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Frequently Asked Questions

How many international students study in Richmond secondary schools?

About 1000 international students study in Richmond each year.  This is approximately 10% of our total student population in our secondary schools.

How do I apply?

Students must apply online using our online application form here:
https://mytruenorth.ca/appagentindex.php?db=richmond
Please review our application requirements before beginning the application process. 

What are the application requirements?

Application requirements depend on the program and age of the student wishing to come to Richmond.  An up to date list of our application requirements and document checklist can be found here: https://mytruenorth.ca/apptips.php?db=richmond

How long does it take to get a letter of acceptance?

Applications will be reviewed within 5 business days of submission.  Once approved, you can expect an offer package within 10 business days.

How do I get a visa?

Visa requirements will depend on your country of origin. To get up to date information on visa requirements and processing times, please visit Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp

Do I get a refund if my visa is refused?

Yes. Students will receive a refund minus a $250 administration fee if their visa is refused. All administration fees such as application, assessment and documentation fees are not refundable. RIE requires the refusal letter from IRCC in order to process this request.

Can I choose the school I want to go to?

We treat all applicants fairly and equally. We cannot guarantee placement in a specific school, however, students are asked for their top 3 school choices on the application form. While we always do our best to accommodate all school requests, school placement decisions are finalized based on factors such as grade/space availability, international student number and composition in each school, and tuition commitment date.

Do you offer custodianship services? 

We offer custodianship services to students in our homestay program. 

What responsibilities does the custodian have?

A custodian is a legal representative appointed by the parents that assists minors while they study in Canada.  Custodian duties can include but are not limited to:

  • Communicate with the program about arrival details
  • Register student for school upon arrival
  • Provide parental advice to student regarding school program and activities
  • Provide consent as needed by the school for academic program and activities
  • Find proper medical care
  • Advocate for the student on behalf of parents regarding any academic, behavioural or emotional issues
  • Serve as the official contact and liaise with parents
  • Provide an additional emergency contact 

Can I validate my courses in Canada in my home country?

It’s possible, but it depends on your country of origin.  Contact us to find out more about the process for your specific country.