Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I apply for university housing?

A: Due to the increasing number of students coming to U of A and the limited spaces available in the different university housing buildings, the U of A housing is experiencing long waiting lists of applicants. We greatly encourage new students to apply online for university housing as soon as they get the supervisor approval, acceptance letter or U of A admission letter. The earlier, the better.

Q: Where should I go for landing after i receive acceptance for permenant residence?

A: For those who are preparing to do their landing as a landed immigrant (PR Status): You can do your landing in Canada place, Edmonton. Recently, the immigration department makes it available for everyone who has valid documents with a pre-set appointment. All what you need is to call this number (1- 888- 242- 2100 CIC call centre) to book an appointment for landing in Canada place, Edmonton. Make sure to take all your valid documents (unexpired Study permit, work permit or visitor document) with you. Today, they are booking for March 3rd, 2009. So, it’s not a long waiting list at least for now. If your documents or a member of your family documents are expired, you still can do the landing but you will need to go to the Canadian boarders for this purpose. For general immigration information visit the immigration website: www.cic.gc.ca .  

Q: How can I fill my taxes for the first time?

A: 
For the mission students (BA3ASAT) who are filling their taxes for the first time: You will need to call the Tax centre in Winnipeg (1- 800- 959- 8281) to tell them your exact story and ask them for instructions. They will tell you what exactly you have to do and what forms you have to fill to declare you status and your source of income. In general, after filling couple of forms, you will need to file your taxes as everyone does but you will put your income as zero dollars unless the tax centre employee told you to do something else. In the tax centre, they will take little bit longer time than usual to verify your situation using your tax return and the forms that you already filled previously and then they will get back to you with the result based on your family total income unless you are not married then it will be your income alone. For example, if your income as a single is less than $25,000/year or as a family of four members less than $35,000/year, you will be considered as a low-income person and you would be eligible for tax refund. Every year in March, Alberta business school launch many booths for Tax filling in the faculty to help students filling there taxes easy and fast using computer software. You can go there anytime with your documents (daycare receipts, T4 slips, tuition fee slip, U-pass … etc.) and get your tax return document ready in 30 minutes.
For self funded students who are filling their taxes for the first time: the process is more straight forward and it starts from taking your documents and go to Alberta business school tax’s booths where the business school students will help you to fill your tax return as described for the mission students above.
For more information about the taxes and tax filling process, please use the following links:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts/ndvdls/stdnts-eng.html
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html .