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Student Life - Visa/Permits
Study Permit


Students who enter Canada on a visitor visa may study in the English as a Second Language program for no more than six months.

To apply for a study permit, you must receive a Letter of Acceptance from Algonquin College. Submit your application and the Letter of Acceptance to the nearest Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Allow 2-3 months processing time.

You will need the following to extend your Study Permit:

  • Completed "Application of change terms and conditions or extend your stay in Canada" (IMM 1249)
  • Completed "Document Checklist" (IMM 5555)
  • Copy of your Passport
  • Proof of academic standing at institution(s): letter from institutional registrar and/or photocopies of transcript from your last two periods of study.
  • Proof of funds available/ means of support
  • $125 application fee. This fee can be paid online or use the fee form (IMM 5401). This form is available in our office or you can order an original receipt by mail. You will need to bring the fees form to a bank to make the $125 payment.
  • Copy of your current Study Permit
  • Copy of your valid return ticket (if you have one)
  • If you are in a common-law relationship, completed Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)
  • If you use a representative, completed Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
  • If you are married, copy of your marriage certificate
  • Send your application and supporting documents to

    Citizenship and Immigration - Study Permit
    Case Processing Centre - Unit 101
    Vegreville AB T9C 1X5

This information can be found at the CIC- Study Permit website. For the most up-to-date information about your status in Canada, please refer to the CIC website or call them at 1-888-242-2100. Back to top
On-Campus Work


The first work opportunity is “on-campus work”. You are eligible to work on-campus while in Canada on a valid study permit and registered full-time. You can work anywhere on-campus.  It's up to you to find on-campus employment.  You do not require a work permit to work on-campus.

To locate departments that often hire students, visit the Departments & Services website. This web site will help you learn about many departments at Algonquin College that may offer on-campus employment.

To find work, we recommend that you prepare a resume, also referred to as a CV, and a copy of your timetable to let the department know of your availability. You can get help with creating a resume in the Student Services office located in room C226.

Once you have found on-campus employment, you will require a "Contract of Employment" from the department hiring you. You will need the Contract of Employment, your timetable,as well as your study permit and passport in order to apply for a SIN. The closest Human Resources Skills and Development Canada (HRSDC) office is located at 2525 Carling Avenue (in the Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre). 

Off-Campus Work Permit


The second work opportunity is called “off-campus work”. In order to be eligible, you must have studied full-time in an academic program for a minimum of 6 months within a twelve month period and maintain good standing in your program. Please note that students studying in the ESL program are not eligible for off-campus employment.

If interested, you will need the following to apply for the Off-Campus Work Permit:

  • Completed Verification Form (IMM 5581)
  • Completed Student Acknowledgement and Consent Form (IMM 5582)
  • Document Checklist (IMM 5583)
  • Copy of your passport including stamps made by Canadian Customs Officials each time you entered Canada.
  • Copy of your current Study Permit.
  • Completed "Application o change terms and conditions or extend your stay in Canada" (IMM 1249)
  • $150 application fee. This fee can be paid online or use the fee form (IMM 5401). This form is available in our office or you can order an original receipt by mail . You will need to bring the fees form to a bank to make the $150 payment.
  • If you are in a common-law relationship, complete Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)
  • If you use a representative, completed Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
  • Send your application and supporting documents to

    Citizenship and Immigration - Work Permit
    Case Processing Centre - Unit 777
    Vegreville AB T9C 1X6

This information can be found at the CIC- Work permit website. For the most up-to-date information about your status in Canada, please refer to the CIC website or call them at 1-888-242-2100.

The processing time for the off-campus work permit differs depending on the time of year, but the normal processing time is anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.

Once you receive your work permit, please bring it to the HRSDC office to obtain your SIN (2525 Carling Avenue).

Post-Graduation Work Permit


The third work opportunity is “post-graduate employment”.  Once you graduate from your program, you have 90 days to find work related to your studies.  If your program is a one year program, you are eligible for a one year post-graduate work permit, and if your program is a two year program or longer, you may be eligible for a two year post-graduate work permit.  If you find post-graduate employment in Toronto , Montreal or Vancouver, you will only be given a one year post-graduate work permit – if you meet the eligibility criteria.

If interested, you will need the following to apply for the Post-Graduate Work Permit:

  • Proof that you have graduated from your program such as a transcript and/or a letter from the IEC.
  • Job offer letter from an employer. This letter should include the job title, brief job description, salary or hourly rate and length of time - start and end date.
  • Document Checklist (IMM 5583)
  • Copy of your passport including stamps made by Canadian Customs Officials each time you entered Canada.
  • Copy of your current Study Permit.
  • Completed "Application of change terms and conditions or extend your stay in Canada" (IMM 1249)
  • $150 application fee. This fee can be paid online or use the fee form (IMM 5401). This form is available in our office or you can order an original receipt by mail . You will need to bring the fees form to a bank to make the $150 payment.
  • If you have a representative, completed Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
  • Send your application and supporting documents to

    Citizenship and Immigration - Work Permit
    Case Processing Centre - Unit 777
    Vegreville AB T9C 1X6

This information can be found at the CIC-Work permit website. For the most up-to-date information about your status in Canada, please refer to the CIC website or call them at 1-888-242-2100.

The processing time for the off-campus work permit differs depending on the time of year, but the normal processing time is anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.

Once you receive your work permit, please bring it to the HRSDC office to obtain your SIN (2525 Carling Avenue).

Applying for a first time  Social  Insurance Number (SIN)

To apply for a Social Insurance Number, you must complete an application form. You can obtain an application from your local office (2525 Carling Ave.) or download one.

You must also provide a primary document that proves your identity and status in Canada, as well as a Legal change of name doocument, if the name on your primary document is different from the one you are currently using. It is important that documents are originals and that they are written in English or French.

Your card should be received by mail within three weeks from the date you submit your application, providing it meets all criteria. Back to top
Applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) while in Canada


If you are from a country whose citizens require a TRV to enter Canada, you will need to apply for a
new TRV if you are traveling to another country (except the US) and need to re-enter Canada. If you are traveling to the US only, then you do not need a TRV to re-enter Canada.

If interested, you will need the following to apply for the TRV:

  • Completed "Application for a Temporary Resident Visa" (IMM 5257)
  • Your valid Passport
  • Copy of your current Study permit
  • Two passport sized photographs. 35mm width x 45 mm height. Photo must be taken within 6 months. Must be clear against a white background with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
  • Original academic transcripts for all courses that you have completed in Canada during the past two years.
  • A letter from the IEC at Algonquin identifying your program of study and anticipated date of graduation.
  • Proof of funds available such as a bank statement.
  • Money order or certified cheque or bank draft made out to the Consulate General of Canada"
    $75 CAD - single entry ; $150 CAD - multiple entry
  • If you are in a common-law relationship, complete Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)
  • If you use a representative, completed Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
  • Send your application and supporting documents to

    Consulate General of Canada
    3000 HSBC Centre
    Buffalo, New York
    U.S.A. 14203-2884

This information can be found at the CIC-Visa website. For themost up-to-date information about your status in Canada, please refer to the CIC website or call them at 1-888-242-2100.

Applying for a US Visa while in Canada


Embassy of the United States of America
490 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Canada

All applicants for any type of US visa must first make an appointment with the US embassy. Most visas are processed and ready for pick up the next business day by 3:00 p.m.

Steps to be followed:

  • Make an appointment using one of the following methods:
    • www.nvars.com (charges will apply)
    • Calling from Canada 1-900-451-2778 (charges will apply)
    • Credit card 1-888-840-0032 (charges will apply)
  • Complete the online Visa Application Form or complete both sides of the DS-156 application form for each applicant. All males ages 16-45 must also fully complete form DS-157. Additionally, all applicants 16 years or older (male or female) who are nationals, natives or permanent residents of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan or Syria must complete form DS-157.
  • Required documentation: a valid passport, proof of current status in Canada, etc.
  • Fees: a $100.00 non-refundable applciation fee is required for every applicant. The fee is payable in U.S. funds and in exact change, cash only (no coins).

For further details, please inquire with the telephone numbers provided.