Visas, Permits, and Immigration

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.

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

• Study Permits
• Temporary Resident Visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations
• Working in Canada
• Dependent Family Members of NBCC Students
• Compliance
• What to do Before Graduation
• Immigration
• Agents
• Frequently Asked Questions
• International Student Webinars

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.

Recent changes to Canada’s immigration regulations authorize certain study permit holders to work without first having to obtain a work permit. Full-time students are now eligible to work on-campus and off-campus if they meet the following conditions. Students must:

1. Have a valid study permit
2. Be currently studying in an academic program of six months or more that leads to a certificate, diploma, or degree
3. Maintain satisfactory academic standing as defined by NBCC
4. Not be studying in an ESL or FSL program

If these conditions are met, students can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week and full time during scheduled breaks and holidays.

Applying for Work Authorization

As written above, there is no need to apply for a separate work permit if you are a regular full-time student in an academic program and hold a valid study permit. However, if you are registered in a program that requires a co-op, field placement, or other kind of internship, it is necessary to first apply for a co-op work permit.

Apply for a Co-Op Work Permit

If your intended employment is an integral part of your studies you will also need a separate Co-Op Work Permit.

This work permit is required before starting your co-op, internship, or field placement. Unlike a study permit, moreover, this permit allows you to work full-time while you get credit towards your program. This permit is usually valid for the duration of your study permit and is renewable. You should apply for the co-op work permit at the same time as your study permit. Your co-op work permit is free of charge when you apply for your study permit.

Note:  English for Academic Purposes students or students on study permit waiver (i.e.: studying for less than six months) are not eligible for the co-op work permit program.

Note: NBCC must issue a letter from the academic official responsible for your co-op, in order to help you apply for this permit.

Work after Your Studies: Post-Graduation Work Permit

Often called a PGWP, the post-graduation work permit program permits eligible students to remain in Canada and work for up to three years. Most graduates of New Brunswick Community College are eligible for this work permit. However, the length of the PGWP is dependent on the length of the program completed, and other factors.

Work Permits at the Port Of Entry

You may apply for a work permit at the port of entry (for example at the border or on arrival by air) if you meet the requirements of the type of work permit you would like to obtain, have valid status, and have all of the required documentation. This is particularly useful for spouses admitted to Canada as visitors, or any student that qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

If you are from a designated country, you will also need a valid medical and certificate. Some types of jobs also require a valid medical certificate. For postgraduate work permit applications, you do not need to provide documentation from an employer is you are exempt from the LMIA requirements.

Work permit applications at the port of entry require applicants to temporarily leave Canada and return. For this reason, you may want to seek legal counsel before attempting an port of entry application.

Contact

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