Application Process


Once you have made the decision to attend School District 23 (Central Okanagan) it is important that you take the time to learn all that needs to be done to submit an application.
Submitting an application is a time consuming task. Ensure that you leave enough time to complete all requirements.

Checklist for Application Process to School District 23 (Central Okanagan)


Step one:  Application & Letter of Acknowledgement
Mail or Send Electronically:
- A completed application form
- A recent photograph
- Final report cards for the last two years (copy of original and English translation)
- $200 Application Fee
- Two letters of recommendation from school personnel discussing work habits, behaviour, and academic potential
- Applicant’s handwritten letter indicating why they would like to participate in the program
- Complete all custodianship forms (if applicable)
- Photocopy of first page of passport

Application packages will not be processed without all of the above items.
You will be sent an e-mail when your application packet is complete and ready for review.
A Letter of Acknowledgement via e-mail will be sent to all applicants regarding application acceptance status. This will include the name of the school you will study at.
Step two: Letter of Acceptance
Upon receipt of a Letter of Acknowledgement, please do the following
- Pay all remaining applicable program fees. (Tuition and Insurance)
- Complete a homestay application (if applicable)
Once all of the above fees have been paid, an official Letter of Acceptance will be issued
Step three:  Visa Application
Upon receipt of the official Letter of Acceptance, please do the following:

- Immediately contact the nearest Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) office via telephone, FAX, e-mail, or mail and request a Visa Application Form for a Study Permit. Be sure to apply as early as possible as the visa process can take over eight weeks.
- Complete the form and include the Letter of Acceptance with your application package.
- Wait to receive a Study Permit from CIC.
- Ensure you have an updated passport.

Please note that the International Office and the Employees of School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) have no influence over the visa application process. Please direct all enquiries regarding your visa status to your local CIC office.
Step four: Prior to arrival
- Fill out and return any forms requested by your new school.
- Notify the Homestay Coordinator of your flight and arrival arrangements.
- Check the website for a list of items to bring with you.
- Have a safe trip; we look forward to meeting you!


Homestay Application Process

Living with a Canadian family is the perfect opportunity to be integrated into the Canadian culture and it is the perfect opportunity to practice and perfect your English.

Homestay Checklist for Student Applications


Step one:  Application
Mail or Send Electronically:
- A recent photograph
- $400 Application Fee

Application packages will not be processed without all of the above items.
You will be sent an e-mail when your application packet is complete and ready for review.
Step two: Placement
It may take up to two weeks to find the perfect placement for you. Finding the best home and family for you to live with is a very important process. Please be patient as we make this important placement for you.
- We will contact you via e-mail to introduce your family to you.
- We will share information with you about your host family including their contact information.
Step three:  Rental Payment/ Damage Deposit
Upon receipt of the homestay letter confirming your family placement:

- Send all remaining fees for homestay ($750 per month attending)
- It is expected that the homestay fees will be received within two weeks of a student learning about their new family. A service fee will be applied to your account if fees are not received in a timely manner.

Step four: Prior to arrival
- Notify your homestay family of your flight number and arrival times.
- Notify the Homestay Coordinator of your flight number and arrival arrangements.
- Maintain contact with your new Canadian Host Family.



Homestay Fees
2009/ 2010  RATES:
Placement Fee:  $400.00 placement fee is payable by the student to International Education, in advance, to secure a homestay family. International Education will provide support to the student and parents/guardian to ensure a successful homestay experience.

Homestay  Fee:  $750.00 per month for a Canadian homestay.  Fees are collected in advance by Central Okanagan International Education and then forwarded to host families each month to reimburse them for costs.

Transportation Fee:  To be negotiated with the family. A written copy of a transportation agreements between the student and the family in which the family bills the student for agreed upon transportation must be kept on file in the International Education office.  The student is expected to walk or take public transportation to school each day. The student is not driven to school unless other children in the family are also being driven to school. Driving the student to and from music, swimming, tutoring, etc. will be negotiated and is dependent on the amount of driving required. The student is expected to purchase their own local bus pass to assist them with local transportation. Your homestay family will pick you up from the airport when you arrive.  

Damage Deposit:  The student is not required to pay a damage deposit the actual costs for any damage (beyond regular use) to the homestay family property and any outstanding bills or long distance telephone charges will be recovered from the student by Central Okanagan International Education.  
Method of Payment





Please contact us for information on how to make payments.