Maintaining your documentation
It is important to maintain your immigration status while studying at UVic.
Have a study permit?
If you are coming to UVic from a high school, college, university or language school in Canada, you can use your study permit if:
- it is still valid, and
- your program will start within 150 days after the end of your last program
You must notify IRCC that you have changed institutions.
Extend your study permit
We recommend that you apply to extend your study permit at least 4-6 months before it expires.
IRCC requires students to submit a "Letter of Acceptance" as a supporting document for their study permit extension application. If you are a current UVic student and your letter of acceptance has expired, you can request a study permit information letter through Online Tools > Online Request Forms.
- if you notice any errors in the letter, please contact one of the following offices to request a corrected letter to include with your study permit extension application:
Undergraduate students
Student Support Services
250-721-8121
studentsupport@uvic.ca
Graduate students
Graduate Admissions and Records
250-472-4657
garo@uvic.ca
If your study permit expires while you have a study permit extension application in process, you can stay in Canada and continue studying (and working, if eligible) until IRCC makes a decision on your application.
- during this time, you will have maintained status as long as you remain in Canada
If you are in Canada and your study permit expires before you submit an extension application, you must stop studying immediately.
- what to do if your permit expires
- connect with us to assess your situation
Renew your documents
After you have extended your study permit, you will also need to:
- renew your BC Medical Services Plan coverage
- renew your Social Insurance Number
- apply for a new temporary resident visa (if you needed one to enter Canada)
Update your study permit
You can only fix errors on your study permit that were made by Canadian immigration officials when your personal information was recorded.
- if you need to fix incorrect information, you must submit an application form
- this application can only be submitted by mail
If you need to change the conditions or update information on your study permit due to a change in your situation or your work eligibility, you will need to apply online.
Replace your study permit
To replace a lost, damaged or stolen temporary document that is still valid, you can submit a replacement application.
- the application must be submitted by mail
- there is a $30 (CAD) application fee, payable through IRCC's online payment tool
- register for an Online Services account with IRCC if you don't already have one
- you must print a copy of the payment receipt to include in your application package
Study permit conditions
You need to meet a number of study permit conditions. If you don’t meet these conditions, you may lose your student status and study permit.
One of these conditions is demonstrating that you are actively pursing your studies. You can demonstrate this by enrolling full- or part-time during regular academic sessions. UVic's Academic calendar includes definitions of full-time studies for undergraduate students and graduate students.
Part-time vs. full-time studies
Although studying part time is not a violation of your study permit conditions, you must be enrolled full time to legally work on or off campus during your studies. Continuous full-time enrolment in all academic terms throughout your UVic program is also one of the eligibility requirements to apply for a post-graduation work permit after completing your studies.
For more information, see Working in Canada.
Experiential learning and work
Study permit holders in Canada may work on or off campus provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. For paid or unpaid work that forms part of your UVic program (such as a co-op, practicum, or internship), a work permit is also required. Experiential learning opportunities at UVic (such as community-engaged learning, or practica/internships that are part of an academic course) may also require work authorization if the activity meets IRCC's definition of work.
For more information, see Working in Canada.
Summer sessions
For undergraduate students, summer sessions may be scheduled breaks depending on your program. You are not required to take courses or maintain full-time status during regularly scheduled breaks.
- consult with your academic adviser if you have questions about your program’s scheduled breaks
For graduate students, you are required to have continuous registration. As a result, the summer session is not a scheduled break.