Immigration Student Advising (ISA)

Some study programs require a mandatory internship or work component as part of the academic curriculum. International students in these programs must apply for a co-op work permit as well as a study permit. Please note that you are required to have this co-op work permit before you start your work and this type of work permit only allows you to fulfill your co-op requirements. 

Cost (subject to change)

• There is no fee for a co-op work permit
• $85 CAD for biometrics, if applicable

Processing time (subject to change)

Check the IRCC processing time webpage for the most up-to-date information

How to apply:

Step 1: Sign in or create your IRCC secure online account here.

Step 2: Complete the eligibility questionnaire in your IRCC account.

To begin the eligibility questionnaire, under “Start an application” on your IRCC account main page, select:

• “Apply to come to Canada”, then select

• “Visitor Visa, study and/or work permit”

For the question “What would you like to do in Canada?” select “Work”.

For the question “Do you have a written job offer?” you may select “no” – a job offer is not required for a co-op work permit application.

Step 3: Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. Make sure you have what you need. The guide explains how to complete each field on the form and contains a document checklist to follow to ensure you provide everything that is required.

Step 4: Complete the application forms and gather the required supporting documents.

For further enquiries or assistance, book a one-on-one session with an Immigration Student Advisor to review your application and ask any questions. Follow these steps to book an appointment:

Step 1: Log in to NCToronto Student Portal with your student ID and password.

Step 2: Click on “Contact NCToronto” under your name and student number.

Step 3: Select “Immigration Support”. You will receive a confirmation email with an MS Teams link.

• A PGWP is a work permit for international students who have graduated from a PGWP-eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

• This is an “open” work permit, meaning you can work for any employer, anywhere in Canada.

• The duration of a PGWP can be from 1-3 years, depending on the duration of studies completed

• The PGWP application is a once-in-a-lifetime application – you may only apply once.

When to apply for a PGWP

• Eligible applicants must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of obtaining written confirmation, such as an official letter or transcript indicating that the applicant has met the requirements for completing their program of study.

• For NCT students, this would be the date indicated on the Confirmation of Graduation (COG) letter.

• For applicants in Canada applying for a PGWP, you must hold valid status as a student or visitor. Study permits typically expire 90 days after the completion of a program of study. So, for most in-Canada PGWP applicants you must apply within 90 days (not 180 days) of completing your program.

Cost (subject to change)

• $155 CAD work permit fee, plus $100 CAD open work permit fee (total $255 CAD)
• $ 85 CAD for biometrics, if applicable

Processing time (subject to change)

Check the IRCC processing time webpage for the most up-to-date information

How to apply:

Step 1: Sign in or create your IRCC secure online account here.

Step 2: Complete the eligibility questionnaire in your IRCC account.

To begin the eligibility questionnaire, under “Start an application” on your IRCC account main page, select:

• “Apply to come to Canada”, then select

• “Visitor Visa, study and/or work permit”

For the question “What would you like to do in Canada?” select “Work”.

For the question “Do you have a written job offer?” you may select “no” – a job offer is not required for a co-op work permit application.

Step 3: Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. Make sure you have what you need. The guide explains how to complete each field on the form and contains a document checklist to follow to ensure you provide everything that is required.

Step 4: Complete the application forms and gather the required supporting documents.

For further enquiries or assistance, book a one-on-one session with an Immigration Student Advisor to review your application and ask any questions. Follow these steps to book an appointment:

Step 1: Log in to NCToronto Student Portal with your student ID and password.

Step 2: Click on “Contact NCToronto” under your name and student number.

Step 3: Select “Immigration Support”. You will receive a confirmation email with an MS Teams link.

Foreign nationals require a TRV or an eTA to enter Canada

A temporary resident visa (TRV) is an official counterfoil document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in a person’s passport to show that they have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. To find out if you need a TRV visit the IRCC website. 

An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.  A new eTA is needed when a passport is renewed.

When to apply for a TRV or eTA?

• TRV countries: If you have recently extended your status in Canada (i.e., extended your study permit) IRCC will not automatically issue you a visitor visa. You may require a TRV. The TRV application is a separate application from a permit extension application and can be made after the new permit has been issued.

• eTA countries: If you have recently extended your status in Canada e.g. extended your study permit you will automatically receive an extension to your eTA (if required). There is no need to make a separate application.

If you are unsure about your eTA, you can check the status of an eTA here.

Cost (subject to change)

• A TRV costs $100 CAD
• An eTA application costs $7 CAD. The eTA is included in a permit application or an extension at no additional cost to the applicant.

Processing time (subject to change)

Check the IRCC processing time webpage for the most up-to-date information

How to apply:

Step 1: Sign in or create your IRCC secure online account here.

Step 2: Complete the eligibility questionnaire in your IRCC account.

To begin the eligibility questionnaire, under “Start an application” on your IRCC account main page, select:

• “Apply to come to Canada”, then select

• “Visitor Visa, study and/or work permit”

Step 3: Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. Make sure you have what you need. The guide explains how to complete each field on the form and contains a document checklist to follow to ensure you provide everything that is required.

Step 4: Complete the application forms and gather the required supporting documents.

For further enquiries or assistance, book a one-on-one session with an Immigration Student Advisor to review your application and ask any questions. Follow these steps to book an appointment:

Step 1: Log in to NCToronto Student Portal with your student ID and password.

Step 2: Click on “Contact NCToronto” under your name and student number.

Step 3: Select “Immigration Support”. You will receive a confirmation email with an MS Teams link.

Immigration advising sessions:

Book a session with our Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to get answers to your questions about immigration rules and regulations. Click here to book appointments with ISA

Webinars:

Register for our webinars on topics such as:

• Immigration advising resources for international students

• Study and work in Canada

• Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

• Study permit extension and co-op work permit

• On and off campus work and designated learning institution (DLI) change

For information on the time and date of ISA webinars as well as registration links, please visit our Events calendar.