Immigration

Apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using official instructions. UAlberta provides study-permit information and may provide tools or supports for admitted degree-seeking students, but the application itself is an IRCC process. Always check current IRCC requirements for your country and program level.

Sources Immigration resources - UAlberta

Yes. ISVS has licensed immigration specialists and advisors who support UAlberta international students with immigration-related questions and referrals. Use ISVS instead of relying on unofficial WhatsApp, Reddit, TikTok, or country group advice for high-stakes questions.

Sources ISVS home Contact ISVS

Be suspicious of calls, texts, emails, or social media messages claiming to be from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Revenue Agency, police, a delivery company, or a bank if they threaten arrest, deportation, account closure, or immediate penalties. Real government offices do not demand urgent payment by cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfer, or casual e-transfer. Hang up, do not click links, and contact International Student and Visitor Services (ISVS), UAlberta Protective Services, your bank, or the official agency contact page if you are unsure.

Sources Immigration fraud and scams - IRCC CRA scams and fraud

IRCC says you should apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. Do not wait until the final week. If your passport expires soon, renew the passport first when possible, because IRCC will not issue a study permit beyond your passport validity.

Sources Study permit extension - IRCC

If you applied for the extension before your current permit expired and you remain in Canada, IRCC generally allows you to keep studying under the same conditions while the application is in process (maintained status). Because status issues are individual, confirm your situation with IRCC instructions or ISVS if anything is unusual.

Sources Study permit extension - IRCC Contact ISVS

IRCC rules can shorten how long your study permit remains valid after program completion. If you finish earlier, check IRCC rules and speak with ISVS before assuming you can remain in Canada until the printed expiry date.

Sources Study permit extension - IRCC

Do not change to part-time status, withdraw from courses, or take a leave without checking immigration consequences. UAlberta notes that part-time study or withdrawals during regular terms can affect Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility, except in limited situations such as a final term. Speak with your faculty and ISVS before changing registration.

Sources Immigration resources - UAlberta

Read the refusal letter carefully, do not immediately reuse the same documents, and contact UAlberta/ISVS if you are an admitted student. You may need to understand the refusal reasons, deadlines, whether a deferral is possible, and whether reapplication or other options are appropriate.

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No. A study permit authorizes study in Canada. A temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a travel document that helps you enter Canada. Some students need both a valid study permit and a valid entry document. Check IRCC rules for your passport country before leaving Canada and before re-entering.

Sources Immigration resources - UAlberta

Start planning early because family members may need their own visitor, study, or work documents, and you may need additional proof of funds, relationship documents, housing planning, school or childcare planning, and health-insurance planning. Some spouses or common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit, but eligibility is limited by current IRCC rules and your program type, so check IRCC and speak with ISVS before making work or travel assumptions.

Sources Family support - UAlberta Spouse or common-law partner work permit - IRCC

Start in your first year, not your last month. PGWP eligibility can be affected by full-time status, program completion, timing, previous PGWP use, leave periods, and application deadlines. UAlberta summarizes PGWP basics, but IRCC rules can change, so verify requirements before making academic or travel decisions.

Sources Immigration resources - UAlberta