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Application Process for ISP

Application Portal for 2025-2026 School Year is Now Open

REMINDER: ALL HDSB International Student Program students are required to have an English Speaking Custodian named to support both the student’s arrival assessment and the school registration process.​​​ Please ensure that the named custodian has completed and certified the Canadian Government Custodianship forms for minors studying in Canada. The English Speaking Custodian must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Apply to HDSB International Student Program​

Admission Criteria

At the HDSB, we want all our students to be successful. Placement in a HDSB elementary and/or secondary school is based on the evaluation of the student’s academic standing, initial assessment results and the availability of space. Applicants should identify schools of interest that are in at least two different communities (For example, identify two schools in Burlington and one in Milton, etc.). ​

Students must meet these admission ​criteria:​​​

  • ​​​​​International students applying must have a minimum academic average of 70% in core academic subjects such as English and math.  We required notarized translated transcripts and the most recent report card with teacher comments.​
  • Secondary students who have graduated from high school (or equivalent) in their homeland are not eligible to apply to HDSB. 
  • Only students who are 18 years old and under before December 31 of the school year in which they are applying are eligible to attend HDSB.
  • Students who are applying for Grade 12 studies, must submit a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.​

And must agree to the following conditions below:

ISP Policy Highlights

  • All elementary students (including Grade 8) must live with one of their parents (a mother or father).  Failure to have a parent live with the student will result in the student being sent home.​
  • The Halton District School Board requires all International students to remain at the same school until graduation.  This policy intends to increase student stability by eliminating further transitions and by supporting stronger relationships between students, school staff, and homestays.  If students have concerns about their school, the International Student Program is happy to help find a solution without changing the school. As a result, no school transfers will be permitted.​​​​​​​

​In Ontario, the secondary school year is divided into two (2) semesters: 

  • Semester 1 - September to January 
  • Semester 2 - February to June

Application Timelines

  • Sem​esters 1 and 2 (full year) - Monday, March 31, 2025​​ ​​
Applicants should identify schools of interest that are in at least two different communities (e.g. identify two schools in Burlington and one in Milton, etc.). 

Step 1

Online Application Process

Gather Documentation​

Have the following documents ready for upload
  • A scanned copy of the first page of the student’s passport, indicating legal name and date of birth
  • Scanned copies of translated transcripts from the current and previous two years of study.  Please also include the most recent report card with teacher comments.
  • Immunization records​
  • A photograph of the applying student
  • A student written Letter of Intent for student starting grades 8 to 12​
Note: These scanned copies are acceptable but the original documents must be brought to the intake appointment. ​

Create True North Account​​

Have your agent, or family member, create an account for application in True North through the Portal.

Complete True North Application​

Complete the application, including uploading all required documents, through the True North Account that your agent, or family member, has created.  ​

Pay the True North Application Fee

Pay the $500​​.00 mandatory non refundable application fee ​

Complete the Online English Assessment​

Students in Grade 8 -12 must complete an online English assessment, known as pre-arrival learning (PAL), before being accepted to the HDSB International Student Program.  

The PAL will gather a students ability to use academic English through reading, quizzes and an English writing sample. 

All Grade 8 - 12 students need their own email address to receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to log into the secure online assessment site. 

BEFORE starting their online assessment students should ensure:

  • They have a strong internet connection, 
  • A quiet place, and adequate time to complete the assessment.  
  • Students will also be contacted to complete a brief online oral interview.  

Students are expected to complete the assessment by themselves/ without help or assistance from others.

Students Await Results of Application​​​

Students who are accepted into the HDSB International Student Program will have an invoice issued for their tuition and insurance. 
This Invoice must be paid in full for the official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to be issued.
The application portal will open on an appointment basis. Please contact isp@hdsb.ca​​​​ to set up an appointment.​​​

Students Complete Oral Interview

Students will be contacted to complete a brief online oral interview.​​

Step 2

After Online Application Approval

If your online True North application is approved, please complete the following steps:

Pay Tuition

Pay Invoice for Tuition and Insurance.

Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

International Student Program office will issue a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

Apply for Homestay​

Apply for your homestay through one of our 3 homestay partners.​

Apply for Your Study Permit

Students should start the process to apply for your study permit IMMEDIATELY after receiving your Letter of Acceptance with IRCC.

Apply for Your Study Permit

Students should start the process to apply for your study permit IMMEDIATELY after receiving your Letter of Acceptance with IRCC.

Virtual Meet & Greet

International Student Program Student Success Academic Advisor will connect with students about an informal virtual meet & greet.

Email from Canada Homestay Network

Look for an email from Canada Homestay Network to investigate a homestay, if student is applying for a homestay.​​​​

Add Arrival Details

Add Arrival Details into your True North Profile Example: Flight details - Airline & Flight Number, or Arrival Date by car/ train.​

Step 3

Once You Arrive in Halton

Once you arrive in Halton, please follow these steps:

Contact isp@hdsb.ca​ for Arrival Language Assessment

Reach out to isp@hdsb.ca to confirm you are in Halton AND to book your appointment for the arrival language assessment. Please review English and math assessments information below.

​​​​What can I expect at the assessment?
The assessment is not a test or exam!  It is a way for us to get a first impression of your math and English skills in order to make recommendations to the school for math and English programming.  ​

There are three parts of the assessment: 

  1. An interview to learn about your education history (especially your learning in English) and your strengths and goals, 
  2. ​An English assessment including an oral activity, a reading comprehension, and a written composition
  3. ​A math assessment 

During  the assessment, it is OK to ask questions if you are not sure what to do.  We want you to do the best work you can, so please get some rest before you complete your language and math assessment.​

How can I prepare for the assessment?
The most important thing you can do is try not to be nervous.  The assessors are friendly and supportive and will give you materials so you can show your best work.  The best way to keep your skills fresh is to continue reading in English -- this will help grow your vocabulary and increase your fluency.  For your writing, you might want to refresh your memory about organization and transitional words.  It is also a good idea to review your math so it is fresh in your mind. 

Complete Intake Registration Form

Have your host family/ Agent/Custodian complete your HDSB Intake registration form, with all the supporting documents. 

Students should book their flight to arrive two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. This allows sufficient time for orientation, the English language assessment, and course selection.  This is important if the student wishes to begin classes on the first day of the semester. The student or agent  will provide the School Board with their flight arrival information in order to arrange an appointment for a virtual appointment with the Welcome Centre Assessor Team.​ 

Final school placement can change based on the results of the student’s English performance on the arrival assessment upon the student’s arrival in Halton.

​Contact Us

Please contact us if you have questions about becoming an international student in Halton.


Halton District School Board
International Student Program
HDSB Welcome Centre
215 Ontario Street South
Milton, Ontario
L9T4N5
 
Tel: 905-335-3665, ext 3435
Toll free: 1-877-618-3456 

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