Understanding Canadian PR and Studying in the US

As a Canadian permanent resident, I'm thinking about studying in the US. Are there any specific challenges or different processes I should be aware of? Would love to hear from anyone with experience in this situation!

While being a Canadian permanent resident provides some advantages, studying in the US as an international student does entail a different process compared to domestic applicants.

Here's a general outline for what the process may look like:

1. Application Process: As a Canadian student, you will need to apply to U.S. colleges and universities as an international student. You will add to your college application forms that you're an international student, even though you live in North America. Some colleges may have different requirements for international students, you may be asked to include additional information or documentation compared to domestic student applicants, but largely the Common or Coalition app forms are the same.

2. Standardized testing: Some universities may require you to take the TOEFL, a test that measures your English language skills. However, if you have completed your schooling in Canada and have been taught in English, many universities will waive this requirement. Nonetheless, some competitive colleges might require the TOEFL even from English-speaking international students to testify their English language competence. Gradually, though, many colleges are becoming test-optional.

3. Financial Aid: This is something to definitely think about as an international student. Most U.S. Federal financial aid is not available to international students. However, some colleges do offer financial aid to international students, and may also have specific scholarships for Canadian students. Always check the specific policies of each college. Also, consider looking at private scholarships or grants available in Canada for students studying abroad.

4. Visa needs: As a Canadian, you'll need an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. It's a Student visa that allows you to attend academic institutions or language training programs. To get this, you'll need a Form I-20 which you'll receive from the U.S. institution that admits you.

I hope this gives a good starting point, and it's always important to speak with the admissions offices at the schools you're interested in, because each institution may have slightly different policies. Good luck on your journey!