Staying in Canada
Your study permit will automatically become invalid in one of three ways, whichever comes first:
- The expiry date on your study permit, OR
- 90 days after your Letter of Completion first becomes available, OR
- As of Nov 8, 2024, the day you are no longer enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution that is named on your study permit (other than as a result of completing your studies).
If you plan to stay in Canada after your studies, you must apply to extend your stay in Canada before your study permit becomes invalid to maintain status in Canada, or leave Canada before your study permit becomes invalid. You have the following options.
As a student
Want to study more? Apply to extend your study permit after you are admitted to a new program or new institution before your study permit becomes invalid.
If you complete your program, have received a letter of acceptance for your new program, and extend your study permit before it becomes invalid, you might be eligible to maintain status between programs as well as work off-campus full-time between programs for up to 150 days.
If you change institutions, you must apply for a study permit extension for your new institution and most students need to receive the new study permit before beginning studies at your new institution. There is a temporary policy for students beginning January 1 to May 1 2025 if you meet the requirements.
If you are waiting for a letter of acceptance for your next program, be sure to apply for a new status in Canada before your study permit expires. If you need assistance with your timeline and options, contact International Student Advising for support.
As a worker
If you’d like to stay in Canada to work, you might be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To remain in Canada after applying, you must apply for the PGWP before your study permit becomes invalid and within 90 days after your Letter of Completion first becomes available. With further action, you could apply for the PGWP within 180 days after your Letter of Completion first becomes available.
Find important details on when to apply, work eligibility before and after applying, and a tutorial on how to prepare your application on the PGWP page.
If you are not eligible for the PGWP, you can look into other types of work permits.
As a visitor
If you want to stay in Canada temporarily as a visitor after you complete your studies, you can apply for a Visitor Record. You must apply before your study permit becomes invalid.
Once you switch to a Visitor Record, any new application for a study permit or work permit must be made through the outside of Canada process. You can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Furthermore, you won’t be eligible to work in Canada and you may not be eligible for the BC Medical Services Plan.
Permanently
Some students choose to apply for permanent residency (PR) so they can remain in Canada as a permanent resident.
At UBC, International Student Advisors provide immigration advising and support focusing on students and student-related areas such as students’ dependents at no cost, but advising on PR-related issues is not in our scope of services and we do not advise on PR.
There are federal and provincial PR programs.
To learn about federal programs, visit IRCC’s website. Check the pathways to PR virtual learning sessions for international students page for a recorded webinar as well as details on upcoming live QA sessions.
To learn about the British Columbia provincial programs, visit British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).
Use this tutorial for guidance on how to hire a private authorized immigration representative if needed.
Going home
It is common to go through a period of transition upon returning home after you graduate, sometimes called “re-entry shock” or “reverse culture shock.” For some people, this process can be even more challenging than the initial adjustment to Canada. Fortunately, you can take steps to make your transition a purposeful one.
Before you return home
- Write or talk to friends about your experiences in Canada. This will help you recognize and hold onto what you have learned and how you have changed.
- Prepare for your departure: say goodbyes and celebrate your departure with friends and colleagues. Consider organizing a celebration party, or write letters to those who impacted you during your time at UBC.
- Visit your favorite places one last time. Take photos and ask yourself what you have learned here that you want to incorporate into the next part of your life. Select souvenirs, real and symbolic, that will help you and your friends stay connected to this time you spent in Canada.
- Plan for the details of your return home, including living arrangements, finances, career, and academic plans. Imagine what it might be like to be home and start looking forward to your next steps.
Once you’re home
Returning home is different for everyone. It can be a time of reunion and celebration, but it can also feel lonely. It may be difficult to explain your experiences at UBC. You may not notice how much you have changed until you return home and suddenly find you do not fit into your old life as easily as you expected.
If you feel discouraged or frustrated when you return home, remember that these feelings are normal and will likely diminish as you adjust to life at home. Be patient and remember that most students reap great benefits from international study, despite the challenge of returning home. The experiences you had at UBC will be with you for a lifetime, so take time to thoughtfully integrate them into your life now. If you do find that you have difficulty coping when you return home, consider talking to someone who can help or understands.
Check the US Department of State’s Reverse Culture Shock for an overview.
International Student Guide
Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
The information on this page may change
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed 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 information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.