In the Know: International Student Advising

UVic Global Community Newsletter: October 12, 2020

In the Know: Advice for International Students is a section of the UVic Global Community Newsletter that includes valuable information for undergraduate and graduate international students in the following categories: degree-seeking, incoming exchange, and incoming study abroad/visiting.

What is International Student Advising?

International Student Services (ISS) is dedicated to helping you optimize your UVic experience. Consider us your local consultants for all things new and different.

The ISS International Student Advising team provides pre-arrival support, settlement resources on arrival, and non-academic assistance throughout your program of studies at UVic.

We can answer your questions about Canadian immigration documents, work authorization, health insurance, housing, banking, and other issues related to your international student experience.

We can also connect you with helpful resources, both on- and off-campus.

Note: Business program students should contact your International Student Adviser in the Gustavson School of Business at gsbwelcome@uvic.ca for supports.

How can I access International Student Advising?

There are many ways to access our services and get help when you need it.

Please note, our office procedures follow UVic’s privacy and access to information policies.

ISS Website

Valuable information is available on our Living in Canada website. This is a great place to start whenever you have questions. There are answers to a lot of commonly asked questions.

Global Community Newsletter

The UVic Global Community Newsletter includes important information in this In the Know article section.

The newsletter is sent directly to your preferred UVic email account. If you do not already receive the newsletter, please subscribe to our mailing list.

Phone and email

Voicemail and email messages are responded to on weekdays between 9:00am and 4:30pm (PDT).

When emailing us, be sure to use the preferred email address on your UVic student record and include the following:

Your questions
Your UVic student number (V#) and name
Your citizenship, study permit expiry, passport expiry
Where you are currently (in Canada or elsewhere)
A phone number including country code on which we can reach you, in case we would like to respond to you by phone

If you are leaving a voicemail, be sure to include your UVic student number, a brief description of your situation, and a phone number on which we can reach you.

Our Frontline Adviser, Mayah, can answer your settlement questions, (e.g., health insurance, housing, banking, mobile phone, etc.) and connect you with other services and resources.

If your situation is complicated, Mayah will refer you to speak with an International Student Adviser (ISA).

ISAs are authorized to answer immigration questions and provide advice and guidance related to your temporary resident status in Canada.

Phone and online appointments

Our ISAs are available for phone and online appointments by request.

To meet with an ISA, please prepare the following:

Your UVic student number (V#)
Original or copy of your Canadian temporary resident documents (e.g. study permit, work permit, temporary resident visa) and passport
Any other relevant documents you have that may be needed for the consultation
Your list of questions

Please note: Our ISAs cannot complete your immigration applications for you or advise on Permanent Residence programs. Students seeking this assistance can consider hiring an authorized immigration representative.

Information sessions and workshops

We host information sessions and workshops on topics related to your international student experience.

Information sessions and workshops are promoted on the UVic Global Community Facebook Group and the ISS News and Events page.

Any time you have questions for the ISS International Student Advising team, please do not hesitate to contact International Student Services.