Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from those applying to post-secondary from the U.S.

• Application Address: What address do I use for my applications to Canada?
  You can use your current U.S. home address or your "Station Forces" mailing address in Belleville. Using the "Station Forces" address may not be as timely. Your citizenship determines your fees, and using a U.S. address will not make you an international student paying an international rate. That said, we strongly recommend speaking directly with the admissions office to ensure the application is processed correctly and without delays.

  If a Canadian mailing address is required to open or maintain financial accounts, CAF members and their families may use one of the following options for post-secondary purposes:

  • CANELEMNORAD
    SN, RANK, INITIALS, NAME
    CFSU(CS) – (SPECIFY DET LOCATION)
    PO BOX 5233 STN FORCES 
    BELLEVILLE, ON K8N 5W6
    
    CDLS (Washington)
    SN, RANK, INITIALS, NAME
    CDLS (WASHINGTON)
    PO BOX 5277 STN FORCES 
    BELLEVILLE, ON K8N 5W6
    
    PO Box Not Accepted?
    SN, RANK, INITIALS, NAME
    CDLS(W) or CFSU(CS)
    15 WESTWIN AVE, BLDG 348
    QUINTE WEST, ON K8V 5P8
• ACT & SAT: Should I write these standardized tests if applying to a Canadian school?
  ACT (American College Test) | SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

  Some post-secondary institutions may require ACT and/or SAT scores as part of their admissions process. If you already have a list of schools in mind, it’s important to research each institution’s specific requirements.

  If you're still undecided about where you’ll apply, it's a good idea to take both tests to keep your options open.

  While not always mandatory for Canadian schools, ACT or SAT scores can still strengthen your application, as they are standardized and easily understood by admissions offices.

• Transcripts: Do I need to get my U.S. transcript transferred to Canadian standards?

  Possibly. Some post-secondary institutions may require a credit or credential assessment for students graduating with a foreign transcript.That said, we strongly recommend contacting the admissions office directly to confirm their specific requirements.
   

  Credit/Credential Assessment Companies:
  Canada Wide: www.icascanada.ca 
  US & Canada Wide: www.wes.org/ca/
• Reimbursements: Are test or transcript costs reimbursable?

  If the ACT, SAT, or transcript evaluations are required by a post-secondary institution for admission purposes, the related expenses may be eligible for reimbursement.

  For more information, please contact Children's Education Management (CEM) or your Orderly Room's point of contact.
  
  Points of Contact

  • General CEM Inquires: CEMGEE@forces.gc.ca
  • CANELEMNORAD CEM Claims: p-cos.claims@forces.gc.ca
  • CDLS(W) CEM Claims: cdlsw.childrenseducation@forces.gc.ca
• Scholarships & Grants: Am I eligible for scholarships and grants if applying from the U.S.?
  Yes. There are some specific scholarships and grants for CAF members and their families. Please remember to use a Canadian home address (see the “Station Forces” mailing address in Belleville) when required for scholarship and grant applications. Using your home address in the U.S. may disqualify you. 
  
  For more information on funding options and how to navigate the process, visit our Paying for Your Education webpage.
  
  Additional Resources:
  Scholarships Do's & Don'ts - Military Child Education Coalition (US Resource | English Only)
• What do I do if the university thinks I am an international student?
  It is recommended to phone the registrar or admissions office of the institution and explain your situation. You may be asked to provide proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, etc.).
• Healthcare: What medical and dental insurance coverage do I have while in Canada?
  ... while your family is still posted to the U.S.

  Full-time students under the age of 25 who are enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution are eligible for Canada Life health and dental coverage. In addition, students must enroll in a provincial or territorial health insurance plan upon arrival in Canada, as this is required for any dependent residing in Canada for more than three months.

• Allowances: Are there allowances available to our family while OUTCAN?

  Yes. For detailed information, please refer to the Foreign Service Directives: FSD 34 (Education Allowances), FSD 35 (Education Travel), and FSD 51 (Family Reunion).

  We also recommend discussing your specific situation with Children’s Education Management (CEM) or your local Orderly Room's point of contact. 

  Points of Contact

  • General CEM Inquires: CEMGEE@forces.gc.ca
  • CANELEMNORAD CEM Claims: p-cos.claims@forces.gc.ca
  • CDLS(W) CEM Claims: cdlsw.childrenseducation@forces.gc.ca