Student visas, cars, and kitties

Yes, tell them. We will gladly help you, but I wouldn't import it unless the State DMV requires it. Contact the school, they should know and they are there to help you also.

Generally State laws have exceptions for students from car registration laws - but not all of them. Even if they do they sometimes say "a resident of another State" which may not include Canada.

It's more cut and dried when you're going in on a work permit because generally the car has to be registered within a month or two.

You need to check the law of the State you're moving to. It's also worth checking what the sales tax laws are in the State as well, because some States exempt vehicles imported as a personal effect from sales tax, but some don't.

This is the Illinois State vehicle registration law.

Doesn't mention any exemption for students, foreign or otherwise, says all new residents must register within 30 days. A resident is defined as:

Sec. 1‑173. Resident.
(a) Every natural person who resides in this state shall be deemed a resident of this State.

Which is pretty vague because if you are a student do you "reside" there? I guess the best bet is to call them and ask.