In the Know: Thinking about applying for permanent resident status?

UVic Global Community Newsletter: November 09, 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.

Canada is ranked as one of the best countries to live in the world. It is possible that after having studied, lived and worked in Canada, you want to stay in Canada permanently. There are several pathways to immigrate to Canada. Depending on your qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada now or in the future.

Immigration pathway information session

On November 6, 2020, Sarah Finall, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Outreach Officer, gave a presentation to UVic international students with a focus on an overview of the federal immigration programs as well as the Express Entry system to apply for permanent residency. Here is a copy the presentation slides. 

Please note: Legislation and procedures related to immigration may change without notice. Make sure to refer directly to the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information and instructions.

Study, work and stay in Canada

As a temporary resident in Canada, the length of your stay is usually determined by a Canadian immigration document (e.g., study permit, work permit, visitor record).

As an international student, you are expected to be compliant with the study permit conditions imposed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the whole duration of your studies in Canada. You must plan either to leave Canada before your study permit becomes invalid or to apply for a study permit extension if you need more time to complete your program at UVic. We strongly recommend you to extend your study permit at least 120 days before it expires for the continuity of your BC MSP coverage and your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If you want to stay in Canada temporarily to work after graduation, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Our office hosts PGWP information sessions each term. The next PGWP information session is on November 18, 2020.

For more information about your immigration documents, refer to our office website - Living in Canada pages. If you have questions about your study permit conditions or need guidance to extend your student immigration documents, you can contact International Student Services by email (icsinfo@uvic.ca) or phone (+1 250 721 6361).

Can I get advice on permanent residency in Canada from International Student Advisers at UVic?

At UVic, International Student Advisers (ISAs) at International Student Services specialized in international student programs (e.g., study permits, co-op work permits, post-graduation work permits). We are not experts on permanent residence programs. Our advisers cannot answer questions related to permanent residency applications or assess eligible programs as those questions are out of our scope of practice.

Resources that may help you navigate pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada:

  • For different PR streams in Canada, refer to the IRCC website.
  • For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to PR, refer to the IRCC Help Centre.
  • To stay informed with IRCC Immigration News, refer to the IRCC Newsroom.
  • For general or case specific inquires, you may consider contacting IRCC.
  • If you require representation for your PR application or determine your eligibility, you may consider hiring an authorized immigration representative.

Resources at UVic for building your career path

Whether you're on the fast track to your dream job or aren't sure where to start, UVic has resources for you to explore career opportunities, find your career passion, or build your career path. Make sure to check out information and supports provided by Co-op and Career Services Office or Counselling. Refer to the following UVic websites for their upcoming virtual events:

Upcoming Events:

November 18: Post-Graduation Work Permit Information Session

November 27: IRCC Information Session – COVID-19 and International Students

Want to know what else is going on? Join the UVic Global Community Facebook Group to receive regular updates about opportunities and events, both on and off campus.