Overview
Expandable List
In accordance with the 2009-2010 Ontario Operating Funds Distribution Manual (see page 51), international students who fall within one of the following categories may be eligible to pay domestic fees:
- Dependents of Canadian Citizens/First Nations Peoples
- Dependents of Permanent Residents
- A visitor with a work permit and dependents (definitions tab)
- A visitor with diplomatic status and dependents
- Religious workers (work permit exempt) and dependents
- Protected Persons and Dependents
Looking for definitions to determine if you qualify for any of these categories? Visit our Required Supporting Documents and Definitions tab.
If you are a graduate student who fits into one of the categories above, you may apply for an international fee exemption by initiating a service request and providing supporting documentation.
Supporting documentation must be received before the deadlines listed on this page. Exceptions to deadlines will not be permitted.
To request a citizenship update, you will need to:
- Initiate a service request.
- Upload required documentation.
Required supporting documents
International exemption categories and examples of supporting documentation
Select your status from the selections below to view related definitions and the required supporting documentation for that status.
- Where applicable, students will be required to prove their dependent relationship with their parent, spouse, or common-law partner (e.g., statutory declaration or affidavit of common law status, marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
- All documentation presented must be valid, and in the same name of the university’s record keeping system (for students).
- If the photo on your photo ID is more than 5 years old, additional photo identification will be required to confirm your identity. The names on both photo identification documents should match.
- Alternate or additional documentation may be requested at the discretion of the School of Graduate Studies.
Note: A person with an “approval in principle” letter for the Live-in Caregiver and Landed Spouse categories may also be considered.
Expandable List
Definitions
Canadian Citizens/First Nations Peoples: A citizen of Canada within the meaning of the Citizenship Act, or a person registered as an Indian within the meaning of the Indian Act.
Dependents: Dependents are defined as
- a spouse;
- a common-law partner
- a dependent child or the dependent child of a spouse or common-law partner;
- a dependent child of the dependent child referred to above.
An affidavit signed by both spouses, confirming that they are living together in a conjugal relationship for not less than three years, or that they are living together in a conjugal relationship and are raising any children of whom they both are the natural or adoptive parent, is required to verify their common-law status.
Dependent Child: A dependent child is a child who is a biological child who has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner, or an adopted child; and who is in one of the following situations of dependency:
- under age 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner;
- enrolled continuously at a college, university or other educational institution and dependent substantially on the financial support of the parent since before age 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner if that occurred before age 22; or
- a person with a disability who has been financially supported substantially by his or her parents, and who is unable to be self-supporting because of the disability.
Documents from the student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport
- Post-secondary study permit
- Proof of dependent relationship
- Documents from parent, spouse, or common-law partner
Submit one of the following identifications:
- Canadian passport
- Nexus Card
- Birth Certificate and government photo ID
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate and government photo ID
- Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued by DIAND/INAC/AANDC)
- New secure certificate of Indian Status Card (SCIS)
Definitions
Permanent Resident: A permanent resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is
- a person who has been granted “permanent resident” status and has not had that status revoked; or
- a person who has been approved “in-principle” for permanent resident status in Canada. Evidence of this is a letter which confirms that Citizenship and Immigration Canada has determined that he/she is eligible for immigration to Canada or meets the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent resident status in Canada. Such letters must be dated prior to the enrolment count date and presented prior to the enrolment report due date.
Dependents: Dependents are defined as
- a spouse;
- a common-law partner
- a dependent child or the dependent child of a spouse or common-law partner;
- a dependent child of the dependent child referred to above.
An affidavit signed by both spouses, confirming that they are living together in a conjugal relationship for not less than three years, or that they are living together in a conjugal relationship and are raising any children of whom they both are the natural or adoptive parent, is required to verify their common-law status.
Dependent Child: A dependent child is a child who is a biological child who has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner, or an adopted child; and who is in one of the following situations of dependency
under age 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner;
enrolled continuously at a college, university or other educational institution and dependent substantially on the financial support of the parent since before age 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner if that occurred before age 22; or a person with a disability who has been financially supported substantially by his or her parents, and who is unable to be self-supporting because of the disability
Documentation from student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport
- Post-secondary study permit
- Proof of dependent relationship
Documentation from parent, spouse or common law partner (when applicable)
Submit one of the following identifications (where applicable):
- Valid Canadian Permanent Residency Card
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence Visa (IMM 5292, IMM 5688) and government photo ID. Confirmation of Residence must be signed and dated by Immigration Officer next to where it refers to the confirmation of permanent residency.
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000) and government photo ID
Definitions
Visitor with a Work Permit: A visitor, and his/her dependents, who is authorized to work in Canada having been issued a work permit.
The following students are excluded from this category:
- A visitor who is a graduate teaching assistant;
- An international student holding an open work permit for post-graduate work (usually for up to three years of work opportunities upon graduation);
- An international student whose spouse or common-law partner has received a work permit as a result of the international student holding a valid Study Permit;
- An international student holding an ‘Off-Campus Work Permit’;
- A visitor on a co-op work term.
Documentation from student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport
- Post-secondary study permit
- Valid open or closed work permit
- Letter from employer in Canada
Definitions
Visitor with a Work Permit: A visitor, and his/her dependents, who is authorized to work in Canada having been issued a work permit.
The following students are excluded from this category:
- A visitor who is a graduate teaching assistant;
- An international student holding an open work permit for post-graduate work (usually for up to three years of work opportunities upon graduation);
- An international student whose spouse or common-law partner has received a work permit as a result of the international student holding a valid Study Permit;
- An international student holding an ‘Off-Campus Work Permit’;
- A visitor on a co-op work term.
Dependents: Dependents are defined as
- a spouse;
- a common-law partner;
- a dependent child or the dependent child of a spouse or common-law partner;
- a dependent child of the dependent child referred to above.
An affidavit signed by both spouses, confirming that they are living together in a conjugal relationship for not less than three years, or that they are living together in a conjugal relationship and are raising any children of whom they both are the natural or adoptive parent, is required to verify their common-law status.
Dependent Child: A dependent child is a child who is a biological child who has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner, or an adopted child; and who is in one of the following situations of dependency
- under age 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner;
- enrolled continuously at a college, university or other educational institution and dependent substantially on the financial support of the parent since before age 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner if that occurred before age 22; or a person with a disability who has been financially supported substantially by his or her parents, and who is unable to be self-supporting because of the disability.
Documentation from student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport
- Post-secondary study permit
- Proof of dependent relationship
Documentation from parent, spouse or common-law partner (when applicable)
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport
- Valid open or closed work permit
- Letter from employer in Canada
Definitions
Visitor with Diplomatic Status: A visitor who is admitted to and remaining in Canada with official accreditation from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who has entered Canada, or is in Canada, to carry out her/his official duties as
- a diplomatic or consular officer; OR
- as a dependent (Section 1.1.7, 2009-2010 Ontario Operating Funds Distribution Manual) or a member of the staff of any such diplomat, consular officer; representative or official accredited to Canada by the Canadian government; OR
- a member of a foreign military force or of a civilian component; thereof admitted to; OR
- as a Canadian government-accredited representative or official of a country other than Canada, of the United Nations or any of its agencies, of any intergovernmental organizations of which Canada is a member; OR
- Canada under the Visiting Forces Act or any dependents of such personnel.
Documentation from student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign, Consular or Special passport
- Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade Identity Card
- Letter confirming diplomatic appointment
Definitions
Visitor with Diplomatic Status: A visitor who is admitted to and remaining in Canada with official accreditation from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who has entered Canada, or is in Canada, to carry out her/his official duties as
- a diplomatic or consular officer; OR
- or as a dependent (Section 1.1.7, 2009-2010 Ontario Operating Funds Distribution Manual) or a member of the staff of any such diplomat, consular officer; representative or official accredited to Canada by the Canadian government; OR
- or a member of a foreign military force or of a civilian component; thereof admitted to or as a Canadian government-accredited representative or official of a country other than Canada, of the United Nations or any of its agencies, of any intergovernmental organizations of which Canada is a member; OR
- Canada under the Visiting Forces Act or any dependents of such personnel.
Dependents: Dependents are defined as
- a spouse;
- a common-law partner;
- a dependent child or the dependent child of a spouse or common-law partner;
- a dependent child of the dependent child referred to above.
An affidavit signed by both spouses, confirming that they are living together in a conjugal relationship for not less than three years, or that they are living together in a conjugal relationship and are raising any children of whom they both are the natural or adoptive parent, is required to verify their common-law status.
Dependent Child: A dependent child is a child who is a biological child who has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner, or an adopted child; and who is in one of the following situations of dependency:
- under age 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner;
- enrolled continuously at a college, university or other educational institution and dependent substantially on the financial support of the parent since before age 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner if that occurred before age 22; or a person with a disability who has been financially supported substantially by his or her parents, and who is unable to be self-supporting because of the disability
Documentation from student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign, Consular or Special passport
- Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade Identity Card
- Proof of dependent relationship
- Documentation from parent, spouse or common law partner (when applicable)
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign, Consular or Special passport
- Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade Identity Card
- Letter confirming diplomatic appointment
Definitions
Religious Workers (work permit exempt): Per paragraph R186(l) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, religious workers who are exempt from a work permit applies to persons whose employment will consist mainly of preaching of doctrine, presiding at liturgical functions or providing spiritual counselling, either as an ordained minister, a lay person, or a member of a religious order.
Documentation from student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport
- Post-secondary study permit
- Offer of employment from religious organization or visitor record (IMM 1097)
- Proof of ordination
Definitions
Religious Workers (work permit exempt): Per paragraph R186(l) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, religious workers who are exempt from a work permit applies to persons whose employment will consist mainly of preaching of doctrine, presiding at liturgical functions or providing spiritual counselling, either as an ordained minister, a lay person, or a member of a religious order.
Dependents: Dependents are defined as
- a spouse;
- a common-law partner;
- a dependent child or the dependent child of a spouse or common-law partner;
- a dependent child of the dependent child referred to above.
An affidavit signed by both spouses, confirming that they are living together in a conjugal relationship for not less than three years, or that they are living together in a conjugal relationship and are raising any children of whom they both are the natural or adoptive parent, is required to verify their common-law status.
Dependent Child: A dependent child is a child who is a biological child who has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner, or an adopted child; and who is in one of the following situations of dependency
- under age 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner;
- enrolled continuously at a college, university or other educational institution and dependent substantially on the financial support of the parent since before age 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner if that occurred before age 22; or a person with a disability who has been financially supported substantially by his or her parents, and who is unable to be self-supporting because of the disability.
Documentation from student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport
- Post-secondary study permit
- Proof of dependent relationship
Documentation from parent, spouse or common law partner (when applicable)
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport
- Offer of employment from religious organization or visitor record (IMM 1097)
- Proof of ordination
Definitions
Protected Persons: A person, and his/her dependents, who
- has been determined to be a protected person, including a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection, within the meaning of subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. A protected person document issued under section 31(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or a “notice of decision” issued by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada or by the IRB must be presented.
- is a refugee claimant who applied to the federal government for Convention refugee status prior to January 1, 1989, and can provide documentation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to that effect.
Documentation from student
Submit one of the following identifications:
- Foreign passport or Single Journey Travel Document (IMM 5485)
- Post-secondary study permit
- Notice of Decision issued by Immigration & Refugee Board (IRB) or Protect Person Status Document (IMM 5520) issued by Citizenship & Immigration Canada under section 31(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Definitions
Dependents: Dependents are defined as
- a spouse;
- a common-law partner;
- a dependent child or the dependent child of a spouse or common-law partner;
- a dependent child of the dependent child referred to above.
An affidavit signed by both spouses, confirming that they are living together in a conjugal relationship for not less than three years, or that they are living together in a conjugal relationship and are raising any children of whom they both are the natural or adoptive parent, is required to verify their common-law status.
Dependent Child: A dependent child is a child who is a biological child who has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner, or an adopted child; and who is in one of the following situations of dependency
- under age 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner;
- enrolled continuously at a college, university or other educational institution and dependent substantially on the financial support of the parent since before age 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner if that occurred before age 22; or a person with a disability who has been financially supported substantially by his or her parents, and who is unable to be self-supporting because of the disability
Documentation from student
Submit all the following documents:
- Foreign passport or Single Journey Travel Document (IMM 5485);
- Post-secondary study permit;
- Proof of dependent relationship; and
- Documentation from parent, spouse or common law partner (when applicable).
Submit one of the following identifications:
- Foreign passport or Single Journey Travel Document (IMM 5485)
- Post-secondary study permit
- Notice of Decision issued by Immigration & Refugee Board (IRB) or Protect Person Status Document (IMM 5520) issued by Citizenship & Immigration Canada under section 31(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Deadlines and renewals
What are the deadlines to apply for an international fee exemption?
| Study period | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall-Winter | October 27 |
| Winter only | January 27 |
| Spring/Summer | June 20 |
Notes:
- A tuition adjustment will take place in the study period that an international fee exemption has been approved. Retroactive fee changes for previous study periods will not be granted.
- Exceptions to deadlines are not permitted.
How do I renew my international fee exemption status?
You are required to maintain your international fee exemption status while studying at the university by initiating — and completing all requirements — of a service request before your status expires.
Should your international fee exemption status change mid-way through one of the study periods, you must obtain an extension prior to the beginning of your next study period. Failure to do so will result in a return to international fees in all future study periods. You may also be required to prove your status at the request of the university any time during your studies.
Note: If your exemption status has changed as a result of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., you are the dependent of a diplomat whose parent is reassigned to another country), you may be able to continue your studies with an international fee exemption status until the completion of your program. This extension will not apply to future programs or degrees following the completion of your current program or degree. Initiate a service request for this extension. If you have any questions, please contact the School of Graduate Studies via askgrad@mcmaster.ca.