Permits & Visas

At Mohawk International we are ready to support you with your permit and visa needs.

For the latest updates:
Check the IRCC website

Upcoming webinars and sessions:  
international.services [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Check our )events page for webinars and sessions that will answer your questions about Immigration, VISA and study permits
 

Recent updates from IRCC

Am I able to start my studies overseas, online, without a study permit and without having entered Canada?

April 2021 – In response to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decision to allow students to study prior to formal visa approval, Mohawk College will allow students to register from their home country and begin virtual classes in Summer 2021 pending visa approval from IRCC. Students submitting an application to study pending visa approval will need to submit their Letter of Submission from IRCC or confirmation of their Approval in Principle (AIP) through the online request form sent to all students. This form acknowledges their understanding of the terms and conditions associated with their registration. Following the submission students will receive details on how to register and select their timetable.

As there is no guarantee that a student will receive his or her full study permit we have implemented a new set of processes and policies to ensure everyone is supported and aware of the advantages and risks associated with this opportunity. Please review the Students Applying for a Study Permit webpage on the Mohawk College website for further important details.

The IRCC has provided the following update: "Students who are overseas are not prohibited from starting their studies and studying online (from abroad) without being in possession of a valid study permit approval (and without having entered Canada)."

What is the impact of the new move to online learning on my post-graduate work permit and study permit?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the following: “PGWPP eligibility will not be affected for international students whose fall 2020 courses will be online due to COVID-19. This is in line with guidance provided to students already studying in Canada or whose program had a spring or summer start date. 

Students in this situation may begin their classes while outside Canada and complete up to 50% of their program via distance learning if they cannot travel to Canada sooner. 

In addition, they will not have time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit for studies completed outside of Canada, up to December 31, 2020.”

Note students who are overseas are not prohibited from starting their studies and studying online (from abroad) without being in possession of a valid study permit approval. A study permit, or a study permit approval, is required, however in relation to their studies contributing to PGWP programme eligibility. A study permit is also required if a student wants/needs to enter Canada to complete program requirements.

The Government of Canada recently implemented a new, temporary 2-stage approval process for study permit applications:

"The temporary process will allow applicants to count the time spent studying online abroad towards their post-graduation work permit once they receive an approval-in-principle, as long as they are able to satisfy all requirements and receive the full approval of their study permit application at a later date. As services begin to reopen, applicants will be required to submit remaining documents and receive an approved study permit before being allowed to travel to Canada."  Please see the IRCC announcement website for full details.

Also see the IRCC International Students page which states that "You’re still eligible for a PGWP if you have a study permit or have applied or been approved for one" and that "After you apply for your study permit, any time spent studying online from outside Canada now counts toward the length of a PGWP. (Before, only the time spent studying online after you were approved for a study permit counted.)"

August 2020 – In response to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decision to allow students to study prior to formal visa approval, Mohawk College will allow students to register from their home country and begin virtual classes this fall with a Stage 1 Approval in Principle (AIP) from IRCC. AIP students will need to submit proof of their AIP, through the online request form sent to all students, acknowledging their understanding of the terms and conditions associated with their registration.  Following the submission students will receive details on how to register and select their timetable.

As there is no guarantee that a student will receive his or her full study permit approval both students, partners and institutions take on considerable risk.  In order to support all parties we have implemented a new set of processes and policies to ensure everyone is supported and aware of the advantages and risks associated with this opportunity. Please review the Students Applying for a Study Permit webpage on the Mohawk College website for further important details.

Please see the IRCC website for full details.

Visit our FAQ page for more by-the-minute updates on immigration, visas, and permit questions.


First-time study permit applicants

Information about applying for a study permit.

 

Extending study permits

60 to 90 days

  • Students whose study permit will be expiring are recommended to apply to extend their document 60 to 90 days in advance.
  • Study Permit extensions are applied for from within Canada to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada office in Vegreville, Alberta. Details can be found at the application link below.


Documentation required

When applying, you will be required to:

  • Show proof of status at Mohawk College
  • Proof of status in Canada
  • And proof of financial support for at least one year of academic study (approximately $20,000)

A full document checklist is available with the application package.


Application package

  • A full application package can be downloaded from the Immigration Canada website
  • You should not leave Canada while your Study Permit extension request is being processed

Once you have applied to extend your study permit, and as long as you applied prior to its expiry, you have “implied status” until the decision of your application is sent to you.


Renew your study permit online

You may renew your study permit online by creating an ePass Account on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website:

  • Create an ePass account
  • Once you have created your ePass account, select the link to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada
     

Download our step-by-step Study Permit Extension Guide (PDF)

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Tip: Be aware that Canada Immigration will not extend a Study Permit past the expiry date of your Passport.


Restoration of Status


If you miss your application deadline

  • If you fail to apply to extend your study permit before it expires, there is a 90-day period where you can restore your status and apply for the extension
  • Restoration of Status costs an extra $200
  • If you fail to renew your Study Permit within 90 days after it expires, you will no longer have any status in Canada, and could be subject to a removal order by Canada Immigration–you could be told to leave immediately

Please be sure to check the dates on your documents and apply for extensions 60-90 days before it expires.


Changing schools - What happens to your study permit?

You may change schools without affecting your study permit status. Follow the instructions to change schools on this Government of Canada webpage.


Look after your study permit

Your study permit and identification documents are very important and must be looked after. We recommend you keep copies of all your important documents in a separate location from the originals.

When submitting documents to immigration, keep a copy of your full application package. Send your application via courier, and record the confirmation number in a safe place.

Working, co-op and placements in Canada

International students are allowed to work and participate in placements (E.g. field and volunteer placements) and co-op while they are studying in Canada. See Working in Canada for information.

If you are completing any type of work-integrated learning experience (Co-op, field placement, volunteer placement, internship, etc.) that is required to complete your program of studies, you must apply for a Co-op Work Permit.

For more information:

For information about the Post-Graduation Work Permit:

Download our step-by-step guides:

Contact Us

  • Applicants still in home country
    Contact: Your Market Specialist

  • Current enrolled students
    Contact: international.services [at] mohawkcollege.ca

  • General questions regarding immigration, or other issues
    Call Mohawk International: 1-905-575-2430

You may also contact:

Immigration Resources

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (opens new window)
Immigration Information Call Centre: 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only)