Immigration Resources
Immigration Resources
Immigration resources on this page are not legal documents and information may change without notice. Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
Latest IRCC Updates
Jan 22, 2024: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that as of Jan 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC will also require an attestation letter from the province or territory where students intend to study. For Langara students, this is the province of British Columbia (BC). A process is expected to be in place by the Government of B.C. by Mar 31, 2024.
Applications submitted on Jan 22, 2024 or later without an attestation letter will be returned. Please refer to IRCC for the latest on study permit details.
If you are a current student, your study permit and study permit extension application will not be impacted.
Immigration Resources for Download
The below list provides quicks links to information, step-by-step guides, and FAQs related to immigration. While not exhaustive, they should help point you in the right direction. Should you still have questions after reviewing this page, please contact our International Student Services team.
Applying for an amendment from IRCC
- Information on eligibility and how to apply for an amendment to your study permit or work permit through IRCC.
Biometrics for students already in Canada
- Information on how to apply for biometrics and where to give biometrics.
- Information on how to change the conditions of your study permit.
- Information on the eligibility, conditions and application process of a co-op work permit.
Creating an online IRCC secure account
- Step by step resource on how to create an IRCC secure account.
- Information on eligibility and how to extend your study permit.
Immigration FAQ’s for faculty and staff
- Frequently asked questions from faculty and staff with regards to students immigration status.
Inviting friends or family to Canada
- Information on how to invite your friends or family to Canada.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
- Overview of the most accessible pathways to permanent residency for international students.
- Information on the eligibility and how to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Submitting a web form for applications processed in Canada
- Step by step resource on how to submit a webform through the IRCC website.
- Information on how to apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV).
- Information on eligibility and conditions for working on and off campus.
Work permit holders studying in Canada
- Workers who qualify under this new temporary public policy are able to study in part-time or full-time classes without a study permit until the expiration of the public policy. Learn about what how this new temporary public policy applies to you.
Extending your Study Permit
If you plan to stay in Canada to continue your studies beyond the validity of your current study permit, you will need to apply to extend your study permit. You should begin the process to extend your study permit about three months before its expiry and no more than six months before its expiry.
You need to extend your study permit before the expiration date written on your study permit. Providing you submit your study permit application before the expiration date, you will have ‘implied status’ which means you can continue to study while you wait for a decision.
To learn more about how to extend your study permit, please refer to the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You can extend your study permit online and can check the processing times before submitting your application.
You may also refer to the information sheet on Extending your Study Permit. If you have any questions around this, you can visit the Langara Global office and speak with a licensed immigration advisor.
You need an official letter to confirm your student status at Langara College.
To request a Study Permit Extension Letter:
- Complete the Request for Letter of Extension for Study Permit form.
- Email completed form to international@langara.ca from your Langara email
- Include as the email subject “Study Permit Extension | Student ID”
- Ensure that you have paid your $1,500 commitment fees for the upcoming semester
Processing time for this letter is 7 – 10 business days. Please allow enough time and plan accordingly.
Continuing Studies Study Permit Extension requests can be sent by email to csletters@langara.ca. Include as the email subject “Study Permit Extension | Student ID”. In the body of the email, please indicate the following:
- Your full name
- Student ID number
- Date of expiration for your current study permit
- Confirmation that you have paid your $1,500 commitment fees for the upcoming semester.
LEAP Study Permit Extension requests can be sent to ieleap@langara.ca.
If you have any general questions about the process to extend your study permit, please speak with an International Student Coordinator or email international@langara.ca.
Please note that the Langara Global office cannot complete forms on your behalf.
It is your responsibility to know and understand the International Student Immigration Regulations. For more information about the Regulations, please refer to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Scheduled Breaks
Many open-enrolment programs have a designated semester break. Some Continuing Studies programs, Certificate programs, Diploma programs, and Post-Degree Diploma (PDD) programs do not have scheduled breaks. Here is the list of programs with scheduled breaks. If you are uncertain whether your program qualifies for a scheduled break, please consult your International Student Coordinator.
For students in Regular Studies program:
A scheduled semester break is defined as a break from full-time studies. This means a student can take 0-2 classes (less than 9 credits) or remain a full-time student (9 credits or more) during the break.
A scheduled break must be taken within a 12-month period, either in the Fall (September to December), Spring (January to April) or Summer (May to August) Semesters.
The student must remain enrolled as a full-time student in the semester preceding and the semester following the break. Students on Academic Suspension are not eligible for a scheduled break.
Example of Scheduled Break
For students in Continuing Studies program:
A scheduled semester break is defined as a break from full-time studies. During a scheduled break, this means a student can study part time, full time, or take the semester off. Please review this list to see whether your program has a scheduled break. Students eligible for a scheduled break must remain enrolled as a full-time student in the semester preceding and the semester following the break.
Langara College designates scheduled breaks during the following periods:
- The day after the final exam date until the day before the start of the next semester
- Break between semesters
- Spring Break (Regular Studies programs only)
- Scheduled Semester Break
International students are not required to pay the commitment fee of $1,500 if they are not studying during their scheduled break. If your commitment fee is already charged and you have not activated your registration please contact your International Student Coordinator (ISC).
Students who are studying during their scheduled break are required to pay the $1,500 commitment fee and activate their registration.
For students in Regular Studies program, Langara defines full-time studies as nine academic credits* or more including pre-requisite classes that are pass (S) or fail (U). International students registered in a co-op placement or a work-term are considered full-time. Students in their last semester can be part-time students.
A student who is enrolled in less than nine credit hours is considered part-time. During a designated scheduled break, studying part-time is permitted.
* N and W grades do not count towards academic credit. A grade of S, F, or U does not carry academic credit but does contribute to full-time status. There is information on grades and notations online.
For students in a Continuing Studies program the conditions for full-time studies are:
- Enrolled in a full-time program, and
- Enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours of instruction per week over 12 weeks
* An international student who has received a Letter of Acceptance for their full-time program, a passing grade or a grade of Satisfactory (S), Fail (F), or Unsatisfactory (U) does contribute to student’s full-time status. There is information on grades and notations online.
As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations, students are eligible to work full-time hours during designated scheduled breaks. Learn more on the IRCC website.
Langara College is required to report to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the enrolment status of all international students. Only students who are eligible for a scheduled break and have completed the following form prior to the regular semester withdrawal deadline in the academic semester they are wanting their break, will be reported to IRCC as on an “Academic Break”.
Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements of a scheduled break, do not complete this form, or complete this form after the regular semester withdrawal deadline will be reported as either part-time, or not registered.
Authorized Leave Rule for Immigration Purposes
An international student may request and be granted an Authorized Leave under extenuating or unforeseen circumstances for no more than 150 days. Upon review of the request and supporting paperwork, the student will receive a letter to support their Authorized Leave. By obtaining the Letter for Authorized Leave, the student is not exempt from their responsibility to comply with IRCC’s rules and regulations.
For more information regarding Authorized Leave, please visit the IRCC.
Recorded Webinars
Click here to see a full list of recent student workshop and webinar recordings.