Permits and Visas

As an international student, you will require a permit and/or visa to begin and complete your studies at BCIT. The following are some of your options:

• Study Permit
• Visitor's Visa (also referred to as a temporary resident visa)
• Work Permit

Study Permits

Do I need a Study Permit?

• Short Term Studies and Correspondence courses do not require a Study Permit.
• If you are studying in Canada for over 6 months you require a Study Permit
• If you are studying in Canada for less than 6 months you will require a Visitor’s Visa
• This document provides an international student the legal right to live and study in Canada
• It is issued by the Canadian Authorities, not by BCIT.
• You must ensure your Study Permit is valid during the complete length of your stay in Canada.

When can I apply for my Study Permit?

• You can only apply for your study permit only after you have received BCIT’s Letter of Acceptance.

Before I apply, what do I need to know?

• You will be charged $125.00 CDN for study permit application processing
• You will be notified by mail with a letter from the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate stating that your application has been approved.
• You must present this letter to Canadian Immigration Authorities at the point of entry into Canada.
• A Canadian Immigration Official will issue your study permit at that time.
• Under no circumstances should you leave for Canada until you have received your Study Permit or authorization to receive your Study Permit.
• For application processing times, contact your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
• For a complete list of fees, visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.

How do I apply for a Study Permit?

Option 1: In-person

• Contact your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate
• Request a Study Permit application package
• Follow every instruction carefully and submit your application with all required documents.
• Send the Study Permit application package to your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Option 2: Online

• Visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/guides
• Download the “IMM1294” application form
• Download the “IMM5483” document checklist

There is no guarantee of acceptance when you apply for a Study Permit. You should not purchase airline tickets or quit your job (or any such preparations) until your Study Permit is approved.

When do I renew/extend my Study Permit?

1. Find out when your Study Permit expires.
2. You must renew/extend your Study Permit within three months of the expiry date
3. You must request your Letter of Verification from BCIT’s International Student Centre. There is a $15.00 CDN fee. (Rush requests require a $30.00 CDN fee)
4. Download your Study Permit Renewal Application Package
5. Application processing typically takes 4-6 weeks

• If your Study Permit has already expired, you will be required to:
  • Follow the steps above
  • Pay an additional $200.00 CDN Restoration of Status Fee
  • Pay an additional $125.00 CDN Application Fee.

What if my Study Permit is declined?

• If your Study Permit is declined, immediately contact BCIT in writing and notify us that you will not be arriving by your program start date.
• To transfer your start date to the next semester, you must contact BCIT.
• This must be completed prior to your original program start date.

      OR

• You must withdraw yourself from BCIT by:
• You must formally withdraw in writing and request a tuition refund prior to the refund deadline date, as per BCIT Refund Policy, provide BCIT your original document issued to you stating the reason why your study permit has been denied.
• You may be entitled to a refund of all paid Commitment and Tuition fees.

Visitor’s Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Do I need a Visitor’s Visa?

• Find out if you require a Temporary Resident Visa at the Citizen and Immigration Canada website.

Do I need a medical examination?

• If you currently reside in a country with “high health risks” you will be required to pass a medical examination
• Your Visa Officer will advise you if you need to take a medical examination
• Your Visa Officer will provide you with instructions on how to proceed
• This may require at least three additional months in processing your application
• Find out if you require a medical examination.

Can I visit the United States during my stay in Canada?

• If you plan to visit the United States (US) during your stay in Canada, it is highly recommended to apply for a Visitor’s Visa for the US before you leave your home country
• Recent changes in US Immigration regulations mean that you may find it more difficult to to obtain a Visitor’s Visa for the US while temporarily living in Canada
• Your chances of US Immigration granting you a Visitor’s Visa are greater once you have been studying in Canada for more than six months
• Find out more on visiting the US.

Work Permits

• If you have been issued a Work Permit by a company for a specific period of time, you are permitted to study at BCIT without a Study Permit if:
  • The course(s) is for general interest or for improving your job skills
  • The course(s) is completed within the expiration date of your Work Permit
  • The course(s) do not exceed six months
  • The course(s) do not allow you to earn a credential.

Permanent Residents (Landed Immigrants)

• If you have Permanent Residents status, then you are considered a domestic student and are entitled to domestic fees. Bring your original Permanent Residency Card to the International Student Centre for confirmation of your status, and we'll update your records. Please note that it is unlawful to make a false declaration.