International Admissions at WRDSB

We invite you to join us at the Waterloo Region District School Board. Prospective students should contact Williams Education and Travel Consultancy for admission process.

The first step for all students without Canadian citizenship documents or permanent resident documents is to apply with International Admissions. After you meet with us and receive our Letter of Admission, you will be able to register at your school.

International Families

Are you an international family coming to Waterloo Region with your children? Read this section if you are a parent with a study permit or work permit, or if your child has a refugee claimant document or is in application for permanent residence or citizenship.

• • International Families (How to Apply)
  • Requirements for Families

International Students

Learn how to apply as an International Student. Learn about the requirements of our school board and how to plan for your arrival in Canada.

• • International Students (How to Apply)

• Student & Custodian Responsibilities
• Planning Your Arrival
• Refund Policy

Exchange Students

Learn about International Student Exchanges with the Waterloo Region District School Board.

Booking an assessment

Getting to the Welcome Centre

Assessment

Who needs an assessment at the Welcome Centre?

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Canada whose:

• first (home) language is not English
  and
• the primary language of instruction at school in the previous country/countries of residence was not English

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Waterloo Region:

• whose first (home) language is not English
  and
• have attended a school in Canada (outside of Ontario), where English is the primary language of instruction, for less than five years

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) who:

• have attended a French language school in Canada

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) who:

• are international fee-paying students (referred through the WRDSB International Admissions Department)

Interview

Who needs an interview at the Welcome Centre?

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Canada whose:

• first (home) language is not English
  but
• the main language of instruction at school in the previous country/countries of residence was English

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Waterloo Region whose:

• first (home) language is not English
  and
• have attended a school in Ontario, where English is the main language of instruction, for less than five years

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Canada whose:

• first (home) language is English
  and
• the primary language of instruction at school was English in the previous country/countries of residence (including countries where the official language is English)

No Interview or Assessment Needed

Elementary students (Junior Kindergarten – Grade 8)

Elementary students will be assessed by an ESL/ELD teacher at their new home school. Please ensure your child is registered at the school your child will attend.

Immigration Status

You must have proof of Permanent Residence (PR) status or Canadian Citizenship status in order to book an appointment, directly, at the Welcome Centre – Williams

Please contact Williams Office if your immigration status is based on any of the following documents:

• Parent with Work Permit
• Parent with Study Permit
• Refugee Claimant
• Temporary Resident Permit
• In Application for Citizenship or Permanent Residence