International

Visas, Permits, and Immigration

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Due to recent IRCC changes, please see Updated International Application Process.

Studying and moving to a new country can be a bit overwhelming. On this page, we have pulled together all the relevant information for those looking to study, work, and immigrate to Canada.

NBCC is here to support international students as they navigate the Canadian immigration system and the information on this page has been reviewed by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). Be aware, however, that immigration policies can change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, you should always refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website: Study in Canada as an international student - Canada.ca. 

Kindly note that the information on this page does not, and is not intended to constitute legal advice, and instead all information, content and material is for general information purposes only. Students are solely responsible for their own research and legal advice in order to ensure that they are in compliance with all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations in order to gain entry to and at all times during their time in Canada, including, but not limited to, any medical or study and work permit related requirements. 

For more information on opportunities to stay permanently in the Province of New Brunswick, please visit www.welcomenb.ca. With an abundance of exciting career opportunities, over 12,000 annually and counting, New Brunswick is recruiting skilled people, like you, who want to grow in a province where their unique knowledge, culture, and perspectives are valued.

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made an announcement on January 22, 2024, that will directly impact prospective international students who wish to study in Canada. You can review the IRCC news release here.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be setting a cap on the number of study permit approvals issued for a two-year period (2024-2025). The New Brunswick cap will be provided to the provincial government and the province will distribute the New Brunswick cap amongst the designated learning institutions in New Brunswick, including NBCC.

As part of this cap implementation, as of January 22, 2024, all study permit applications will require a letter of attestation from the province. Provinces have until March 31, 2024, to establish a process to issue these letters of attestation.

At this time, you should not submit a study permit application until you have received additional information from NBCC about the process for requesting a letter of attestation.

Learn more about the following topics to better help prepare yourself for your journey to Canada.

International Student Immigration Information Sessions

NBCC hosts live information sessions with our International Immigration Advisor, who is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). This is an opportunity for prospective students to ask questions and learn more about the immigration process in Canada. These 30-minute sessions will provide you with all the information you need about navigating the Canadian immigration system. Click here to view upcoming information sessions and watch past recordings. 

Resources

The resources and guide below have been created by NBCC’s International Immigration Advisor to best prepare our students to navigate the immigration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a study permit and a temporary resident visa (TRV)?
A temporary resident visa (TRV) allows you to enter Canada, while a study permit allows you to remain studying in a Canadian institution. Some people need both a study permit and a travel visa, whereas citizens of some countries do not require a visa. All students studying in Canada for periods of more than 6 months will require a study permit. See TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISAS.

How do I apply for a study permit? Where can I file my application?
There are a number of ways to apply for a study permit depending on your current status and location. It’s imperative to choose the correct path or risk refusal or delays. See STUDY PERMITS.

I would like to bring my minor children with me to Canada.
It can be complex to apply for study authorization for your school-aged children, as some require study permits, while others do not. See SPOUSES AND FAMILIES OF NBCC STUDENTS

I like to bring my spouse with me to Canada.
See SPOUSES AND FAMILIES OF NBCC STUDENTS

What is NBCC’s designated learning number (DLI)? Why do I need it?
You can find your DLI number on your letter of acceptance: O19391556439. Fredericton, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John, St. Andrews, Woodstock campuses all use New Brunswick Community College’s DLI of O19391556439

How long will it take for my study permit to be processed?
This depends on your country of origin or residence in the visa office responsible for processing your permit. Check current processing times.

I do not have all my documents. Should I submit my application and then amend it after I receive them?
No. Your submission for a study permit application must be complete. If any documents are missing, the visa officers will likely make a decision on the application without giving you a second chance to upload or submit a missing document.

Will I need to issue the results of a medical exam?
If you have lived for six or more months in a country designated as a high risk for certain communicable diseases (in the last year) and intend to remain in Canada for more than six months, then you will need to do a medical exam and submit this with your study permit application. For work permit and co-op work permit purposes, certain people need to do a medical exam, to remove conditions barring work in certain fields such as hospitals and schools.

Do I need to include a police certificate with my application for study permit?
In certain cases you may need a criminal records check. If this is required of you, if necessary to get a police certificate from every country or territory in which you have resided for more than six months since you turned the age of 18. These are required to determine if applicants are security risk to Canada.

What reasons might my study permit application get refused?
Visa officers need to determine all applications individually on their merits. When assessing application for temporary residency (visas and permits), visa officers need to first determine whether the applicant is a bona fide (genuine) student. Bona fide factors include such information as:

  • why the student has chosen this particular program in light of their past academic history and future intentions
  • how the student intends to support themselves during their studies
  • the student’s obligations to their home country
  • whether or not applicant is likely to leave Canada after their status ends

For this reason, it is important to take your application seriously and include information to support your desires to come to Canada as a genuine student. For more information seek out information from IRCC here.

What can I do with my application is refused?
There are limited options available to students whose applications for a study permit have been refused. You may either reapply - making sure to satisfy the officer about the concerns listed on your refusal - or contest the negative decision in court. If you decide to contest the decision it will require a Canadian lawyer if you are not in Canada. In either case you should consult with an RCIC or Canadian immigration lawyer.

What is a Letter of Introduction?
If your study permit application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction. The letter of introduction – also called “the port of entry introduction letter” – is not your study permit. When you enter Canada you will need to present this to get a study permit printed.

I would like to extend my study permit? What should I do?
You must apply before the expiration of your study permit if you would like to continue studying in Canada. Schools recommend you apply at least three months before the expiry of your status, to allow for processing time. If you apply for extension, you must stay in Canada and meet the conditions of your original study permit (i.e.: you cannot quit school and begin working).

What happens if my study permit expires?
If you have not applied for an extension before your study permit expires, you must stop studying - and working – immediately. Failure to do so will result in you falling out-of-status. This can have very serious consequences and you may be removed from Canada. See STUDY PERMITS

What happens if I lose my study permit?
If you lose your study permit you will need to apply for a replacement document by launching an application called “a replacement of an immigration document”. If this happens to you, you may continue studying in Canada, but in order to leave the country, you should not leave, until a copy of a valid study permit has been approved and sent to you.

Can I stay in Canada after I complete studying at NBCC?
See STUDY PERMITS and IMMIGRATION

Contact

If you have any further questions about any of this information, please contact us at international@nbcc.ca.