Immigration
As an international or exchange student, you need to be aware of immigration regulations governing your stay in Canada. Please read below for important immigration information.
Immigration Information for International Students
All study permit holders in Canada will need to actively pursue studies. This means that:
- If you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completed your program;
- Failing to do so could lead to your removal from Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may ask you directly for verification of enrolment. IRCC also requires all educational institutions to report on the status of students who apply for a study permit.
Study Permit
Applying for your First Study Permit
International students who plan to undertake a program of study at least 6 months long at King’s University College must hold a valid study permit.
- The DLI number for King’s is O19376872842.
- See how to apply for a study permit on the IRCC website.
Residents of certain countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam, may be eligible to apply through the Student Direct Stream and get their study permit faster.
Applying for a Study Permit Extension (Within Canada)
We recommend that you apply to extend your study permit 30-90 days before expiration date. Apply for your study permit extension through your mycic account. Instructions and the document checklist can be found on the IRCC website.
Once you apply, you will have maintained status, allowing you to continue studying until you hear back on a decision from IRCC regarding your study permit extension. You may apply for a study permit extension only from within Canada.
Restoration Status
If your study permit expired and you did not apply to extend your study permit, you are out of status and no longer allowed to study in Canada.
You may be able to restore your status within 90 days of losing it. Details on eligibility for restoration and how to apply can be found on the IRCC website.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)/Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Most students will need a valid temporary resident visa or eTA to enter Canada. Those from visa-requiring countries will need a TRV. Students from a TRV-exempt country may need an eTA. Find out if you need a visa or eTA and how to apply for one on the IRCC website.
If you are currently outside of Canada, you apply for your Temporary Resident Visa at the Visa Application Centre that services your country or region of residence. For a list of visa offices visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc/offices/international-visa-offices.html
Passport
Students must have a valid passport at all times. If you need to obtain a new passport, we recommend that you begin this process at least four months before the expiration date.
Working On Campus
Students with a valid study permit enrolled in full-time studies may be eligible to work on campus. Please read the full requirements for working on campus on the IRCC website.
Working Off Campus
Students with a valid study permit enrolled in full-time studies may be eligible to work off campus. You must remain enrolled full-time (3.5 courses per academic year) if you wish to remain eligible to work either on or off campus. You must still meet all other eligibility requirements. Please read the full requirements for working off campus on the IRCC website.
As of April 29, 2024, IRCC announced that off-campus work hours for international students will return to the 20 hour-per-week limit as of May 1, 2024.
Note: As we head into the summer session, students who have a scheduled academic break can continue working unlimited hours.
A new off-campus work hours temporary public policy took effect on January 1, 2024, and will also be effective until April 30, 2024. This new temporary public policy will permit certain students to work off campus for more than 20 hours per week during a regular academic session if IRCC has received their study permit application between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023.
Read more: Study Permits: Off-Campus work
If you have questions about your authorization to work, please email international@kings.uwo.ca.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
If you would like to stay in Canada and work after graduating, you may want to consider applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If you plan to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit upon graduation, you must remain enrolled full-time throughout your degree, unless you are in your last semester of studies and do not require a full course-load to graduate. A full-time course-load at King’s is 3.5 courses per academic year. Find information on eligibility and how to apply for a PGWP on the IRCC website.
Please note that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, effective on June 24, 2024. Read more.
SIN & Job Searching
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a number the Government of Canada uses in the administration of various government programs and to keep track of income for tax purposes. If you plan to work while in Canada you must have a SIN. You can apply for a SIN online or by mail: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.html
- See job searching resources here.
Documents from King’s/Western
Transcripts can be ordered in person from Western’s Office of the Registrar or online from your Student Centre account.
You may request a statement letter from King’s Enrolment Services. You may request a visa letter for visa applications and study permit extensions. Students who wish to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) should request a proof of graduation letter.
Taking a Break from Your Studies?
If you are considering reducing your course load, please read about the implications of doing so on Western International’s website. Before taking a break, please email us at international@kings.uwo.ca to further discuss implications.
General Tips
- Keep copies of all your important documents in a separate location from the originals.
- When submitting documents to immigration, keep a copy of your full application package.
- Send your application via courier, and record the confirmation number in a safe place.