Immigration information & resources

The immigration information on this webpage is provided as a service to students and has been reviewed and endorsed by a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. This is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Please refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most updated information.

Update on new IRCC measures

RRU is committed to welcoming and supporting international students to our community as we work with the provincial government to implement Canada's new study permit measures announced on January 22, 2024. 

We, along with other designated learning institutions, are expecting that the new Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) will be available no later than March 31, 2024

We'll continue to provide you with new information and encourage you to regularly review the IRCC website for key updates.

General information

  • Students are responsible for maintaining their immigration status and complying with permit and visa conditions imposed by IRCC. Royal Roads immigration advisors are here to assist students with IRCC applications and in understanding IRCC's rules and regulations.
  • Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act states that only a bona fide Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer can advise on your immigration application or proceedings if a fee is involved.
  • Royal Roads University staff, including RISIAs and RCICs, cannot represent you or complete an application on your behalf.

Studying and working in Canada

You may require various immigration permits and visas to study and work in Canada. To understand your immigration responsibilities as an international student, read IRCC's guide for compliance with study permit conditions.

The following resources offer helpful advice.

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Studying in Canada

Working in Canada

International students who want to work on campus, off campus, as an intern or after graduation need to meet specific work eligibility criteria and have a valid social insurance number (SIN).

Your responsibilities

  • Before you start working, you and your employer must ensure you are eligible to work.
  • You can only start working in Canada once you begin your program. You cannot work before you commence your studies.
  • If you start working but don't meet the eligibility requirements or fail to meet permit conditions, you may lose your current status and you eligibility to stay in Canada.
  • If you fail to follow your study permit conditions, your applications for future permits may be affected.
  • The eligibility criteria for different work situations varies. Read the following information carefully.
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If you plan to work on-campus

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If you plan to work off-campus

Internship students

If your program includes an internship, you will need a co-op/internship work permit before your internship begins.

Work permit (co-op or internship): If you have received this work permit from IRCC, the employer will likely be listed as "Royal Roads University, and the remarks or conditions on your permit will include the following: “…employment is an integral/essential part of your studies…”

 

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Apply for a co-op/internship work permit

Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP)

An international student's spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to work in Canada under a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP). 

Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, if you:

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Frequently Asked Questions about SOWP

Temporary resident visas (TRV)

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is used only for entry into Canada, while a study permit allows you to remain in Canada. TRVs are often issued for the same length as the study permit. If you have a study permit, a TRV is not needed while inside Canada, but it is a good idea to keep a valid TRV in case of sudden trips abroad.

Only citizens of certain countries require a TRV. Visit IRCC to determine whether you need a TRV. If you have extended your study permit, you can apply for a new TRV from inside Canada. 

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Apply for a TRV

Maintained status & out of status

Study and/or work permit holders who apply for an extension before their current permit expires are eligible to remain in Canada beyond the expiry date of their permit(s). This is called maintained status, formerly called implied status.

  • Maintained Status: If you applied for a study/work permit extension before your current permit expires, you are authorized to study/work legally until a decision is made.
  • Out-of-Status: If you had NOT applied for a study/work permit extension before your current permit expired, you are out-of-status. You need to apply to restore your status within 90 days. If you are out-of-status, you must stop studying and/or working until your status is restored.

 

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Maintaining or restoring status

IRCC medical exams

As part of an immigration application, you may need to submit medical exam completed by a doctor on the list of panel physicians. Your own doctor can’t do the medical exam. Some applications are currently exempt from medical exam requirements under IRCC's temporary public policy for immigration medical exams (IME) until October 6, 2024

Biometrics

Depending on your country of origin and application, IRCC may ask you to submit biometrics to process your application. Read the IRCC page to learn more about the biometrics

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IRCC resources on biometrics