Please 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 to ensure they are following all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations to gain entry into Canada, including, but not limited to, any study and work permit related requirements.
The immigration information on this page applies to international students who will be graduating from an NBCC program of study.
NBCC is here to support international students as they navigate the Canadian immigration system. The information on this page has been reviewed by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), however, be aware, that immigration policies can change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, always refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website: Study in Canada as an international student - Canada.ca.
INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES: International students wishing to exit their programs early should be aware of possible immigration impacts. Review Program Exit Immigration Considerations (pdf) prior to applying for early exit.
To support a family member’s application to visit Canada, you can write a letter of invitation that they will include in their application for a visitor visa. You will provide the letter of invitation directly to the applicant. NBCC does not provide any documents for visa applications for family members of students.
Below are resources for writing a letter of invitation for family members to include in their visa application:
For more information on submitting a visitor visa application for family members, review this site: How to apply for a visitor visa - Canada.ca.
Find processing times from Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship, and Canada (IRCC) here. Check processing times - Canada.ca (Temporary Residence > Visitor Visa (from outside Canada)).
NBCC Graduation Dates are posted on our Academic Calendar and on the main NBCC Graduation webpage.
International students can request confirmation of enrolment from NBCC (as a supporting document) to demonstrate your student status and anticipated graduation date. You can request a confirmation of enrolment via this link. Please plan ahead and request this early.
After you have completed an eligible program of study at NBCC, you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This allows you to stay in Canada temporarily (up to three years) after finishing your program of study to work. The duration of the PGWP is dependent on the length of the program of study that you have completed. The PGWP is an open work permit, this means that:
Staying eligible for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
It is important that you understand the requirements to remain eligible for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) during the entirety of your NBCC program. You can review all eligibility requirements here. Note: If you are a part-time student, it is possible that your PGWP eligibility may be impacted. Contact NBCC’s International Immigration Advisor (immigration@nbcc.ca) to understand your PGWP eligibility as a part-time student.
Applying for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
Apply for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after you have officially finished your program of study at NBCC. The documents you will need to include from NBCC are a final transcript (downloaded from your Student Self Service) and a letter of completion (which is automatically issued via email by the Registrar’s Office).
NBCC’s immigration advisor hosts webinars on the PGWP application every term. All immigration related information and webinars are posted in the International Student Information section of NBCC’s weekly student e-newsletter – The Connection and on the Brightspace Events Calendar. This weekly email is sent directly to the email address that is on file in your student self-service account every Friday. Please verify your email address in Student Self-Service is up to date.
To learn more about the PGWP application, please visit: Work in Canada after you graduate: How to apply - Canada.ca.
Other Information
For International students who anticipate successfully completing their NBCC program, please note the following:
If you have not received your letter within the timeline outlined above, please email studentrecords@nbcc.ca with your full name, Student ID#, program of study and campus to request it.
Federal and provincial governments in Canada offer over 60 different programs to foreign nationals in Canada and abroad to immigrate and become permanent residents. The right program depends on a candidate’s qualifications and circumstances. Generally, international students in Canada apply for permanent residency through an economic immigration stream, based on criteria associated with work experience, education, and job offers in Canada, among other criteria. To begin learning about these programs, it is recommended you explore Express Entry, New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Atlantic Immigration Program. The Come to Canada Tool to also available to explore different programs you may be eligible for based on your individual circumstances (Note – This tool does not consider Provincial Nominee Programs).
NBCC’s Immigration Advisors host webinars on permanent residency every term, including bringing in guest speakers from the provincial and federal governments. All immigration related information and webinars are posted weekly in the International Student Information section of NBCC’s weekly student e-newsletter – The Connection and on the Brightspace Events Calendar. This weekly email is sent directly to the email address that is on file in your student self-service account every Friday. Please verify your email address in Student Self-Service is up to date.
Other Information