---
title: "Canadian or International Applicant - How Do I Know?"
slug: "canadian-or-international-applicant"
description: "Not sure if you should apply as a Canadian applicant or an International applicant? This information will help you decide."
tags: ["Canadian applicant", "How to apply", "International applicant"]
updated: 2026-10-25T23:55:32Z
published: 2026-10-25T23:55:32Z
canonical: "help.ocas.ca/canadian-or-international-applicant"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ocas.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Canadian or International Applicant - How Do I Know?

You are a **Canadian applicant** if:

- You are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
- For information on how to create an account, see [Creating an Account](/domestic/docs/creating-an-account#create-an-account)

If you are a **Refugee or Protected Person**, or if you are a child of a diplomat posted in Canada, you must check with the post-secondary institution to find out how to apply.

You are an **International applicant** if:

- You live outside of Canada and are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- You are currently studying in Canada with a valid study permit

To create an account and begin your application, visit the [International Applicants Apply Now](https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/apply-now/apply-now-international) page on the Ontario Colleges website.

For information on how to create an account, see [Creating an Account and Logging In](/international/docs/creating-an-account-international#creating-an-account).