Information for Canadian Students
I-20, Visa and Initial Entry
If you are a Canadian citizen, you will be required to pay the SEVIS fee and receive an I-20 from Hamilton College in order to gain F-1 student status. However, Canadian F-1 students are NOT required to obtain a student visa stamp from a US Consulate or Embassy.
After receiving an I-20, Canadian students may enter the US for initial attendance at Hamilton by presenting only the I-20 form, evidence of admission to Hamilton College, and evidence of financial support, and documentation showing identity and citizenship.
Maintaining F-1 Student Status
Once admitted to the U.S. for attendance at Hamilton, Canadian F-1 students are subject to all the same rules for maintaining valid F-1 status as any other international student.
Travel
Canadian F-1 students will always be asked to present an I-20 and proof of identity and citizenship to re-enter the U.S. The international student advisor’s travel signature on page three of the I-20 should be updated at least once a year, and preferably every six months.
Employment
Please note especially that Canadian students are subject to the same employment rules as all other F-1 students, you may work on campus, but must receive work authorization for ANY off-campus employment, including summer work and internships. Please review the OPT and CPT pages for further information on employment, noting all authorizations have been paused for the Fall 2026 semester (see below).
Canadian citizens are not allowed to take work off-campus in stores, restaurants, or elsewhere and may not engage in ANY off-campus employment without authorization. Please consult the International Student office before accepting any employment off-campus.
A Note on Current Federal Guidance — CPT Paused for Fall 2026
Effective August 24, 2026, Hamilton College has paused all new Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations for the Fall 2026 semester. This pause is in response to new guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) — BCM 2608-01 (August 12, 2026) and BCM 2608-02 (August 24, 2026) — which significantly tightens the federal standard for CPT eligibility.
This pause covers all off-campus work, training, internships, and cooperative education (co-op) placements connected to your academic program — paid and unpaid alike. Do not accept an offer, sign an agreement, or begin any off-campus placement, whether paid or unpaid, until ISS has confirmed that CPT is available again or that another pathway applies.
Please contact your ISS advisor with questions, and before making any commitments to an employer.
Contact
Office / Department Name
International Student Services
Contact Name
Omobonike Odegbami
Director of International Student Services
