In the Know: End of Second Term

UVic Global Community Newsletter: March 21, 2022

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

Maybe you are graduating after this term. Maybe you are taking courses in summer. Or, maybe you are planning to work or travel during the summer. Here are some immigration FAQs and settlement resources to help you plan your next steps.

I am graduating after this term, can I stay in Canada to work temporarily after graduation?
Your study permit will become invalid on the day marked on the permit or 90 days after the day you complete your studies, whichever comes first. If you want to stay in Canada to work temporarily after you complete your program of study, consider applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

To qualify for a PGWP, you must meet the eligibility requirements. You can visit our website – Working in Canada webpage, for more information about how to apply for a PGWP. If you are not eligible for a PGWP, you may consider applying for other work permits. Currently, our office can only provide support for your PGWP applications.

If you submit your PGWP application in Canada while your study permit is valid and meet all the conditions set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may be allowed to continue working after you submit your PGWP application.  If you don’t meet all the conditions to work while your PGWP application is being processed, you must wait until you receive your PGWP approval to resume employment in Canada.

If you need guidance to apply for a PGWP or have questions about your work authorization while your PGWP application is under process, you can contact our team at icsinfo@uvic.ca for help.

My program requires continuous enrollment, can I take a break in the Summer session?
If your program requires continuous enrollment, then summer sessions are likely to be your regular academic sessions. In this case, you must continue registering in part-time or full-time courses to be compliant with the study permit conditions. If you have questions about whether summer is a scheduled break or a regular academic session in your program, be sure to consult with your Academic Adviser.

For full information about working on and off campus while studying in Canada, refer to the IRCC website.

To be eligible to work on a study permit or meet the PGWP eligibility, you must maintain full-time enrollment during regular sessions unless it is your final term.

The definitions of full-time studies for undergraduate students and for graduate students are available in the UVic Calendar.

* There is a different full-time definition for Undergraduate program (e.g., JD and JID) students in the Faculty of Law.

As Summer Session consists of 7 terms, be sure to follow undergraduate and graduate Summer Session add and drop dates to manage your course registration.

If you want to take a leave during your regular academic sessions at UVic and stay in Canada, you should contact our office at icsinfo@uvic.ca to discuss potential implications on your student status, work authorization and PGWP eligibility. 

Summer session is a scheduled break in my program, can I take part-time courses and work with a study permit?
If summer is a scheduled break in your program and you plan to work in Canada during the summer break (April 30 – September 06, 2022), your study permit may allow you to work full-time if you meet the conditions to work with a study permit regardless of your enrollment status if you are registered full-time the term before and after the summer break.

The definitions* of full-time studies for undergraduate students and for graduate students are available in the UVic Calendar.

* There is a different full-time definition for Undergraduate program (e.g., JD and JID) students in the Faculty of Law.

For full information about working on and off campus while studying in Canada, refer to the IRCC website.

Note: As an international student in Canada, the onus is on you to understand the restrictions associated with working in Canada, and to never work without the proper authorization. Working in Canada when you are not authorized to do so may result in enforcement action taken by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It could also negatively impact your current temporary resident status and any future applications you make under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its regulations.

If you need help with finding employment, Career Services is there to help you succeed at work during your time at UVic and beyond.

I want to travel outside Canada during Summer session, what should I know in terms of the entry requirements to Canada?
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, entry requirements may change without notice. If you plan to travel overseas, be sure to stay informed with the Government of Canada’s entry requirements updates. Travellers seeking entry to Canada must meet all the requirements in addition to holding the required Canadian immigration documents.

Be sure to review the following Government of Canada’s websites before finalizing your travel plans:

For required health measures and documents to bring with you, be sure to visit the UVic Travelling to Canada and Self-isolation webpages for information.

Some ideas to help you move out of your current residence:
  • Sell belongings you no longer need online using a website like UsedVictoria, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.
  • Donate items at the UVic’s Free Store or at one of Victoria's second hand stores, such as Value Village or WIN.
  • Find out how to recycle items on campus or off campus.
  • Move belongings to your next destination using a large vehicle or a portable moving container.
  • Ship belongings to your next destination using Canada Post or a private shipping company.
  • Rent a storage unit to keep your belongings safe until you return.
  • Sell textbooks you don't want to keep back to the UVic Bookstore or consign them at SUBtext.
Other things you may need to take care of:
  • Do you live on campus? Have you connected with Residence Services for guidance about moving out?
  • Do you live off campus? Have you given your landlord or roommates a written notice? Make sure you understand your responsibilities as a tenant.
  • Consider each account that is in your name, such as your bank account, mobile phone, hydro, internet, cable, etc. Do you need to update your address, or do you need to cancel the account?
  • If you will leave British Columbia (BC) permanently, and you have BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage, you must cancel your account.
  • If you will leave British Columbia (BC) temporarily, and you have BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage, contact Health Insurance BC by phone and ask to speak with an enrolment specialist about your options.
  • If you have extended health insurance through the UVic plan for undergraduate students, visit the UVSS Info Booth in the SUB to find out your coverage end date.
  • If you have extended health insurance through the UVic plan for graduate students, contact the GSS Office in the Halpern Centre to discuss your options.

Final tips for those of you who are returning home after studying in Canada
Your time in Canada will have influenced your perspective of the world. You might think that moving to a new country and culture is the most challenging part of your international student experience, but returning home after spending time away might be just as challenging.

It is common for international students to experience a transition called "reverse culture shock". Refer to the “Going home after your study abroad experience” handout for information and tips to overcome the reverse culture shock. The content is written for students returning to Canada after time away from their home country, but it is relevant for anyone who has studied abroad.

If you have questions about any information discussed above, please contact International Centre for Students (ICS) via phone (+1-250-721-6361) or email (icsinfo@uvic.ca).

Upcoming Events:

March 23: Pathways to Permanent Residence Video and Q&A session

(Note: This session requires registration in advance. Prior to the session, watch the video recording that will provide an overview of the available federal immigration programs in Canada for international graduates. Visit the event page for instructions to access the video recording.)

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