Immigration Information

All immigration information for international students is located on the Citizen and Immigration Canada web-site at www.cic.gc.ca.

Call from anywhere in Canada at 1-888-242-2100 (toll-free)

The International Advisor is happy to assist you in any of these applications.

Study Authorization Visas

By Canadian law, International students must have a valid Study Permit

To obtain a Study Permit you will need to visit your local Canadian Embassy, Canadian High Commission or Canadian Consulate Office.  You will be required to:

a) apply to and receive an offer of admission from Loyalist College

b) have a valid passport

c) provide proof of sufficient funds to cover:

• tuition fees and living expenses for the entire length of the program of study
• travel to and from your country to Canada
• medical health insurance coverage for the entire length of the program of study

d) provide a medical certificate

Please apply as early as possible since it can take several months to obtain the Study Permit from the Canadian Embassy or Consulate.  For specific immigration information and requirements from your country, please contact your local Canadian Embassy or Consulate.

Entry Visas - Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Also known as a re-entry visa or visitor visa, this is the visa that is stuck like a sticker into your passport. Not all students require a visa to enter Canada. To find out whether you do, check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for a list of visa exempt countries (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html).

The visa is usually granted for the same length of time as your study permit.

What do I need to apply?

• Your passport with your study permit inside
• A bank statement showing how much money you have to support yourself while in Canada
• Two passport-sized pictures taken in the last six months
• Transcripts from any other school attended in Canada
• Money order made out to the Canadian Consulate General
  • $75cdn for a single entry
  • $150cdn for a multiple entry 

For students already in Canada whose TRV has expired, the International Advisor can help you complete the application form.  Applications for this visa must be sent outside of Canada. Typically, the application is sent to the Canadian Consulate General in Buffalo, New York, USA (http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/buffalo/menu-en.asp). Processing time on average is about one month.

Study Permit Extensions

If your Study Permit is about to expire, you must apply for an extension.

If your study permit is going to expire, please read the complete application details on the CIC website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/change-renew.html)and contact the International Advisor to assist you in the process.  To extend your study permit, you will need:

• your passport with your study permit inside
• a bank statement showing the funds you have available to support yourself
• $125 Cdn. cash or a credit card
• transcript from schools other than Loyalist College attended in Canada

Processing time for extending your study permit can take up to 60 days, so plan to start the process three months before your study permit expires.

Internship / Placement Work Permits

For some academic programs, work experience is part of the curriculum.  International students who wish to participate in a co-op or internship program must apply for a work permit (there is no fee for this application).

For more information go to the Customs and Immigration Canada Website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-opps.html#coop)or contact the International Advisor.

Working on Campus

A full-time international student attending a post-secondary institution does not need a work permit when the employment offered is on the campus of the college where the student is registered full-time, for as long as the study permit is valid.

International students interested in working on campus must apply for an International work-study position and speak to the International Advisor.  Application forms are available in the International Centre. 

Off-campus Work Permits

Who can apply:

International students of Loyalist College who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for the off-campus work permit:

• You must have a valid study permit.
• You must have studied full time for at least six months out of the 12 months before you apply.
• You must maintain satisfactory academic standing (GPA of 60% or better – please enquire if you are unsure – information in student handbook regarding promotional status).
• You must be enrolled in an academic program of study, not ESL.
• You must comply with the conditions of your study permit and your work permit, if applicable. If you fail to do so, you will be found t be in non-compliance and will not be able to re-apply for the program.

Student Responsibilities:

• Students must maintain a full time course load.
• Students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 60%.
• Students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
• Students may work full time hours during scheduled breaks (summer break, mid term break, Christmas break).

Please read the complete details on the CIC website.( http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-opps.html#offcampus)

Post-Graduate Work Permits

The post-graduation work program is designed to provide graduating students with Canadian work experience in their field of study. Length of study matters. The work permit cannot be valid longer than the length of time the student studied.

To become eligible for a post-graduation work permit of up to two years:

You must have graduated from a program at Loyalist College:

• You must have studied full-time for at least eight months
• You must have completed and passed the course of study or program (whether you have received a degree, diploma, or certificate is not an issue)
• You must have applied for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (transcript, letter, etc.) from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements of your program
• You must have a job offer from an employer for a job that is related to your field of studies
• You must have a valid study permit when you apply for the work permit

For complete details and information, please refer to the CIC website. (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-opps.html#postgrad)

Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)

For any paid work position, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required.  Please see the International Advisor on how to apply for a SIN card.