadians, there are two types of forms that must be submitted with the US student visa to study in the US:

• Form I-20: This form is referred to as a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant status from the university or school you plan to attend
• DS-2019: This form is also called a certificate of eligibility for exchange visitor J-1 status from the US program or institution.

Top universities in USA for Canadian   

Below are the lists of top university in USA for Canadians:

University	International Students Acceptance Rate
New York University	12.80%
North-eastern University	20.50%
Columbia University	3.67%
University of Southern California	12%
Arizona State University	88.40%
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign	63%
University of California San Diego (UCSD)	38%
Boston University	20%
Purdue University	67.20%
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)	9%

Eligibility criteria to apply for US Student visa

An applicant must fulfill the eligibility criteria to apply for a US student visa:

• Valid Canadian passport
• Form I-20 or DS 2019 certificate
• SEVIS fees
• Sufficient funds to study in Canada
• Proof of ties to Canada
• English Language proficiency

Requirements to apply for US student visa

To apply for a US student visa, an applicant must provide the required documentation:

• Valid passport
• Original Form I-20 (for F-1 status) or DS-2019 (for J-1 status)
• Proof of SEVIS Fee Payment
• Sufficient funds
• Proof of times to Canada
• Proof of ties to Canada
• Proof Educational qualification
• Acceptance letter from the Institution
• Either IELTS or TOEFL with a 6.5 overall score

How to apply for a US student visa?

A Canadian citizen or Temporary resident does not require a US student visa. Instead, they need an eligibility form to prove they can stay in the US. Below are the steps to study in the US from Canada:

Step 1: Secure your I-20 or DS-2019 form

Step 2: Fill out the application form correctly

Step 3: Pay the SEVIS Fees

Step 4: Sort out the required documents

Step 5: Request visa status at the port

Processing fees for US Student visa

For a US student visa (F-1) from Canada, applicants need to pay an application fee (DS-160) and a $350 SEVIS fee, for a total cost of approximately $535.

Processing time of US Student visa

As a Canadian citizen, they don't apply for an F-1 visa at a US embassy; instead, you request F-1 status at the port of entry, which can take a few days to a few weeks to process.

Work in the US After studying

As a Canadian student studying in the US, an applicant can work in the US via two programs:

• Post-study work visa in the US
• Obtaining work visa like H-1B or Trade NAFTA (TN) visa

Post-study work visa in the US

Every International student studying in the US wants to work in the US with a Post-study work visa. The post-study work visa is an essential factor for students who are pursuing higher education in the USA.  Canadian citizens can work off-campus for Optional Practical Training (OPT). An F1 visa status holder can only apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits International students to stay and work in the USA for 12 months in their field-related degree. STEM graduates can extend their Post-study work visa to 36 months

Types of Optional Practical Training

There are two types of Optional Practical Training (OPT):

• Pre-completion OPT: This allows international students to work while studying
• Post-completion OPT: This allows international students to work after completing the degree course.

Note: It's mandated that the job you get after graduating is related to your field of study. The period that international students get to find a job after graduation is 90 days.

Eligibility requirements for Optional Practical Training (OPT )

• Employment must be directly related to the major pursued
• Must maintain lawful F-1 status
• Must apply for OPT before completing all work requirements
• Can work before or after completing your studies
• Maintained valid F-1 status
• Not exceeding CPT limits

Degrees that are available for Few STEM-Related Degrees Valid for an OPT Extension

• Actuarial sciences
• Computer science applications
• Engineering
• Engineering Technologies
• Life sciences
• Mathematics
• Military technologies
• Physical sciences

Post-Study Work Opportunities in the US with H-1B visa 

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables a US employer to hire skilled professionals in specialty occupations that require a bachelor's degree or higher. For Canadians seeking post-study work opportunities in the US, the H-1B visa is the pathway for temporary employment in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Eligibility Requirement to apply for H-1B visa

To apply for an H-1B visa, an applicant must fulfill the eligibility requirements for both employer and employee:

For Employer

• Must have a job offer from a US employer
• Job must be in a Speciality occupation
• The employer must file a Labor Condition Application
• Sponsorship and Petition filing
• Valid Employer-employee relationship

For Employee

• Educational Qualification(Possess a bachelor's degree or higher related to the job)
• Have a valid job offer
• Work experience
• Licensing

Post-Study Work Opportunities in the US with Trade NAFTA (TN) visa

The NAFTA (Now USMCA) TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in the US in specific professional roles. A Trade NAFTA (TN) visa is required to work in the US for a pre-arranged job. It demonstrates the qualifications for the Profession with extensions possible as long as temporary status is maintained.

Eligibility requirements to apply for NAFTA

• Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
• Job must meet the Profession listed in USMCA
• Pre-arranged Employment
• Possess at least minimum qualification of the Profession
• Must demonstrate an intention to return to your home country
• Not Self-employed  

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the world's No. 1 visa and overseas immigration consultancy, providing unbiased and personalized immigration consultancy for over 25 years. Our team of visa and immigration experts is here to assist you with everything and help you make an informed decision before you embark on a journey of studying in US. Our impeccable services include:

• Expert assistance with acquiring a Student Visa
• Y-Path to help you choose the right path
• Y-Axis Course Recommendation Services to assist you with the best courses for you
• Y-Axis Coaching Services to help you improve your language proficiency
• Free Career Consultancy for personalized and professional counseling
• Y-Axis Campus Ready Program to help you prepare for studying abroad