Being a Student - FAQs

The requirement of study permits are based on student’s home country and length of study. Any student registering to study in Nanaimo and Ladysmith for longer than 5 months need to apply for a study permit. Even if you are applying for one semester or short-term academic program, you are encouraged to apply for a study permit. This allows students the possibility of extending the length of their stay if requested and possible.

To find out how to obtain a Study Permit please go to the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website or contact your nearest Canadian Embassy, Consulate General, or Trade Commission.

ISE follows Immigration Canada requirements. We require that all International Students under the age of 19 have a custodian who is a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. The District Principal of International Student Education assumes this responsibility for all students in grades 8 -12 in the ISE Homestay Program.

Yes. To attend the Nanaimo Ladysmith International Student Education Program, you must be covered by medical insurance. The cost of this insurance is included in our program fees.

Students who study with us for 6 months or less will be covered by private medical insurance through guard.me. Students who study with us for longer than 6 months also be covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP).

Along with a student’s TrueNorth application, the following documents are required to be reviewed by the ISE Team:

• An official copy of your school report cards and/or transcripts for the past two years, in your own language
• A copy of your report cards and/or transcripts translated into English
• A passport-sized photograph
• Proof of age (e.g. a copy of your passport)
• Application Processing Fee

For our full Refund Policy, please see the Nanaimo Ladysmith International Program Student
Agreement. Below is a summary:

a. All requests for refunds must be in writing.
b. The application fee of $300 is non-refundable.
c. The full tuition fee will be refunded upon receipt of evidence that the Study Permit
or eTA was not approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
d. The full tuition fee will be refunded if the student withdraws prior to commencement of program.
e. One half of the tuition fee will be refunded if the student withdraws within 30 calendar days of commencing the program.
f. No refund of tuition fee will be granted if the student withdraws after 30 calendar days of commencing the program.
g. No refund of tuition fee will be provided if a student’s status changes from fee-paying to non-fee-paying after September 30.
h. The balance of the homestay fees will be refunded if a student withdraws or is dismissed from the program.
i. The tuition fee will not be refunded if unforeseen circumstances (natural disaster, pandemic, weather, labour dispute, etc.) force the closure of schools for an extended period of time.

We do our very best to honour students’ school requests.

Additionally, we try to match student’s interests and educational goals with the best school for them. However, school placements are also based on availability at each school.

Secondary students (grades 8 -12) are asked to submit a course selection form with their application. Based on students’ educational goals, interests, course availability, and home country requirements the International Student Advisor at each school create individualized course schedules.

Click to see course offerings by school. 

Elementary students (grades K – 7) study the B.C. Ministry of Education approved curriculum. It provides all students with a balance of learning experiences in language arts, mathematics, sciences, social studies, fine arts, physical education, and technology. 

Homestay Coordinators make every effort to match students with families who have similar interests and a family structure that best suits the student’s needs based on their application profile. Homestay placements are also based on school placement and Homestay availability. 

We screen all potential Homestays very carefully, including completing criminal record checks, an interview, and an in-home inspection.

Each student is welcomed and supported by their International Student Advisor who is available daily at their school. Students are also supported by their Homestay Coordinator who meets weekly at each school and are readily available by phone before and afterschool to address homestay concerns. ISE District Principal, Vice Principal, and clerical staff are also available to support students with concerns and questions. For urgent 24/7/365 support, medical and other emergencies occuring outside of school hours, students and homestays can call the ISE “Urgent Matters Phone.”