Immigration

Immigration and Permits

The following links connect you directly to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website:

Immigration and permits → IRCC Immigration and Citizenship
Login and create an IRCC account → IRCC Secure Account Login (GCKey/Sign In Partner)
Come to Canada tool → IRCC Come to Canada Tool

These are the official Government of Canada pages, so students can rely on them for the most accurate and up to date information.

Study Permit vs. Entry Documents

International students arriving in Canada to study for more than six months need two important immigration documents:

Study Permit – Permission to study in Canada. This status document defines you as an international student and allows you to remain in Canada for more than six months.
Entry Document – Allows entry into Canada. Depending on your citizenship, you will need either:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), OR
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Note: U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need either. Students studying in Canada for less than six months do not need a study permit and may enter with just a TRV or eTA, depending on nationality.

Studying and working in Canada as an international student

Contact IRCC

For the most up to date information, always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

Contact IRCC Client Support Centre

Phone: 1-888-242-2100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time
Navigation: Press 2-3-2-1-0 to speak to an agent after the automated system

Tips for calling: Call early in the morning to reduce wait times and be prepared for a long wait.

Disclaimer: The information provided here has been reviewed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and may change without notice. Always consult IRCC directly for current requirements.

Latest updates

Here are the most recent immigration updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that directly affect international students in Canada, along with official links for further details.

Key Updates (Fall 2025)

Reduction in International Student Numbers
IRCC has reported a 60% drop in new international student arrivals between January and September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This reflects new measures to manage housing, healthcare, and system sustainability Daily Hive. Read more here
Fewer Study Permits Issued
Canada issued 18% fewer study permits in 2025 compared to 2024. India remains the largest source of international students, followed by China, Nigeria, the Philippines, and France Yahoo News Canada.
Read more here
Provincial & Territorial Allocations for 2025
IRCC finalized allocations under the international student cap. For 2025, Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits, a 10% decrease from 2024. This cap is intended to ease pressure on housing and services Canada.ca. Official IRCC Notice
Visa Processing Times
As of November 2025, study permits for Indian applicants are averaging 4 weeks, while work permits from outside Canada take about 10 weeks. Visitor visas from India are experiencing long waits (up to 106 days) Business Standard. Processing update
Immigration Backlog
IRCC reported that 2.2 million applications (citizenship, permanent residence, and temporary visas) were still under processing as of November 2025 Immigration News Canada. Immigration backlog update

What This Means for International Students

Study permit approvals are more limited than in previous years, so applying early and ensuring complete documentation is critical.
Processing times vary by country, so students should monitor IRCC timelines regularly.
Cap allocations may affect how many permits are issued per province, including Alberta.

For personalized guidance, Burman University international students can contact the International Office at international@burmanu.ca.

Off Campus Work Hours for International Students

At Burman University, we want our international students to feel confident about balancing academics with work opportunities. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations:

Eligibility: You must be a full time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and your study permit must state that you are allowed to work.
Work Hours During Classes: As of November 2024, international students are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session Canada.ca incvisa.ca immigration2canada.com.
Work Hours During Breaks: You may work full time during scheduled breaks such as summer vacation, winter holidays, or reading week incvisa.ca CIC News.
On Campus Work: If your study permit allows, you may also work unlimited hours on campus in addition to off campus employment CIC News.
Social Insurance Number (SIN): To work in Canada, you must apply for a SIN. This number is required by employers and for tax purposes Canada.ca.

Important Notes

You can only begin working once your study program has officially started.
Working more than the permitted hours or without authorization may result in losing your student status and could affect future immigration application.
Always check the conditions listed on your study permit to confirm your eligibility.

Work off campus

For personalized advising or questions about work eligibility, contact the International Office at international@burmanu.ca.

Changing Your Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

International students in Canada sometimes transfer to a new school or program. If you decide to change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you must update Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to maintain your study permit status.

Steps to Change Your DLI

Log in to your IRCC account using your GCKey or Sign In Partner.
Select “Transfer from one DLI to another” under your study permit options.
Enter your new school’s DLI number (Burman University’s DLI number is O19390898172 — note the letter “O,” not the number zero).
Provide details of your new program and upload any required documents.
Submit the update and keep confirmation for your records.

Important Notes

You must hold a valid study permit to make this change.
If you change schools without notifying IRCC, you may be considered non compliant with your study permit conditions.
Always ensure your new institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved by IRCC.

For support, Burman University international students can contact the International Office at international@burmanu.ca.

Official IRCC resource: Change schools (DLI) on your study permit

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A PGWP is an open work permit available to international students who complete a certificate, diploma, or degree program of at least eight months at a Canadian designated learning institution. Students can apply for a PGWP once in their lifetime.

Application process:

Apply online from inside or outside Canada.
Follow IRCC instructions carefully and submit required documents.

Post-graduate work permit

Stay in Canada after graduation

Study Permit Extensions

Study permits, work permits, and visitor records are status documents only; they do not authorize re entry into Canada. A TRV or eTA is required for re entry.

How to extend your study permit:

Apply online (recommended) up to three months before your permit expires.
Create or log in to your GCKey account and keep your login details safe.
Complete the application form, upload required documents, and validate the form.
Pay the fee and submit your application.
Monitor your IRCC account for updates.

Supporting documents may include:

UCI (Unique Client Identifier) number from your study permit
Burman University Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number: O19390898172
Study Permit Extension Letter/Confirmation of Enrolment (request from Student Records
Official Transcript (combine with extension letter in one PDF)

Working in Canada

Your study permit will state whether you are allowed to work.

On campus work: Often unlimited hours.
Off campus work: Up to 24 hours per week during the academic session, and full time during scheduled breaks.

Work on campus

Travelling Outside of Canada as an International Student

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), international students may leave Canada temporarily and return, provided they meet all re entry requirements Canada.ca.

What You Need to Re Enter Canada

Valid Study Permit – Your study permit allows you to remain in Canada as a student, but it is not a travel document.
Valid Passport or Travel Document – Must remain valid for the duration of your stay.
Entry Document – Depending on your citizenship, you will need either:
- A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), OR
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Proof of Enrolment – Carry documentation showing you are actively enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), such as Burman University.
Other Requirements – You must meet all general entry requirements, including admissibility checks at the border.

Special Notes

If your TRV or eTA has expired, you may still be allowed to re enter Canada if you only visited the United States or St Pierre and Miquelon and return before your authorized stay ends Canada.ca.
Study permits, work permits, and visitor records do not authorize re entry. You must hold a valid TRV or eTA in addition to your study permit.
Always check the expiry dates of your documents before travelling. Renew them if necessary to avoid issues at the border.

Tips for Smooth Travel

Carry proof of future enrolment (e.g., confirmation of registration or transcript).
Keep copies of your immigration documents in a safe place.
Monitor IRCC updates regularly, as regulations can change.

For personalized advising, Burman University international students can contact the International Office at international@burmanu.ca

Official IRCC resource: International students travelling outside Canada and then re entering Canada.ca

Co-op Work Permit

A Co op Work Permit is a special authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to complete mandatory work placements, internships, or practicums that are part of their academic program. Many study programs in Canada include a practical work component, such as a co op placement, internship, practicum, or clinical training. If you are an international student enrolled in such a program, you must obtain a Co op Work Permit in addition to your study permit.

Who Needs a Co op Work Permit?

You are eligible if:

You hold a valid study permit.
Your program requires work experience to graduate (confirmed by a letter from your school).
The work component makes up 50% or less of your total program of study.

You are not eligible if your program does not require a work placement. In that case, you would need to apply for a different type of work permit to work in Canada.

What the Permit Allows

Full time work in your co op or internship position, whether paid or unpaid.
Work authorization for the length of your study permit.
Flexibility to complete required placements either on campus or off campus.

How to Apply

Apply online through your IRCC account.
Provide a letter from Burman University confirming that the work placement is required for your program.
Upload supporting documents and pay the required fee.
Monitor your IRCC account for updates and approval.

Why It Matters

Without a Co op Work Permit, international students cannot legally begin their required work placements—even if their study permit allows limited on campus or off campus work. This permit ensures you can complete your program requirements while staying compliant with Canadian immigration regulations.
For guidance and support, Burman University international students can contact the International Office at international@burmanu.ca.

Work as a co-op student or intern

Immigration Sessions

Immigration Information Sessions

Navigating immigration requirements can feel overwhelming, especially for international students who are new to Canada. To support you, the International Office at Burman University hosts Immigration Information Sessions periodically throughout the semester. These sessions are designed to provide clear guidance, answer questions, and connect you with the resources you need to maintain your student status and plan for your future.

What You’ll Learn

During these sessions, international students will receive practical information on:

Study Permits – Understanding your permit conditions and responsibilities.
Entry Documents – Clarifying the difference between a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Study Permit Extensions – How and when to apply, required documents, and tips for a successful application.
Working in Canada – Rules for on campus and off campus work, including weekly hour limits and eligibility requirements.
Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) – Steps to apply, eligibility criteria, and how this permit supports your career after graduation.
IRCC Resources – Guidance on using Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) tools such as the Come to Canada tool, GCKey account, and online application portals.

Why Attend

These sessions are an opportunity to:

Stay up to date with the latest immigration regulations.
Ask questions directly related to your situation.
Gain confidence in managing your documents and applications.
Connect with staff who are here to support your success.

To register or learn more, email the International Office at international@burmanu.ca.