Canadian Student Resource Guide
If you’re ready to attend NWHSU as a Canadian, you might be feeling overwhelmed by information. Studying abroad for chiropractic school has its challenges, including visas, housing, and financial aid, but that shouldn’t deter you. Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) can help you understand how to attend chiropractic school in the United States as a Canadian.
NWHSU has a long history of helping Canadian students succeed in chiropractic school. This history allows us to guide you every step of the way. The following steps can help make your move to Minnesota a smooth one!
Things to Do Before Leaving Canada
Consider Your Finances
When you do your research, you’ll find that NWHSU is one of the most affordable U.S. chiropractic schools for Canadians. We offer a Canadian tuition currency exchange adjustment for students accepted into our Doctor of Chiropractic program.
What does this mean for incoming Canadian students?
The reciprocity program adjusts tuition based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. and Canada and can reduce tuition rates up to 25%.
We also have a Canadian Financial Resource Guide to help you find financing for your chiropractic schooling at NWHSU. This includes information on loans, lines of credit, and student employment. Scholarships are also available, though not all can be combined with the reciprocity program, so you will have to review your options with our financial aid team.
Be sure to understand how you can contribute financially to your studies. Students wanting to study in the U.S. must have financial evidence showing that they or a sponsor has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the intended study period.
Apply to an Academic Program as an International Student
To attend NWHSU as a Canadian, you need an acceptance letter before applying for a student visa. Qualified chiropractic schools such as NWHSU are Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-Certified.
When you are accepted, NWHSU will collect evidence of your financial ability before issuing you the forms needed to apply for a visa. You will submit a Certification of Finances. Once approved, NWHSU will create a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record and send you a “Certificate of Eligibility” form or Form I-20. With this form, you can apply for your visa!
Certification of Finances Form Example
Apply for a Visa
This process can be confusing, so be sure to look at the “International Student Life Cycle” guide to help you understand the required steps. Generally, the steps involve paying an initial processing fee, applying for the F-1 visa, interviewing at the U.S. Embassy, and entering the United States to begin your program. You’ll then need to maintain student status throughout your studies to keep your visa active.
The Department of Homeland Security has created a resource page to help guide students through this process.
Find a Place to Live
At NWHSU, we do not offer on-campus housing, however there are many housing options close to campus. You can check our housing guide or even popular sites such as Zillow, Facebook, Reddit, or Google Maps to help get you started.
Many students connect before starting school and live together near campus in our safe, quiet neighborhood.
Arriving at Your New School
As an F-1 visa holder, you can arrive 30 days prior to your program start date to settle in and prepare for school to start.
Get involved on your new campus and in your new city
NWHSU offers more than 50 campus clubs, including the Canadian Club. The Canadian Club provides information and networking opportunities for students wishing to practice chiropractic therapy in Canada. It also helps Canadian students find each other and foster friendships.
In addition to on-campus activities, Minneapolis-St. Paul is an exciting place to live that provides ample opportunities for exploration. It offers an extensive park system, recreational centers, adult hockey leagues, biking and hiking trails, and more. It is often ranked one of the best cities to live in the United States.
Life in the Twin Cities as an NWHSU International Student
Bloomington, Minnesota is a great location. I can go to the local farmers market, I can go see the local play, I can go skating. It’s great to have that all within a 5-mile drive and downtown is only a 15-minute drive. “
Find Student Work on Campus
As a F-1 visa holder, you may also be eligible to work in the United States during your studies. Part-time campus job opportunities for Canadian NWHSU students may be offered in academic program offices, the cafeteria, the library, and other departments. As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week.
Once you secure a position, NWHSU’s Human Resources office will provide the information you need to apply for a social security card, with income subject to IRS tax rules. You can contact Student Affairs directly with any questions or concerns relating to work or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Maintain Your Student Visa Status
It is important to follow the steps necessary to maintain your visa status, or you will not be able to remain in the United States. This means full-time study each term, attending all your classes, and staying on track with your program to graduate on time.
At NWHSU, you will need to check with Student Affairs to maintain your status. Keep your Form I-20, visa passport, and I-94 in good condition. You’ll need these any time you travel or to update your student status.
Explore Post-Graduation Opportunities
Take Your Board Exams in Canada and the U.S.
When you complete your chiropractic studies, you are eligible to sit for board exams. Canadian students usually take both the Canadian and U.S. board exams to obtain their licenses in both countries. This will allow you to practice in either country.
Because you’ll attend NWHSU as a Canadian student, you’ll have the option to take the U.S. board exam on campus during your chiropractor schooling. If you want to take the Canadian exam, NWHSU offers students board prep materials. Students are responsible for scheduling and traveling to Canada to take the exam. Locations and dates can be found on the CCEB website.
There are three components to the Canadian exam. The CCEB website includes an overview of the process, including information on when to take the exam.
Northwestern Health Sciences University’s TOEFL code is B591. Include this code number when indicating that NWHSU should receive your test score. Your score will then be sent directly to us.
Find Work in the United States
If you wish to remain in the United States to practice, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows you to work as a chiropractor in the US for up to 12 months after graduation. NWHSU’s checklist and Student Affairs will help guide you in the process.
Open a Practice Back Home
Many NWHSU students return to Canada to open successful practices after graduation. We talked with two recent graduates from Canada: one who stayed in the U.S. and one who started a practice back home: you can read about their experiences and start to imagine your future!
Ready to Attend NWHSU as a Canadian Student?
These are the basic steps on how to attend chiropractic school as a Canadian. If you are a Canadian and want to build a career as a Doctor of Chiropractic medicine at NWHSU, we will prepare you for success.