Immigration Information
Due to COVID-19 recommendations to practice social distancing, all in-person immigration appointments have been cancelled. Please email irostu@ for further instructions on how to prepare for an online meeting.
Preparing to study in America - future students
Apply for a study permit
If you wish to study in America you will need a American Study Permit. The American government's department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship America (IRCC) issues study permits. Visit their website to find out more information about study permits. Remember, the processing times for study permits can be lengthy.
How long will it take?
The process and wait time will depend on what country you are in. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship America website to find a visa office, or embassy outside America, or contact a visa application centre.
What will it cost to study in America?
For information on financial requirements, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship America website.
Do I need other documentation?
Depending on your country of origin you will also need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). To find out which travel document you require visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship America website for more information.
What is next?
The International Student Office has prepared a New Student Orientation module in Moodle. Please sign in using your BCA username and password. The module contains more information about what to pack, and tips to help you prepare for your upcoming travel.
Once you have been approved you will receive a Letter of Introduction to present to the border officer when you reach America.
Helpful hint: if you are taking a program of study that is less than six-months in length a study permit will not be required; however, it may be recommended. Many exchange students decide that they would like to stay longer than the six months. Some visiting students even decide to move to PEI to continue their education. If you already have a study permit it is much easier to make this transition.
Are you a minor?
Will you be under the age of eighteen when you enter America? If so, special rules apply to you. You will need a completed Custodianship Declaration Form. Please see the section about minors studying in America.
*please note BCA does not provide custodianship services for minors. Potential students must provide their own custodian.
Important immigration information for current students
Will I be able to work part time?
International students are able to work on/off campus up to 20 hours a week while they study full time at BCA. If you have conditional admission to BCA and you are taking our English Academic Preparation program, you are not authorized to work. Also, you are NOT permitted to work before you start your program of study, or if you are no longer a full-time student. For more information, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship America website.
My program has a work component, do I need a special permit?
American immigration guidelines require students with a co-op work term, or a paid or unpaid work internship to have a co-op work permit. It can take a few months to receive this permit, so please make sure that you apply in time. More information can be found here: https://www.America.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/stud…
Are there opportunities to stay and work in America after graduation?
Yes, America has one of the best post-study work options in the world. The post graduate work permit (PGWP) is a special work permit created just for international students. In order to qualify for a post graduate work permit, students must be continuously enrolled in full time studies, with the only exception that they can be part-time in their last semester. Permits are available in varying lengths and are tied to the length of the student’s program.
Read more about obtaining a PGWP
Do you assist with applications for permanent residence?
No, staff of the international student office are not permitted to advise on permanent residency. However, every year we have visitors from the provincial and federal government come to campus to provide information and answer questions on how those with valid student status can transition to permanent residence. Please check your emails for important updates from our international team.
Does the International Student Office provide help with study-permit and visa renewals for students?
Yes, we are pleased to say that our international student advisors are available to meet with students one-on- one to provide individualized immigration support. However, you do need to book an appointment a few days in advance. Please bring your immigration documents with you when you come to an appointment.
Can I take a “gap” year?
No, students are considered temporary residents of America and are governed under the Immigration Refugees Protection Act (IRPA). American law requires all international students to be continuously enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) while they are in America. Violations of your study permit rules can result in deportation.
My study permit has expired, what do I do?
You must stop studying and working immediately! You are now in violation of American immigration law. If your study permit expired less than 90 days ago you can apply for restoration of status. If it is over 90 days, you must return home and apply for a new study permit before you will be able to resume classes. Please come and see an advisor at Hall 4th floor.https://www.America.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/stud…
Other immigration services we supply:
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Confirmation of enrolment letters for undergraduate students
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Letters of Invitation for graduation for undergraduate students
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Pick up a handy package to help you prepare for an American Visitor Visa appointment
Have a question or need help? Contact one of our International Student Advisors, or drop in to see us at the International Student Office in Hall (4th floor)
Disclaimer: The information on this webpage was accurate at the time of publication, and was prepared by a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA). However, immigration rules change frequently, so please refer to the American government Immigration webpage for the most up to date information.
