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.

What to do Before Graduation

Are You Going to Graduate Soon?

Congratulations, you have almost fulfilled the requirements for graduation and are deciding what is next for you.

Your Status in Canada: What You Need to Know

You can stay in Canada after you graduate, but only for a limited time. Your study permit is usually written with an expiry date of 90 days after you complete your studies. Before that date, you must make one of the following applications or you will lose your status in Canada.

Apply to Work in Canada

If you are eligible for a post-graduation work permit, you must submit a complete application before the 90 day period elapses. After that, you will no longer be eligible.

Apply to Change your Status as a Visitor

If you are in Canada, and would like to remain temporarily after completing your studies, you must apply for a “visitors’ record”, either online, on paper, or – in certain cases – at a Canadian Port of Entry. Please note: once you change your status to a visitor, you will not be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit.

Apply to Stay in Canada Permanently

Certain students may be eligible to stay in Canada permanently as immigrants. Canada has many unique categories for permanent residency, at both Federal and Provincial levels, including the Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and others. Some categories are catered specifically for students, whereas others may be beneficial to international students who have graduated in Canada with the right combination of education, work experience, language skills, and other factors.

Should you need help, you are encouraged to seek the advice of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian Immigration Lawyer, as they are the only two professionals licensed to give you evaluative advice on all your options. NBCC does not give its students interpretation of their immigration options.

Contact

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