Citizens and permanent residents of the United States and permanent residents of Greenland, St. Pierre and Miquelon may apply for authorization at a Canadian port of entry, providing they already have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian school. However, because of the complexity of their cases, students from these four regions who will be staying in Canada for more than one year are advised to apply for authorizations at a Canadian government office in the country where they live rather than at a port of entry. Since early 1988 immigration regulations have been in effect which allow foreign students to work on campus while studying full-time. It is now possible to work in Canada for 12 months immediately after graduating from a Canadian university. Students holding an Employment Authorization also require a Student Authorization.
Medical expenses are extremely high in Canada, making medical insurance mandatory.
All persons who will be residents of Alberta for twelve months or longer must register in the provincial government's Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. This insurance will cover most costs incurred for services provided by a physician and for hospitalization. To be entitled to immediate coverage you must apply for insurance within 90 days of arriving in Alberta. If this requirement is not met, a three month waiting period will be enforced before the insurance benefits begin. Contact the International Centre at the U. of A. on arrival for application forms and detailed information.