F-1 Student Visa FAQ for Canadian Students | International Services

# F-1 Student Visa FAQs for Canadian Students

Learn more about international services and how to make your experience at BYU-Idaho more rewarding.

## Planning Timeline for Canadian Students

| Timeframe | Action |
| --- | --- |
| 6-12 months before study | Apply and get admitted to BYU-Idaho |
| 3-4 months before study | Apply for and receive I-20, pay SEVIS fee, complete online pre-arrival orientation |
| 1-2 weeks before entry | Print documents, pack required forms |
| Day of travel | Present I-20 and documents at border, enter as F-1 student |
| After entry | Download I-94, check in at International Services office (MC 276), attend new student orientation |

## Before You Travel to the U.S.

No. Canadian citizens do not need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. However, they **must** obtain an I-20 from a U.S. school and be admitted to the U.S. in F-1 status by presenting the I-20 at the port of entry.

The I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status issued by a U.S. school. It shows that you've been accepted to a full-time program and allows you to apply for F-1 status at the border.

Yes. All F-1 students, including Canadians, must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before entering the U.S. This fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must be paid at least 3 days before your entry.

Visit www.fmjfee.com. Print the receipt and bring it with you when you travel.

Be prepared to show: 

- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months into the future)
- Original signed Form I-20
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- Proof of financial support
- Admission letter (optional but helpful)

## Entering the U.S. in F-1 Status

You can enter at any U.S. port of entry that processes international arrivals, including land borders and airports. Make sure the officer knows that you are entering as an F-1 student.

No. Canadian citizens are visa-exempt, so you won't receive an actual F-1 visa stamp, but you will be admitted in F-1 status and issued an electronic I-94 arrival record.

After entering the U.S., go to US Government I-94/I-95 website to download your electronic I-94 record. This record is important for employment, travel, and status verification.

When you arrive at the U.S. border (land or airport), a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will ask you about the purpose of your visit. You should clearly state that you are entering the U.S. to study on F-1 status. Be prepared to present your: 

- Valid passport
- Signed I-20 form
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Financial documentation
- Admission letter (optional but helpful)

The officer may ask questions about your school, program, or where you plan to live. If all documents are in order, you'll be admitted in F-1 status and your I-94 record will be created. 
 
****Important tips:**** 

- Be polite, clear, and honest in your responses
- Keep all important documents readily accessible
- You may be sent to secondary inspection for additional review--this is not unusual

No. You are not required to make your social media accounts public. U.S. visa applicants are now required to list social media handles on the DS-160 form, but Canadians entering in F-1 status do not complete that form. That said, CBP officers may review publicly available content, so it's wise to avoid any content that could raise questions about your intentions.

## While Studying in the U.S.

Choosing your major depends on your interests, career goals, and long-term plans. Many students explore different fields during their first year before declaring a major. If you're unsure, consider what subjects you enjoy, what careers are in demand, and how your degree aligns with your immigration or job plans after graduation. You will also have access to professional advising and career services once you arrive in Rexburg. 
 
For international students, ****STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)**** degrees offer specific advantages: 

- Extended work authorization: Graduates with a STEM degree may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing up to 3 years of work in the U.S. after graduation
- Stronger job prospects: STEM fields are in high demand, increasing your chances of employment during and after your studies
- Pathways to sponsorship: Employers are more likely to sponsor work visas (such as H-1B) for STEM roles due to skill shortages

However, you should ultimately choose a major that fits your abilities and goals. Many non-STEM fields (e.g., business, education, arts) also offer valuable skills and career opportunities.

Yes. F-1 students are allowed to: 

- Work ****on campus**** up to 20 hours per week during school and full-time during breaks
- After completing at least one year of full-time study, you may apply for ****Curricular Practical Training (CPT)**** for internships or work experience that is integral to your program 
 - You must obtain written CPT authorization from BYU-Idaho's International Services office before beginning any off-campus employment. CPT must be directly related to your academic program and approved before you start working.
- You may also apply for ****Optional Practical Training (OPT)**** after completing a degree

****⚠️ Warning:**** **All unauthorized work off-campus is illegal, a violation of your F-1 status, and grounds for immediate termination of your I-20. Always consult BYU-Idaho's International Services office before accepting any kind of paid or unpaid off-campus opportunity.**

Yes. You must register for at least 12 credits during each of your on-track semesters. Immigration rules allow up to 3 of these credits to be online. 
 
****⚠️ Academic Standing:**** **You are also expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress--this generally means keeping a** ******minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher****** **(on a 4.0 scale). Falling below this standard may lead to academic probation and could jeopardize your F-1 status.**

You must speak with International Services before deciding not to enroll in classes. Unauthorized time off can result in the termination of your F-1 status.

## Travel and Reentry

Yes, but you must carry: 

- A valid I-20 with a recent travel signature (signed within the last 12 months)
- Your passport
- Proof of continued enrollment and financial support (e.g., transcript, sponsor bank statements)

Contact the International Services office immediately to get a replacement I-20. For a lost passport, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to report and replace it.

## Financial and Practical Considerations

Before You Go - Pre-Departure Financial Checklist 

- Financial Documentation for I-20: Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and travel. Your Designated School Official (DSO) will require evidence of this before issuing your Form I-20. This can include: 
 - Family bank statements
 - Documentation from a sponsor
 - Financial aid or scholarship letters
 - Letter from an employer showing annual salary (if applicable to your sponsor)
- Initial Funds: Have enough US cash or a travel-friendly credit/debit card for your immediate expenses upon arrival (transportation, food, initial necessities). While it's not necessary to exchange a large sum of money beforehand, having some USD on hand is wise.
- Notify Your Canadian Bank: Inform your Canadian bank about your move to the US and your expected usage of your cards abroad to avoid any fraud alerts or service interruptions.
- Research Cross-Border Banking Options: Many Canadian banks (like RBC and CIBC) have US branches or offer cross-border banking bundles specifically designed for Canadians in the US. These can be very convenient for transferring funds between your Canadian and US accounts.
- Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees: Consider getting a Canadian credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. This can save you a significant amount on purchases made in the US.
- Understand Your Funding: Know how you will be receiving funds (e.g., from parents, scholarships, student loans). If you have Canadian student loans (like OSAP), understand their rules for studying abroad. OSAP, for example, may provide up to 60% of funding for studies outside of Canada.

Upon Arrival in the US - Setting Up Your Finances 

- Open a US Bank Account: This is crucial for managing your day-to-day finances, receiving direct deposits (if you work), and avoiding foreign transaction fees. 
 - Required Documents: To open a US bank account as an international student, you'll generally need: 
 - Your passport with your F-1 visa
 - Form I-20
 - Proof of US address (utility bill, rental agreement, letter from your university)
 - Proof of foreign/permanent residence address
 - Two forms of identification (primary and secondary, such as your passport and potentially a student ID with photo and address)
 - Major Banks: Major banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and those with Canadian affiliations (like RBC Bank and CIBC Bank USA) offer services for international students
- Get a US Debit Card: Once your bank account is open, you'll receive a debit card for everyday purchases and ATM withdrawals
- Consider a US Credit Card: Building a US credit history is important for future financial endeavors (e.g., renting an apartment, getting a car loan). Some banks offer credit cards specifically for international students, sometimes requiring a security deposit. Look for cards with no annual fees and good rewards.

Managing Your Money: Tips for F-1 Students 

- Budgeting: Create a realistic budget to track your income and expenses. Living expenses in the US can be higher than in Canada, especially in major cities.
- Currency Exchange: 
 - Avoid Airport Exchange Booths: They typically offer the worst exchange rates
 - Bank Transfers: Transfer funds from your Canadian bank account to your US bank account, ideally using a cross-border banking service offered by your Canadian bank, as these often have better rates and lower fees
 - Monitor Exchange Rates: Keep an eye on the CAD-USD exchange rate and transfer larger sums when the rate is favorable
 - Credit Cards: For larger purchases, use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Yes. You can only drive in Idaho for 60 days with your Canadian driver's license. After that, you will need to obtain a U.S. driver's license if you wish to drive in the U.S. Here is some additional information regarding how to obtain a U.S. driver's license.

Yes. Most students obtain a Social Security number when they get a job on campus or begin an internship with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization from the International Services office. Here is some additional information regarding how to obtain a social security number.

Yes. Even if you didn't earn U.S. income, all F-1 students must file at least Form 8843 annually. If you worked, you may need to file additional forms. BYU-Idaho International Services will provide information and resources for tax filing at the beginning of every year. If you do not plan on working while in the U.S., but need to report non-wage income (e.g., scholarships), you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Here is some additional information regarding how to obtain an ITIN.

F-1 is a non-immigrant status. It does not directly lead to a green card. However, some students later transition to employment-based visas (e.g., H-1B) or marry a U.S. citizen, which can start that process. We always recommend seeking legal advice from an immigration attorney regarding any change of status.

## Still Need Help?

BYU-Idaho International Student Office

(208) 496-1320 
international@byui.edu

Helpful Resources

U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
SEVIS I-901 Fee Portal