International student support

To apply for a study permit extension as an international student, follow these key steps: 

1. Check Your Eligibility 

Before applying, ensure you're eligible for an extension: 

• You need to apply for an extension before your current permit expires.
• You must be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• You need to be able to demonstrate you are enrolled in Okanagan College and actively pursuing your studies
• You must prove that you have the financial resources to pay for the remainder of your study program, and your living expenses until you graduate. 

2. Gather Required Documents 

Ensure you have all the necessary documents for your application. These may include: 

• A valid passport
• Verification of enrollment from Okanagan College
• Academic transcript
• Proof of funds showing that you can support yourself during your extended stay
• Your current study permit
• Digital photo
• A letter of explanation outlining why you need an extension 

3. Create an Online Account with IRCC 

• Go to the IRCC website to create an online account or log in if you already have one, or enlist the help of an authorized agent to complete the application for you.
• Your account will be used to submit your application, communicate with IRCC, and check the status of your application. 

4. Submit Your Application 

• After completing the forms and gathering your documents, submit your application through the IRCC online portal.
• Keep a copy of your application for your records. 

Key Tips: 

• Apply early: Make sure to apply well in advance of your permit’s expiration to avoid complications.
• Ensure your documents are up to date: Outdated or incomplete documents could lead to delays or rejection.
• Maintain valid status: If you applied before your current permit expires, you will maintain legal status in Canada while waiting for a decision. 

Do you need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) to apply for a study permit extension? 

Beginning January 22, 2025, if you are in Canada and you are applying for a study permit extension at the same DLI and level of study as your current study permit, you DO NOT need a PAL. If you are moving to a different level of study, changing institutions, or have changed institutions in the past and did not inform IRCC of this change, you may need a PAL. In this case, please contact us at intedimmigration@okanagan.bc.ca 

What should you upload in your account to show proof of PAL exemption? 

Create a simple PDF document labelled “Exemption from PAL requirement” with a paragraph highlighting the information and weblink below. (Please adapt the wording to suit your personal situation). As per the updated IRCC instructions on January 22, 2025: You don’t need a PAL when applying for a study permit if any of the following applies to you:  

• You’re applying for a study permit extension at the same DLI and level of study as your current study permit. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/provincial-attestation-letter.html  

I am applying to renew my study permit at the same designated learning institution (DLI), Okanagan College, and at the same level of study, postsecondary education, as my current permit. Therefore, I am exempt from the requirement to provide a PAL with my study permit extension application. 

Template for a Letter of Explanation 

[Today’s date]  

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada  

Dear Officer, 

My name is XXXXXX and I am currently studying XXXXXX at Okanagan College, BC. I am applying to extend my study permit as I will need an additional semester in order to complete my study program, as outlined in my Verification of Enrolment from my institution. 

In relation to this study permit extension application, I would like to mention the following; Attached documents:  

Please find attached the scanned copies of the following documents for your records;  

• A valid passport
• Verification of enrollment from Okanagan College
• Academic transcript
• Proof of funds showing that you can support yourself during your extended stay
• Your current study permit
• A letter of explanation outlining why you need an extension 

Please feel free to contact me at [phone #] or [email ID] should you have any questions. Yours sincerely,  

[Your Hand-written signature]  

[Your Full name] 

As an international student, you may be eligible to work in Canada while studying and after you graduate.  As a study permit holder, you may qualify to work on-campus or off-campus without an additional work permit if you meet specific criteria. You may also apply for a PGWP post-graduation work permit  after you graduate from an eligible institution. Please visit the IRCC site to learn more about working as an international student while studying.

OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

To work off-campus, an international student must:

• Have a valid study permit
• Be a full-time student enrolled at a designated learning institution
• Have started studying
• Be studying in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate and is at least six months in duration
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) (See details below)

International students cannot work off campus if they are:

• Registered in an English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) program
• A visiting or exchange student without a study permit

How many hours can you work off campus per week?

Students who meet the eligibility requirements may work off campus a maximum of 24 hours per week during the regular academic sessions. They may work full-time during regularly scheduled breaks (e.g., summer, Reading Week and breaks between terms, if applicable to your study program) if they meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Student holds a valid study permit, and was/will be enrolled full-time during the academic session before and after the scheduled break.
• The program in which a student is enrolled is a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program that is at least 6 months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

International students may work on campus at Okanagan College without an additional work permit if you are a full time post secondary student in a degree/diploma/certificate program with a valid study permit. Please note:

• A work permit is not required for on campus employment
• There is no time limit for On-Campus work
• A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required

How many hours can you work on campus per week?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not limit the number of hours students are permitted to work on campus. However, some Okanagan College employers may restrict the hours students can work.

WHAT IS A SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)?

A Social Insurance Number is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. It allows an employer to process payroll while informing the Canadian Revenue Agency of the amount of money a person earns.

How do I obtain a SIN?
International students can obtain SIN by presenting original passport, study permit as well as a full time enrolment letter from Okanagan College at any Service Canada location. Information on Kelowna Service Canada Centre can be found at Service Canada webpage. 

For many students, co-operative education programs provide great opportunities to supplement their in-class education with in-the-field experience.

If you are considering adding a Co-operative Education placement to your program, Okanagan College has several options depending on your area of studies. Visit Okanagan College's Career Hub. Please note that in order to participate in Okanagan College's Co-operative Education program, you need to fill out and submit the Co-op Application. 

Once, you receive a co-op notification from Okanagan College, you are required to submit a Co-op application from a Co-op Work Permit. To learn more please see IRCC  information about Co-op work permit.

When to Apply:

• After receiving a letter of acceptance to a co-op program from the Okanagan College

Cost:

• Free

Processing Time:

• Check for a weekly update of how long it will take.

How to apply:

• Online

Application form:

• Application to Change Conditions, extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]
• Note: Make sure you use the newest form. If applying online, log in to the IRCC website before starting your application.

Supporting documents:

• Original letter provided by your OC co-op office stating that your intended employment is an essential part of your program.
• Copy of your passport (include the bio-data page plus any pages with stamps, visas or markings)
• Additional documents may be needed.

Eligibilities include:

• You must have a valid study permit.
• Your employment must be part of your academic program, certified by a letter from a responsible academic official of the institution.
• Your intended employment must be an essential part of your program of study in Canada.
• Your co-op or internship employment cannot form more than 50% (percent) of the total program of study.

Suggested supporting documents

• Copy of your study permit
  • Your document(s) should be valid for the length of your family members’ stay in Canada. If you recently completed your program requirements but do not have a post-graduation work permit, you may send a copy of your study permit and an official Letter of Program Completion (from Okanagan College) noting the date of your expected convocation ceremony date. If you have applied for a post-graduation work permit online but do not have it yet, send a copy of the Letter of Submission Confirmation that IRCC sends when they receive the application.
• Copy of your valid passport
• A recently-dated Letter of Invitation written by you (see template below)

Write the letter of invitation yourself. See this site for tips. Some visa offices may require that your letter be notarized by a Notary Public. Check with the specific Canadian visa office. To find a notary, visit the BC Notaries website

• Copy of your marriage certificate if applicable (e.g. if you're inviting your spouse)
• Additional information about your status in Canada
• An official Verification of Enrolment Letter from Okanagan College, OR if you have completed your study program, your official Letter of Program Completion from Okanagan College
• Official Academic Transcript from Okanagan College
• Copy of your rental/lease agreement, if your friends/family shall be residing with you in Canada
• Proof of your available funds (only if you are paying for their visit)

In addition, your friends/family must provide proof of economic and social ties to their home country. The stronger the ties, the higher the chance of successfully proving they will leave Canada after their visit.

Examples of economic ties include bank statements, proof of financial investments, a letter of employment, and/or proof of property ownership, etc.

Examples of social ties include evidence that family members back home depend on them for financial/other support, proof that they must return home after their visit to Canada in order to meet their social obligations to their family members or community, etc.

Instructions for a Letter of Invitation

If you would like friends or family to visit you while you are studying at Okanagan College, you must send them a letter of invitation. Okanagan College does not provide letters of invitation. You must write it yourself.

A letter of invitation does not guarantee that a visa will be issued to your friend or family member. Visa Officers will assess each applicant to determine whether they meet the requirements of Canada’s immigration laws. Some visa offices may require that your letter be notarized by a Notary Public.

Here you will find information that will help you write a proper letter of invitation. For complete instructions, visit the IRCC’s site.

Your letter of invitation must include all of the following information for the person being invited:

• Complete name.
• Date of birth.
• The person’s address and telephone number.
• Your relationship to the person being invited.
• The purpose of the trip.
• How long the person you are inviting intends to stay in Canada.
• Details about their accommodation and living expenses.
• The date the person you are inviting intends to leave Canada.

You must also include the following information about yourself:

• Complete name.
• Date of birth.
• Address and telephone number in Canada.
• Occupation/activity.
• Your status in Canada (e.g. student, worker, Canadian citizen, permanent resident).*

Sample Letter of Invitation

If your family members are going to visit or live with you in Canada while you study at Okanagan College, they may apply for visitor status at the same time as you. Please see below for more information on necessary documents for family members.

Inviting Friends or Family to Visit 
If you would like friends or family to visit you while you are studying at Okanagan College, you must send them a letter of invitation. Okanagan College does not provide letters of invitation. You must write it yourself. For more information,  please review the IRCC Letter of Invitation

Permits for Dependent Children
Minor children on a valid visitor status in Canada who want to attend pre-school, primary or secondary school and have a parent on a valid Canadian study or work permit, may study without a study permit. However, study permits rather than visitor records can make the immigration process run smoothly especially if your children enter Canada without a parent. When entering Canada, your children should bring with them two years of their official school records in English or with a certified English translation.

Extending Family Members' Immigration Documents
1.    All dependents (including children) requiring extension have to provide their own documents.
2.    Documents must be extended before their expiry date.
3.    You can apply to extend your study permit and your family members’ immigration documents online through the MyCIC account.
4.    Pay the appropriate fee for each family member.

It is very important to keep your documents safe while studying at Okanagan College. If your documents are lost or stolen, ensure you replace them immediately.

Passport:

• If your passport is lost or stolen, you must replace it immediately.
• Contact the Embassy/High Commission of your home country in Canada to learn about  the procedure and processing time of your new/replaced passport.
• You must have a new passport before replacing any Canadian permits or applying for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if you had one. 

Other Documents:

If your other documents, such as study or work permits, are lost or stolen, you must request a replacement from the IRCC.

• Follow instructions on the IRCC website and submit your application with proof of payment of the $30 processing fee.
• You may continue studying and/or working, as permitted by your study or work permit, while your documents are being replaced.
• You should not leave Canada until you receive your replacement study or work permit.