Visas, Permits & Processes Pursuing international education can be overwhelming, which is why we developed this handy guide. Learn how to apply for study or work permits and extensions. Understand the visa requirements, travel authorization, and the process of changing institutions. Stay informed about maintaining your status, working on or off campus, and preparing for graduation. International Students Create an IRCC Secure Online Account A GCKey is a unique electronic credential (username and password) that allows you to communicate securely with online government services.Register for a GCKey International Students Study Permits International students require a study permit to attend most post-secondary schools in Canada. Be sure to apply before you travel to Canada.How to Apply Required Documents Study Permit Extension If you need more time to complete your program or plan to enrol in another program, you will need to apply for a study permit extension, which must include a continuing Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from NWP. Get a Continuing Letter of Acceptance Request a continuing LOA 6 months before the current permit expires. If you apply more than 6 months before the current permit expires, your LOA will not be issued. Complete the form accurately. Incorrect information may lead to delays or permit rejections. Only submit 1 request. Your updated LOA will be issued by Admissions within 10 business days of your request. If your study permit is set to expire within the next 48 hours, please notify us immediately by email at @email or visit the Office of the Registrar. LOA Application Apply for an Extension Apply for an extension at least 30 days before the current permit expires. The earliest you can apply is four months before the current permit expires. How to Apply Important Information Please note that if you choose to submit your application online, the date and time of receipt are important for determining if your status is maintained under subsection R183(5). For electronic applications, IRCC uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) worldwide to ensure time is equal for all. Therefore, receipt dates and times are not affected by time zones. All applications must be submitted before midnight UTC on the date your status expires. If the application is received after midnight UTC on the expiry date, you do not maintain your status under subsection R183(5), which means you must submit an application for Study Permit restoration instead. Amending or Correcting a Study Permit If a mistake was made on your study permit, such as a misspelling of your name or if you were admitted as a full-time student, but the IRCC failed to include employment authorization on your study permit, you can request an amendment to change it. Request an Amendment Maintaining & Restoring Student Status As a student on a study permit, you must maintain your status and follow the conditions of your permit. As you continue your journey as an international student, you may need to extend your stay, change your status, or regain it if lost. Study Permit Restoration International Students On & Off-Campus Work Eligibility Students must meet all the criteria to work on or off-campus without a work permit. If you are permitted to work during your studies, it will be indicated in the conditions on your study permit. Regardless of this permission, you can only start working in Canada once your study program has begun. Eligibility Requirements Work During Scheduled Breaks Scheduled breaks are periods in the academic year when international students are permitted to work off-campus full-time while taking time away from their program. To be eligible for a scheduled break, students must maintain full-time status in the academic session before and after their regularly scheduled break. This break must be part of the DLI’s academic calendar and must not exceed 150 days. During their break, students may take a part-time or full-time course load and remain eligible to work full-time during that period. Scheduled Break Requirements Graduation & Working Eligibility In the semester a student expects to complete their program, they must apply to graduate through their myNWP account. Once all grades are submitted after final exams, an auditing team will confirm that the student has met all requirements for a credential. During this period, students may be able to continue working part-time until they receive official notification of program completion. When the auditing team determines graduation eligibility, official notification will be sent to students. Once this email is received, the student MUST stop working until they either apply for another program to continue their studies or apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) Work After Program Completion Mandatory Work Experience As of April 1, 2026, international students don’t need a co-op work permit for student work placements, such as co-ops or internships. When you are admitted to a program with a mandatory work placement, NWP will provide you with a letter that confirms this. Please keep this letter in case IRCC requests it. Student Work Placement International Students Post-Graduation Work Permit A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that international students can obtain after completing their program of study. The length of this permit is determined by the length of your completed program(s).How to Apply Temporary Resident Visa / Electronic Travel Authorization A TRV/eTA is referred to as a “visitor visa” or “entry visa.” This document is a stamp in your passport that indicates you have met the requirements to enter Canada and reside as a temporary resident under your study permit. Check if You Need One Changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) If you are in Canada with a valid study permit and want to change schools, you must apply for a new study permit and receive approval before you can begin studies at your new school. Change Your DLI Get in Touch Office: H210 Campus: Grande Prairie Phone: 780-539-2010 Email: international@nwpolytech.ca