Our Programs
Field Schools
I am an International Student at VIU and enrolled full time in the BA Program. Can I apply for a loan through the Canada Student Loan Program?
- Unfortunately, International Students (refugee claimants) are not eligible for benefits under the Canada Student Loan Program. However, the university has various scholarships, bursaries, and grants that International Students can apply for. Please follow this link for more information: Money Matters
I am an International Student and I have financial problems. What would you advise me to do to maintain my studies?
- As a full-time International Academic Student at VIU, you have the option to earn income while you are studying. Enrolling in three courses at VIU allows you to work 20 hours per week on or off campus. The best option to offset some education expenses would be to take advantage of the summer break to work May-August full-time. Please keep in mind, Study Permit Extension and authorization to work, require being a full-time student in a good academic standing.
Exchange
I am a full-time student at VIU, can I work full time in summer break?
- Yes, full-time students are permitted to work full-time during scheduled breaks on a valid Study Permit. Also, your Study Permit should have the authorization to work on or off campus. If you are taking a full-time course load during the summer, you are only permitted to work 20 hours per week.
I am a full-time student at VIU but I failed three of my courses (or withdrew), can I still work full time in summer if my Study Permit has the authorization to work?
- No, students who failed their courses or withdrew are no longer eligible to work during scheduled breaks. Students who are no longer in full-time studies must not work.
What are the consequences if I withdrew (failed) from my courses and worked in a scheduled break?
- Students who do not stop work and surrender their Work Permit, will be found non-compliant and will lose their ability to qualify for a work permit in future (PGWP or Co-op). If a student has failed to comply with the conditions of their Study Permit, which is being a full-time student and in academic good standing, and was engaged in unauthorized work, an Immigration Officer cannot issue or extend a Study Permit for six months. It is called a “six-month ban” for noncompliance imposed on Temporary Residents.
How can the government find out that I worked full time while I was not qualifying to work?
- There are many ways to trace International student’s work: through payment records, universities compliance report to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada and other.
I am a BA Program student and would like to work off campus in the summer time, what I am supposed to do?
- You need to check if your Study Permit authorizes you to work on /off campus, if yes, then apply for a SIN number at nearest Service Canada office (50 Front St.). Before you go there, please check your Study Permit expiry date. After you obtain a SIN number you may wish to attend Career preparation seminars at VIU and learn how to search for a job.
I started my education at VIU with ESL courses, now I am an academic program student, but my Study Permit has a remark which prohibits me from working in Canada, what I should do about it?
- If you are a registered full-time student in the academic program and your Study Permit prohibits you from working 20 hours per week after classes and during scheduled breaks, you need to apply for a renewal of your Study Permit to change the conditions.
I am a full-time academic program student at VIU and want to work during the summer break, but my Study Permit does not have any notes in the remarks and conditions section, what I should do?
- If your Study Permit does not have any notes, you need to apply to amend it. Go to B 255 to request a letter ($10.Fee). There is no application fee. Please follow this link for more information: Government of Canada: Valid Temporary Resident Documents
I am a full-time academic student at VIU and I know that I am eligible to work on/off campus, but my Study Permit has a condition which prohibits me from working, can I appeal a decision?
- No, under Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) of Canada, temporary residents have no right of appeal; therefore, the best solution is to reapply for it.
I am ESL student at VIU from visa exempt country and have International Experience Canada work permit, can I extend it?
- No, however, you may wish to review Canada and your country’s agreement. Some countries allow young people to participate in this program more than once.
I am VIU exchange student from Sweden can I work off campus in summer?
- Students in exchange programs are not eligible for off-campus work authorization.
I have been studying at VIU for two years now, but I enrolled in only two courses in each session in order to keep a manageable workload. Can I work 30 hours after classes and up to 40 hours during scheduled breaks?
- If you are enrolled less than three courses in each semester you are not eligible to work off campus as well as after classes even if your Study Permit authorizes it. You need to be enrolled full-time and in good academic standing to be eligible to work after classes up to 20 hours per week and during scheduled breaks up to 40 hours a week.
I am an ESL (Exchange, Visiting, enrolled in general preparatory non-degree courses) student at VIU, can I work off campus?
- If you are an ESL, Visiting or Exchange student, you are not eligible to work off campus. However, you can work on campus with a valid Study Permit as per IRPR Section 186 (f).
I was enrolled to BBA Program at VIU but decided to graduate earlier with a two-year diploma. My Study and Co-op Work Permit is valid until November 2017 with authorization to work. Can I continue working full time with it?
- When a student finishes his/her studies early, Study & Co-op Work Permit will be invalid within 90 days even if it is valid for a longer date. Therefore, they need to apply for PGWP within those 90 days.
I am an academic student in the BBA Program. My Study Permit does not have any conditions or remarks; can I still work on campus?
- Yes, you can work on campus if you are enrolled full-time and in good academic standing. However, it is recommended that you apply for an amendment of your Study Permit which will allow you to work on or off campus. Go to B 255 to request a letter ($10. Fee) Amending of Study Permit is free of charge.
I am a full-time student at VIU and my mother is accompanying me and has a visitor visa, can she apply for a Work Permit?
- She may be able to apply for a work permit within or outside of Canada if she receives a permanent job offer supported by Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) issued by Service Canada.
I am an International Student at VIU. Can I take two courses in the classroom and one online and work full time?
- No, students who are studying part-time are not eligible to work on or off campus. Online and distance learning courses are not eligible for work program.
I am a VIU student. How do I know if I am a full time or part time student?
- Three or more courses at VIU are full-time studies. If your course load is less than three courses then you are part time student and consequently not eligible to work on or off campus.
Our Programs
Internships and Practica
I am a VIU graduate and my Study Permit has expired. How can I apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?
- You may apply for a Study Permit Restoration and a PGWP at the same time if you are within 90 days of the expiry of your study permit. Please note, in this case you must pay for the following: Restoration Letter from B 255 -$10. Study Permit extension -$150, Restoration fee -$200, Open work permit holder fee -$100, Work Permit Processing fee -$155. Total -$605 CAD.
I am an MBA graduate and applied for a PGWP with my final transcripts but I was granted only 18 months of Work Permit, what can I do about it?
- If your program of study is less than two years but at least eight months, you would be eligible for a work permit lasting for the period equal to the duration of your studies. The VIU Letter of Graduation usually confirms that the MBA program is the equivalent of two-years of study. You may reapply to request a PGWP for the full two years. It is the Immigration Officer’s discretion to grant or reject the request.
I am an exchange student with a valid Study Permit. Can I apply for a PGWP?
- No, students in an exchange program funded by their own Government, or Canadian scholarship programs, or taking courses on-line, are not eligible for Post Graduate Work Permits.
I studied one-year full time at VIU. I am continuing my education on-line from my home country. Can I apply for a PGWP?
- You may be eligible for a PGWP only for the portion of the study you took at VIU and you’re applying with 180 days of completion of the VIU program. The on-line portion of education is not eligible for this program.
Can I keep working on my study permit (20hrs a week) after I’ve completed my program and before I apply for my PGWP?
- No, work after notification of program completion and before applying for PGWP is illegal.
I know have 180 days to apply for my Post-Grad work permit, so can I work for 6 months after I graduate on my study permit and then get more work time once I apply for my PGWP?
- No, you cannot work after program completion until you apply for PGWP
Okay, I don’t want to work, but can I just hang out in Canada and apply for my PGWP within 180 days.
- Not that simple. You can remain in Canada with valid student status for 90 days after program completion. Before the 90 days expires, if you haven’t already applied for PGWP, you would have to apply to change your status to visitor so that you’d have a valid status when you apply for PGWP or you can return home until you get your PGWP. If your study permit expires sooner that 90 days, you’d have to apply for PGWP or change status to visitor before it expires. If you’re in Canada and you did not change your status to visitor before your study permit expired, you will have to apply to restore your status along with your PGWP application (see question: I am a VIU graduate and my Study Permit has expired. How can I apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?)
What should I do if I want to keep working continuously after I complete my program?
- Apply for your Post Grad Work Permit as soon as possible after program completion. You can’t work until you apply for PGWP. The less time between program completion and applying for PGWP=less ‘no-work’ time.
I took a one-year certificate program at Seneca College in Toronto. I am a current PDDB student at VIU. Am I eligible for a three-year PGWP?
- Yes, but only if your previous full-time certificate program and your PDDB course are completed within a 2 year time frame (ie. Both completion dates are within a 2 year period). You may also only qualify for a 2 year work permit. Individual immigration officers have the power to decide whether two 1- year programs will lead to a 2 year work permit or a 3 year work permit.
I am graduating from the MBA program at VIU. Can I apply for PGWP from my home country?
- Yes, graduating students may apply for PGWP from outside of Canada on paper or on-line. If due to a mistake in the online system you were charged a $155 CAD processing fee, but not a $100 CAD “open work permit fee”, you need to pay the additional $100 CAD online and upload the receipt in the Letter of Explanation section.
I have graduated from my BA Diploma program. I would like to apply for a PGWP within Canada. Can I return to my home country while waiting for my application to be processed?
- Yes, you can, however to re-enter Canada your will need a valid TRV (Temporary Resident Visa). TRVs are only issued automatically with PGWP applications if you apply for PGWP outside Canada. So, if you apply within Canada and your TRV will expire before you’re planning to return to Canada from your trip, you should wait until you get the PGWP before applying for a TRV because a TRV will only be issued for the length of your current status document (ie. PGWP). Once you have the valid TRV you can return to Canada. If you’re planning to travel please see a VIU immigration advisor to get advice on your particular circumstances.
I am an MBA student at VIU and decided to work during my Internship in my home country. I have now graduated and am still in my home country. My Study Permit has expired. How can I apply for PGWP?
- If you are still within 180 days of program completion you may apply for a PGWP from your home country. If you don’t receive a response before you return to Canada you may still come back to Canada (provided you have a valid TRV (temporary resident visa) if from a country that requires a TRV). You will likely be readmitted as a visitor, unless the officer sees that your PGWP was approved while you were away in which case you’ll be admitted as a worker. Note that an officer may refuse entry to Canada as a visitor if s/he has concerns about how you’ll financially support yourself in Canada before you get the PGWP.
I graduated from the PDDB Program at VIU. I am now in my home country. My Study Permit expired five months ago but my Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is still valid. Can I apply for a PGWP with a valid TRV?
- Application for a PGWP must be done within 180 days of completion of the Program. If you are still within 180 days of program completion you can apply for your PGWP. A valid TRV is not required for the PGWP application.
Can I “flagpole” and have my Study Permit extended or obtain my PGWP at the US/Canada border.
- Yes, this is one of the options students may employ in exceptional situations if they have a valid Study Permit, a valid TRV (if from visa required country) as well as an American Visa in their passport. Students are advised to consult with the Immigration Consultant in International Ed. at VIU before attempting this option.
Partner Programs
I am enrolled in the BA Program at VIU. My family recently became Permanent Residents. What should I do in order to pay domestic fees?
You need to provide a copy of the Confirmation of Permanent Residence Letter from IRCC to the International Admissions office in Building 255 at VIU. That document would be sufficient to switch you to domestic student list.
The status change will affect future payments, therefore you will be charged international fees for the current semester, and domestic fees for subsequent semesters of study.
When does my status change effect how I am to be charged tuition fees, international fees or domestic fees?
- For tuition fees collected on a semester basis, a status change will affect future semesters at VIU, not the current semester being attended. For programs charged by installment, charges are based on status at the fee due date.
I recently became a Permanent Resident of Canada. Can I claim a portion of the tuition fees that I paid as an International student, on my tax return?
- Yes, you can claim a portion of your International Tuition fees on your tax return. Please consult with a Tax specialist.
Connect with Education Abroad
1-on-1 Appointments
If you need extra support with your courses, check out our learning centres:
- International Academic Support (Degree, Diploma and Certificate programs)
- Writing Centre
- ELC Learning Centre (For students attending the English Language Centre)
- Peer Supported Learning
- Math Learning Centre
- Academic and Career Preparation
Virtual Drop-In
Welcome to VIU International! Please visit our service desk on the second floor of building 255 with any questions you may have, or help needed.
- Connecting with the VIU International Team
- New student /returning student resources
- Help finding VIU information and support services
- Navigating community services and resources
- Help with GuardMe Insurance and Medical Service Plan (MSP)
In- person Monday - Friday from 8 am to 4 pm
Phone 250.740.6527 or Email Support.International@viu.ca
Note: we are closed weekends and statutory holidays