Prospective students

International
Applicants

The decision to study in another country requires a lot of thought. This decision will be one of the most important in your life. We invite you to browse and explore this page and our entire site. We are convinced that you will feel welcome at Collège Boréal!

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About Collège Boréal

Collège Boréal is a French-language institute of higher learning serving a diverse francophone clientele with the goal of producing a highly qualified bilingual (French and English) workforce, committed to the community and contributing to the economic, social and cultural vitality of the country.

Boreal is recognized for its personalized approach, its modern laboratories and equipment, its internships and placements with internationally renowned companies, its services to students and its college life.

Good to know

Requirements

Language requirements – French

All of Collège Boréal’s post-secondary programs are offered in French and require a very good level of French. If you have completed all of your high school studies (bachelor’s degree) or if you have completed post-secondary studies (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate) in a recognized French-language institution, you will not be required to submit the results of a French test for admission purposes.

If your previous education was in a non-French system, you must demonstrate that you have the language skills required for admission. Click here for the French tests officially recognized by Collège Boréal and the results required for admission.

Language requirements – English

Many of Collège Boréal’s programs require that students be able to express themselves adequately in English, both orally and in writing, since some textbooks are only available in English. In addition, internships may take place in a bilingual environment and the student will need to be able to express him/herself comfortably in English. English as a Second Language courses normally offered in the French education system will not be considered for admission. Click here for the English tests officially recognized by Collège Boréal and the results required for admission.

Specific requirements for the programs of study

The candidate must meet the admission requirements of his or her program of study. Carefully read the prerequisites in the program descriptions.

Application for a Study Permit (Visa)

International students who plan to study in Canada must obtain a study permit. It is strongly recommended that you begin your immigration procedures as soon as you receive your letter of offer of admission to Collège Boréal.

The information below may change without notice. You are responsible for initiating all necessary steps with the Government of Canada. For detailed information, click here to consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) website.

If you decide to use the services of a representative for your application, choose this person carefully. If you hire a paid representative, make sure they are authorized. Click here for IRCC’s advice..

A Regulated Immigration Counselor for International Students (RICIS) works at the International Office of Collège Boréal. She will be able to advise you on your application for a study permit as well as all your immigration procedures related to your studies.

Steps to Follow:

  1. Read the general information..
  2. Read the instruction guide.
  3. Make sure you have the information required by your visa office..
  4. Gather all the necessary documents for your application.
  5. Check the processing times of your visa office so you can submit your application on time.
  6. Go step by step and read the information carefully.
  7. Finally, when you are ready, file your application online OR file your application at a Visa Application Center. Choose the method that works best for you.
  8. If you live in China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal or Vietnam, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online in the Direct Study Stream.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES OUTSIDE OF CANADA

As of January 22, 2024*, most international students will be required to submit along with their study permit application a provincial attestation letter (PAL) issued by the province or territory where they intend to study. Each province or territory developed a process for obtaining a PAL. If you have applied to Collège Boréal for the 2024-25 school year, please check your emails as well as your account on the OCAS International Admission Service (IAS) portal. Additional information can be found below in the FAQ – PAL section.

For more information, visit the official IRCC website.

FAQ – Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

As of January 22, 2024*, most international students will be required to submit along with their study permit application a provincial attestation letter (PAL) issued by the province or territory where they intend to study. Each province or territory has developed a process for obtaining a PAL.

Does everyone require a PAL?

You do not need a PAL when applying for a study permit if you have entered Canada and one of the following situations applies to you:

  • You have a study permit and are applying for a study permit extension.
  • You have a work permit.
  • You’re a temporary resident who is a visiting or exchange student studying at a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • You’re a temporary resident who has completed a course or program of study that is a prerequisite to you enrolling at a DLI.
  • You’re under a removal order but can’t be removed from Canada at this time.
  • You have a temporary resident permit valid for at least 6 months.
  • You’re a protected person.

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the full list of exemptions.

Why are there a limited number of PALs?

Canada is trying to stabilize growth by reducing the number of study permits issued to foreign students. To stabilize growth, the federal government has implemented a national cap on study permit applications. To implement the cap, every study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will also require an attestation letter from a province or territory.

Should I contact Boréal to obtain my PAL?

NO. A distribution process is now in place. If you have received an admission offer letter from Boréal, you will receive an email explaining the PAL requirements and process.

Are there specific conditions for PAL eligibility at Boréal?

YES. To be eligible, you must:

  1. Have received an offer of admission from Collège Boréal for the 2024-25 school year.
  2. Accept your offer of admission via the OCAS International Admission Service (IAS) portal no later than May 1, 2024.
  3. Make a payment of CAD 8,500 for the first semester of your program no later than May 31, 2024, via Flywire. If your study permit application is refused, this payment will be refunded upon presentation of official proof of refusal from IRCC.
What are the deadlines for obtaining the LAP?

For the start of the September 2024 school year, Collège Boréal is committed to issuing approved PALs no later than June 30, 2024. This will allow you to submit your study permit application within a reasonable time frame.

Who decides if I am to receive a PAL?

Boréal will submit the names of eligible* PAL candidates to the province of Ontario. If a PAL is granted in your name, Collège Boréal will contact you by email. Please note that a PAL does not guarantee a study permit.

*Due to the limited number of PALs, Collège Boréal may give priority to certain applications. Additionally, we reserve the right to revoke an offer of admission, modify our programs, services and policies and suspend any program without notice.

How do I get a copy of my PAL?

PALs must be submitted by a designated educational institution (EED), such as Collège Boréal. You CANNOT apply for this yourself. If a PAL is granted in your name, Collège Boréal will contact you by email and the PAL will be uploaded to the OCAS International Admission Service (IAS) portal.

What should I do with my PAL?

The PAL is one of several documents required by IRCC for your study permit application. When you apply for your study permit online, you will need to upload the PAL to the Personal Checklist. Please note that a PAL does not guarantee a study permit. You must submit to IRCC all the required documents.

What if Boréal doesn’t issue me a PAL?

If a PAL is not granted in your name, Boréal will contact you by email to go over your options.

Is there anything else I can do to shorten the wait time?

Check your emails regularly as well as your OCAS International Admission Service (IAS) portal account. Carefully read all communications and documents regarding your application. To increase your chances of admission to Collège Boréal, meet the conditions and respect the deadlines specific to your application.

Contact Information

Collège Boréal International Office

21 Lasalle Boulevard
Sudbury, ON P3A 6B1

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