International Player Requirements

International Player Registration & Transfer Policy

Niagara Soccer Association (NSA)
Applies to all players seeking to register from outside Canada or who have played abroad.

Last Updated: 12/01/2026

1. Introduction

Players who were previously registered with a club governed by a soccer association outside of Canada must complete an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) process before being eligible to play in NSA-sanctioned competitions. This is in accordance with FIFA Regulations and Ontario Soccer procedures.

2. When an ITC Is Required

An International Transfer Certificate (ITC) is mandatory if:

  • A player’s most recent registration was with a club under a different FIFA-affiliated association; and

  • The player is registering to play in Canada for the first time, or is returning after playing abroad.

Clubs must submit the completed ITC form and any required documentation to Ontario Soccer via the appropriate system or through their district.

3. ITC Process Overview

Steps to Complete an ITC:

  1. The player and parents (if applicable) complete the International Transfer Certificate Application Form available from Ontario Soccer.

  2. The club submits the form and documentation to Ontario Soccer or through the Ontario Soccer Competition & Travel Management System (CTMS).

  3. The application is reviewed by Ontario Soccer and forwarded to Canada Soccer for approval.

  4. The player is not eligible to play in official matches until the ITC has been fully approved and registered.

4. FIFA Minor Protection Rules

FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (Article 19) generally prohibit international transfers of players under 18. However, there are specific exceptions where a minor’s transfer may be permitted:

Exceptions may apply if:

✔ The player’s parents moved to Canada for reasons unrelated to soccer (e.g., employment).
✔ The player lives within 50km of the Canada–U.S. border and the new club is also within 50km of that border, with the maximum distance between home and club not exceeding 100km.
(Other FIFA exceptions such as academic exchange programs or humanitarian cases may be considered on a case-by-case basis.)

Important: Foreign exchange student status alone is not a guaranteed exception.

5. Required Documentation

For international transfers especially minors, submission may include (but is not limited to):

  • Proof of identity and nationality (passport) – Player

  • Proof of identity and nationality (passport) – Parents

  • Player’s birth certificate

  • Proof of residence (e.g., rental agreement)

  • Employment and work permits for parents (if applicable)

  • Parental authorization and associated documents

  • Proof of distance for the 50km rule (maps, etc.)

All documentation must be current and valid. Missing documentation may delay processing.

6. Eligibility & Match Participation

A player is not eligible to play in NSA-sanctioned matches until Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer confirm receipt and approval of the ITC.

Clubs should confirm the player’s eligibility before including the player on match rosters or official team sheets.

7. Short-Term Travel & Temporary Permits

If a player who resides outside Canada will participate in a short-term tournament, camp, or trial, the club may need to arrange a Temporary Eligibility Permit (TEP) rather than a full ITC.

8. Responsibilities

Clubs must:

  • Submit accurate and complete ITC applications and supporting documentation.

  • Monitor correspondence from Ontario Soccer regarding approval status.

  • Confirm that the player is fully cleared before match participation.

Players/Parents must:

  • Provide valid passports and supporting documentation.

  • Understand that ITC applications may take time and delay availability.

9. Relevant Forms

🔹 International Transfer Certification Application Form (Ontario Soccer)
🔹 Player Transfer / De-Registration Form (if applicable)
🔹 Ontario Soccer Registration Form
These forms are hosted by Ontario Soccer in their Forms section.

10. Review & Assistance

For questions about international transfer documentation or process, contact:

NSA Registrar or District Association
Info@niagarasoccerassociation.ca

Ontario Soccer International Transfers Office
Visit Ontario Soccer’s forms page for details and the most current official forms.

11. Policy Acknowledgment

By registering an international player with NSA, the club confirms that they understand and will adhere to the process outlined above and agree to comply with FIFA, Canada Soccer, and Ontario Soccer requirements.

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