Vancouver Island University

Application instructions

Follow these instructions to apply to Vancouver Island University (VIU) as an international student.

Applying to VIU

Apply

Explore VIU programs. Check the requirements for your specific program and gather your necessary documents for scanning:

• your official transcripts
• proof of English language proficiency
• certified English translation* of any documents issued in a language other than English
• copy of your passport (photo page)
• copy of high school graduation diploma (if available)
• copy of university degree (If available)

All documents must be translated by a certified translator or notarized if they are in a language other than English.

Apply now

Applying

International students (who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents) can now apply through Education Planner BC.

• Scan documents (in separate files).
• Go to Education Planner and select “Apply.”
• Sign up for Education Planner BC Account (or login to your account).
• Complete your common application profile (Personal Information, Contact Information, Academic History)
• Select Vancouver Island University.
• Complete application (indicating Admission category, subject area and program, term).
• Submit and pay the $153 application fee (credit card only).
• Once you have submitted your application you will receive an acknowledgement email.
• Send official documents or certified translations to:

Registration Centre Vancouver Island University 900 Fifth Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5 Canada

Note

VIU registration centre is unable to assess incomplete applications (eg. applications without an application fee, and required supporting documentation)

Letters of acceptance to Masters programs will be issued after hard copy of official documents are received.

After you apply

• Once your application fee has been paid and all of your documents have been received, your application will begin to be processed.
• It can take from 2-8 weeks to process an application. Having all your documents scanned and attached to the online application decreases wait time. Note: Masters Programs and limited entry programs may take longer.
• If you have met the admission requirements and have a competitive application, you will receive a Letter of Offer from international admissions. This letter will contain information on program start dates and instructions for payment of your tuition deposit. The tuition deposit is usually the part of the first semester’s tuition.
• In order to secure your place in a program, you must pay the deposit fee by the deadline date indicated in Letter of Offer. Once the deposit is paid an official “Letter of Acceptance” will be emailed to you. You will need this letter to apply for a study permit at a Canadian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission.

Note

1. In some programs, due to space or enrolment limitations, admission does not guarantee that space will be available.
2. The first payment due date for new students is usually due 4 weeks after the date of offer.
3. VIU reserves the right to cancel any scheduled program or course if there is insufficient enrolment. In such cases, every reasonable effort will be made to notify you as early as possible.

Admissions requirements

Admission

Vancouver Island University accepts international students under one of the following conditions:

• direct applications (online or paper applications)
• applications through authorized representatives
• institution-to-institution exchange programs
• sponsorship through inter-governmental agreements
• winner of academic competitions or international scholarships

Admission to English Language Studies in the English Language Centre

All students must:

• be an international visitor or hold a study permit
• Students need to submit one of the test scores listed on International admissions as proof of English language proficiency.

Please keep in mind that students applying for conditional admission to an undergraduate (or diploma, certificate or trades) program at VIU, or thinking of applying upon completion of ELL programming, will still be required to provide proof of high school graduation and their secondary school transcripts.

Undergraduate academic and vocational programs

• graduation from high school or equivalent. (See High school completion equivalency list by country)
• proof of meeting English language requirements

a) For applicants who attended high school in English, in a country where English is considered an official language:

• International students who are BC high school graduates must have a minimum grade of “C” in English 12 for direct entry into an academic program
• International students who have completed high school in English, in a country where English is considered the official language must have a minimum grade equivalent to a grade of “C” in English 12 in British Columbia

Academic programs may have additional program admission requirements and course prerequisites. Please check your specific program requirements from VIU programs or b) For applicants who attended high school in a country where English is not the official language:

• For applicants for whom English is not their first language or those whose education was completed in a country where English is not the official language, must submit a recognized English Language Proficiency test (valid within past 2 years) (see English language requirements for undergraduate academic and vocational programs)
• For students who meet the academic requirements but not the English language requirement, conditional acceptance to VIU may be granted. In this case, admission is granted pending completion of VIU’s English Language Centre program (Level UP5). Exceptions may apply.
• Up to 30 advanced credits may be granted for Advanced placement and International baccalaureate (Higher level) courses.

English language requirements for undergraduate academic and vocational programs

To meet the English language requirements for academic programs, students must have completed one of the following (to be valid test result must be no older than 2 years):

Please note: Although VIU will accept online English proficiency tests as noted above for admission to VIU, IRCC may require you to provide a proof of English language proficiency using a traditional in-person test when applying for your Study Permit.

Admission to Graduate Programs

• Minimum “B” average in the final 2 years of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Meet one of the following VIU English language requirements (to be valid test result must be no older than 2 years):

• No GMAT or GRE scores required
• For other documents and work experience requirements, please see program specific page.
• Please note: Although VIU will accept online English proficiency tests as noted above for admission to VIU, IRCC may require you to provide a proof of English language proficiency using a traditional in-person test when applying for your Study Permit.

Transfer credit

Transferring to VIU

Students enrolled in a University program may receive transfer credit for up to 50 percent of their program. Students seeking credit for courses from other institutions will need to submit detailed course syllabi and a credit transfer request form. Please note, it can take 6-8 weeks after admissions receive your documents for credit to appear. Students are welcome to find transfer credit resources by looking up individual courses or, if you have a transcript from a university in British Columbia, search the BC Council on Admission and Transfer (BCCAT).

How do I get credit for courses I’ve already taken at another University?

If you are in Canada

• Fill out a:Document

  viu-transfer-credit-request.pdf

• Submit your original final university transcripts, and course syllabi for the courses you wish to gain credit for. Note that these will not be returned to you, if you want to keep your documents you will need to get notarized copies to hand in instead.
• Assessment for transfer credit can take up to eight weeks, so apply early if you hope to make accurate course selections for the following semester. * This wait time may be longer if you are beginning in the Fall (Sept) semester, deadline for documents is April 30 to be sure you will be assessed before the course selection date opens up.
• Once credit is assessed you will be notified by email from the Registration office.
• If you need guidance with course selection please contact Advising at Advising@viu.ca. If you have questions regarding your transfer credit please email Admissions at Study@viu.ca

If you haven’t arrived yet

• Fill out the:Document

  viu-transfer-credit-request.pdf

  sent to you in your letter of acceptance and email to Study@viu.ca . *Note: transfer credit will not be assessed until tuition for first semester is paid (and you have your letter of acceptance), and you have sent your original transcripts by mail or courier to International Education.

• Course syllabi should also be emailed via attachments or links to Study@viu.ca at the time you email your Transfer Credit Request form.
• Assessment for transfer credit can take up to eight weeks, so apply early if you hope to make accurate course selections for the following semester. * This wait time may be longer if you are beginning in the Fall (Sept) semester, deadline for documents is April 30 to be sure you will be assessed before the course selection date opens up.
• Once credit is assessed you will be notified by email from the Registration office.
• If you need guidance with course selection please contact Advising at Advising@viu.ca. If you have questions regarding your transfer credit please email Admissions at Study@viu.ca

General information

• Credit can be transferred to a maximum of 60 credits toward completion of your degree at VIU.
• Credit is assessed for academic programs only.

Changing programs for undergraduate students

Current VIU students who wish to switch to BA, BSc, BBA, or Exploratory University Studies must complete this online form: Change of Program

• If approved, the program switch will be effective for the next future program start date.
• Requests must be submitted no later than 1 week prior to the start of desired semester.
• For the program switch to be approved, the applicant must have all the admission requirements completed for the program of their choice.
• The application fee will be waived.
• You will receive a course registration date and time as a continuing student.
• The tuition deposit due date will coincide with the tuition due date in the first term of your new program.
• Fee due dates, add/withdraw dates, and policies follow regular semester dates and deadlines.
• Contact Study@viu.ca if you have any questions.

Tuition fees and costs

See tuition fees. Please note that some courses have additional lab fees, amounts vary.

English Language Learning (ELL) study length and tuition

The tuition is calculated based on 2025-26 academic year tuition. The tuition fees will change on April 1 every year. Download our:

Document

ESL Length Calculator V.3.xlsx

Letters

International students can request a confirmation of enrolment letter for visa or other purposes. Please note that the regular processing time for all letters is 5 business days (10 days for custom letters), unless it is during the first 3 weeks of term, when the regular processing time is 10 business days or longer. Please plan your request accordingly.

• Letter requests

PGWP eligible programs

See PGWP elgible programs

Jay Treaty Recognition

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is excited to welcome students living outside Canada with an ancestral connection to Canadian Indigenous groups to study at the lower domestic tuition rate

VIU’s Board of Governors approved this initiative as a commitment to fulfill the recommendations of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It also supports the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Jay Treaty of 1795. This treaty secured the rights of Indigenous peoples to freely cross the US-Canada border, by land or water, in order to carry on trade or commerce with each other as they had done before the border was established.

We look forward to working with our communities and welcoming students under this program and to continuing to support initiatives that invest in and actively support reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous nations.

For applicants applying under the Jay Treaty, please provide a letter in support of your application as per the template below, and apply using the International Student Application.

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About VIU

Menu
Get to know VIU
A public teaching and research university in Canada.

We believe the doors to a university education should be open to everyone. We believe in the power of personal connection and kindness. We value diversity of thought, identity and experience. And we know our success is best measured by the strength of our community and the achievements of our students.

A university by and for our community

VIU is a public university in Canada with a long history. Since 1936, we have addressed the needs of Vancouver Island with programs that improve lives in coastal BC. We have grown and adapted to changing times, extending our reach and impact while still focusing on the local community.

Discover why VIU is right for you

• 13,000+ students
• 1,600+ international students from 85 countries
• 100+ programs

The Strategic Plan

Vancouver Island University’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, People Place Potential was approved by VIU’s Board of Governors in April 2021. The plan builds on our university’s deep commitment to learners in all their diversity, draws on our historical connection to the communities and challenges of our region, and articulates our belief in the potential of all learners to benefit from a university education.

Every day, we welcome, support, and inspire all those who study and work at VIU. In our research and through our partnerships, we seek to understand the rich diversity of our region and to encourage the well-being of our communities. We are dedicated to helping our learners and our communities embrace their potential. We believe that everyone matters here.

Three key values

• Understanding. We seek to understand the diversity of thought, identity, and experience of everyone at VIU, and to bring that openness of mind and that curiosity of spirit to all that we do.
• Connection. We believe in the power of personal connection and kindness in building experiences that matter.
• Commitment. We are motivated by a deep commitment and pride in the growth of our learners, our employees, and our communities.

History

Why Study History?

In today’s technology-driven culture, ideas or items from earlier generations are often dismissed or denigrated, yet knowledge and understanding of the past remains as crucial as ever. As a wise First Nations elder recently put it, “We may think we’re through with the past, but is the past through with us?” The answer, of course, is an emphatic no! We can have no real understanding of an individual, family, neighbourhood, or nation if we know nothing of their respective pasts. Without historical context, we live in perpetual ignorance, and the consequences of that are rarely positive.

With that in mind, students of history have an important and exciting task as they attempt to document the complexities of human existence. It is, in some respects, a daunting challenge, but, from ancient times, there have always been those who worked to preserve the ‘stories’ of their people. Those who study and write history are part of that legacy; and, while the human story is vast and complex, the immensity of the subject also creates opportunities. Today, more than ever, historians, both professional and amateur, are examining the human condition from an ever-growing variety of alternative perspectives. Each sheds new light on who we are as a people, generates debate and disagreement, and keeps History an interactive and ever-evolving discipline. Come share your perspective!

What the VIU History Department Can Offer You

Reflecting the embrace of new historical approaches, our department offers a wide array of courses that explore a gamut of diverse topics, ranging from politics, war and genocide to childhood, European film, and the place of hockey in Canadian culture. The VIU History department is also home to the nationally acclaimed Canadian Letters and Images Project (CLIP). Founded by our own Dr Stephen Davies, CLIP is an online archive of the Canadian war experience, as told by the letters and images of many of those who fought for this nation, with the largest collections dating from the First and Second World Wars. We are particularly proud of the fact that CLIP provides significant numbers of our students, working as both volunteers and paid research assistants, with an unparalleled opportunity to have hands-on experience working with primary historical sources, experience that has helped many gain entry into graduate programs across the country.

Our department takes great pride in the superior quality of instruction we deliver. All our faculty members are excellent teachers who thrive within the small class setting VIU is known for; we truly enjoy engaging with students as individuals. You are never just a student number here; our first priority is allowing you to develop the academic and personal skills that can lead to success in a wide variety of careers such as education, law, heritage, journalism, marketing, public service, and the film and video game industries, to name just a few. Come make history with us!

About Our Courses

We offer courses at two broad levels of study.

Lower level history courses (100 and 200 levels) are intended to introduce students to the discipline of history [or the study of history, the study of the past], developing historical knowledge and skills that lay the foundation for further study. Lower level courses are often surveys, offering an overview of global, national, and thematic histories, introducing students to some of the most exciting subfields of historical study. These are lecture courses, with opportunities for student engagement and discussion in small classes. Lower level assignments might include primary source analyses, article and book reviews, annotated bibliographies and short essays, and quizzes and exams.

100 and 200 level courses are open to all students, with no expectation of previous work in history, and lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of our modern world.

Upper level history courses (300 and 400 levels) build on the knowledge and skills students gain at the 100 and 200 levels to offer the opportunity for more in-depth historical study in a variety of geographic areas, time periods, and thematic and methodological areas. These courses are open to students across programs, who have taken 6 credits of lower level history, or have permission of the instructor. Expectations at the upper level include greater involvement in class and seminar discussions, more substantial reading and written or creative assignments, and historical research involving primary sources. Upper level courses regularly offer students the opportunity to develop and explore their own historical interests, with instructor support, deepening their understanding of the field and laying the foundation for future work across a number of fields.

Learn more about the History program and see a list of our courses. Use the sidebar menu to see what courses will be offered in the upcoming terms.

What Can You Do With A Degree in History?

The Canadian Historical Association has addressed this question. As the profiles on the website show, you can do more with a History Degree than you think, precisely because historical training teaches you how to think, analyze, communicate, write, organize and create. History nurtures our curiosity, our openness to new ways of understanding our world, both past and present. As we read, research and write about history, we question taken-for-granted ideas, assess the complexities of social change, dissect evidence and sources, and probe the why, when, and how of human evolution across temporal, spatial and global boundaries.

Like other Humanities and Social Sciences degrees, History is a passport to many opportunities and careers, especially those involving problem solving, creative intelligence and excellent communication and writing skills. Some students use their History degree as a pathway to further training (such as law), but others employ the skills and knowledge acquired with a BA to work in areas such as heritage and museums, business, government, policy, advocacy, politics, non-profits – to name only a few areas. Not only do studies show that a university degree in History/Humanities opens up employment opportunities, but historical knowledge, ever changing, ever debatable, ever fascinating, is also our invitation to lifelong curiosity, learning and reflection.

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International students tuition

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Help to make your dreams of studying abroad come to life.

We know that financial restraints are the #1 barrier for many students to go abroad, which is why we help to facilitate over $70,000 in funding each year to support student participation in VIU International Mobility programs.

Education Abroad Awards and Stipends

Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) Student Travel Grant (Funding has ended)

These grants are designed to increase participation in study/work abroad experiences (particularly to non-traditional destinations) and reduce barriers to participation in Education Abroad, particularly for Low Income Students, Indigenous Students, and Students with Disabilities.

Learn more about Global Skills Opportunity

Global Citizens Network and Stipend Program (In Review)

This is your opportunity to engage in international education events on campus, develop your intercultural skills, and earn funding towards your international experience. Earn $500 upon completion of the Stipend Activities.

Learn more about the Global Citizens Network and Stipend Program

Exchange Ambassador Stipend Program: $1000

VIU Exchange Ambassadors are champions of the VIU Exchange Program who help prospective exchange students find out more about the possibilities of exchange through info sessions, classroom presentations, social media campaigns and other events. As a recognition of their time (30 hours) and engagement, Ambassadors are awarded with $1000 upon completion of the Stipend Activities. See the program page for more information on how to apply to the program.

Learn more about the Exchange Ambassador Stipend Program

VIU Scholarships and Awards

VIU Scholarships and Awards manage a number of awards available to students accepted enrolled in VIU Education Abroad programs (exchange, field school, internship or practicum overseas).

To apply, update and submit your Scholarship/Award/Bursary Profile from your student record by the March 31 deadline. The following list is a summary of some of the “Study Abroad” awards available and this information is subject to change. For more information, see VIU Financial Aid and Awards.

Ann Buchanan Liberal Studies Award

1 award, $1000; Available to students who are single parents, and who will be attending a Liberal Studies Abroad program.

International Internship Award

1 award, $3,000; Available to students participating in an internship of at least 3 months in a development country in the global south. Preference will be given to students whose internships are aligned with CIDA priorities and themes.

Morvah Award for International Development

1 award, $500; Available to Canadian students working on short-term projects overseas; based first on overall abilities and life goals, then GPA. Awarded on the basis of the Centre for International Studies evaluation of a short proposal demonstrating the following objectives: 1) furthering international awareness and understanding of the economic barriers to poverty alleviation, contributing to initiatives that may be able to overcome these barriers, in a sustainable manner; 2) bringing tangible benefits to both VIU and the host country counterparts, and 3) where possible to leverage co-funding of development projects from other sources (eg CIDA, Province of BC, CCC), to maximize the awards’ impact.

Patricia Forbes Awards for Professional Development

2 awards, $1,000 each; Available to students in Recreation and Tourism programs, who will be participating in a professional development activity, such as attending a conference, undertaking professional training, or participating in a field school, research project, or semester abroad.

Koki Sato International Scholarship

1 award, $300; Available to full-time Canadian or International students, based on academic excellence and demonstrated leadership in international and community development and relations. To apply, update and submit your “Scholarship/Award/Bursary Profile” from your student record by the March 31 deadline. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.

External Funding

BC Study Abroad Scholarship

The BC Study Abroad Scholarships celebrate the study abroad experience through student-generated content and financial support. Scholarship recipients will receive $500 for a virtual study abroad program and $1000 for a in-person study abroad program, and the opportunity to share their in-person and/or virtual exchange study abroad experience via blog and photos.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BC Study Abroad Scholarships, applying students must meet the following criteria:

1. Be currently enrolled at a BC Study Abroad Consortium Institution.
2. Enrolled in or accepted into a short-term study abroad program. Please note that the program may be conducted either as an in-person exchange (e.g. physically in another country) or as a virtual exchange using virtual learning platforms hosted by a foreign institution.

Expectations

In return for a $1000 scholarship, successful student applicants will submit the following:

• One 300 to 400-word blog post (with photo) to be submitted during their study abroad program
• One 300 to 400-word blog post (with photo) to be submitted within 60 days of the completion of their study abroad program
• Upon completion of the program, 8 to 10 high resolution photos taken by the student documenting their experience:
  • Photos must be at least 150 dpi
  • Accompanied by a document (i.e. Word, Excel, etc.) containing:
    • Image file name
    • Caption for each image
    • Location where each image was taken (i.e. geotag)
    • A short presentation to be made at their home institution once back in BC

How to apply

• Review the application checklist
• Email using the subject line:
  • Stories from Study Abroad: British Columbia Study Abroad Scholarships Application
• Email all required material as a single email to:
  • info@bcstudyabroad.ca

Application Deadline: Please check website for exact deadlines

One World International Scholarship Program: $2,000 – $5,000

Document

promotional-poster-international-scholarships.pdf

1. Are studying abroad (outside Canada and USA) for no longer than one year;
2. Have been enrolled full-time in a program at least one year in length at a BC public post-secondary institution; and
3. Can demonstrate significant community and/or school involvement.

There are two kinds of One World International Scholarships:

1. $2000 – $5000 Scholarships for students studying abroad as part of an exchange or other international arrangement with their home institution for academic credit recognized by their home institution, and;
2. $2000 Scholarships for students studying abroad for experiential learning experiences which are not for credit.

Application Deadline: March 30 and November 15 annually. Submit complete application form to VIU InternationalMobility@viu.ca More details at BC Scholarship Society

Premier’s One World Scholarship: $8,000 – $12,000

This is a prestigious, high-value award, available on a competitive basis to eligible British Columbia students from across the province whose study abroad program is one semester or two consecutive academic semesters of full time study at one institution. In the case of work abroad activities, including applied experiential learning such as cooperative education placements, internships and field work, they may be included if they are an integral part of a student’s study abroad program, but they must be combined with at least one semester of academic work. Apply directly to the Irving K. Barber Society.

Learn more about the BC Scholarship Society

BC Study Abroad (BCSA) Scholarships

This consortium offers a variety of scholarships. Check out the Stories from Abroad Scholarship, with application deadlines in the Spring semester. Learn more about BC Study Abroad Scholarships and Awards

UMAP-Canada Scholarships

The UMAP-Canada scholarships are available to Canadian citizen students of Canadian UMAP member institutions to study at UMAP member institutions in other countries and for foreign nationals from a UMAP member institution to study at UMAP Canada member institutions on an approved UMAP program (physical or virtual).

Eligible Programs or study abroad terms must be registered in the UMAP Student Connection Online (USCO) system or pre-approved for consideration by UMAP IS.

Award value: The scholarship value is based on the type and length of the program. Physical mobility

• 1-8 month programs: $8000-$10,200 CAD/ semester for 1 and 2 semester programs
• Short-term programs (longer than one week (7 days) and shorter than one month (30 days): $1000-$3500CDN

Virtual mobility

• All programs: longer than one week (7 days) to a maximum of one semester (3-4 months), pro-rated for program type and length, $1000CDN per month

Application procedures: By invitation only. Students must apply and be accepted to a UMAP physical or virtual exchange program. Eligible students will be contacted with scholarship application details. Contact the UMAP International Secretariat for more information (umap-is@umap.org).

Learn more about UMAP-Canada Scholarships.

Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Scholarships

CBIE supports several scholarships for Canadian students wishing to learn abroad. Learn more about the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Scholarships

Federal Government Scholarships

Explore international scholarship opportunities for Canadian students and researchers to study and conduct research abroad. Explore the database by country of destination to find scholarships, fellowships or funding opportunities made available by Global Affairs Canada and other Canadian federal government departments.

Learn more about the Government of Canada International Scholarships for Canadians

Student Research Scholarships and Awards

• Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR)
• The BC Student-Led Research Program
• NSERC (Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council)
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) SSHRC-related fields
• Jessica Wilde Fund for Conference Participation
• Warsh Law Corp Undergraduate Research Award

Learn more about VIU Research and Funding Opportunities

Awards, Grants, Scholarships

Various government agencies offer grants and awards, usually in a provincial or national competition.

• Foreign Government Awards – Korea The Government of Korea through the National Institute for International Education Development offers scholarships to Canadians for study/research at the graduate level. These scholarships are based on reciprocal agreements between the governments of Korea and Canada.
  • For more information, visit Foreign Government Awards Program – Korea
• The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan is currently accepting applications for its Japanese Studies Scholarship for Canadian students who wish to study at a Japanese university. The scholarship covers:
  1. Full tuition
  2. Monthly allowance
  3. Round-trip flight between Japan and Canada

The Japanese Studies Scholarship is aimed at undergraduate university students majoring in fields related to the Japanese language and/or Japanese culture, who are interested in deepening their understanding of the Japanese language, culture and affairs.

ERASMUS + financial aid for Exchange to the University of Huelva

This mobility program offers an Erasmus Mobility Grant for one VIU student studying at The University of Huelva (UHU) during the fall or spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year.

Funding granted to the participants of the mobility program Erasmus + is designed to partially cover the expenses incurred by them during their stay abroad. Aid funds from the European Union under this call include:

1. Funding to cover subsistence expenses: This amount is set according to the country of destination and length of stay. The aid is divided by groups of countries, according to the approximate cost of living. Spain is included in Group 2 and mobilities contribution to this country is €850 a month for students.
2. Funding to help cover travel expenses. The amount is calculated as a function of distance bands. The distance should be calculated between the city of origin and University of destination, using the distance calculator European Union. In the case of VIU, the allocated travel fund per participant is €1500.

Learn more about ERASMUS+

StudentAid BC

Students approved to participate in VIU Education Abroad programs and who receive funding such as loans, grants or scholarships through StudentAid BC may be eligible to maintain their funding while studying abroad. It is the responsibility of each student to make the appropriate arrangements. The following is a guide to assist in navigating the process, for VIU Education Abroad participants.

Outgoing Exchange Students

Students going on an exchange semester may be eligible for student loans. The Education Abroad Office recommends connecting with VIU Financial Aid and Awards if you plan to use student loan funding to offset the expenses of going on exchange. If you will be applying for financial assistance from StudentAid BC prior to participating in a planned semester exchange program abroad, you must advise VIU Financial Aid and Awards to ensure you meet the funding eligibility. Because the dates of exchange programs often do not match the dates of enrollment at VIU, your student loan application will require a separate appendix that the Financial Aid Office must complete.

If you were approved for a student exchange after applying for Student Aid BC, you may need to report a circumstance change and/or complete a reassessment process for funding. Please contact VIU Financial Aid and Awards for instructions.

Not all exchange partner universities are eligible for students to receive student loan funding. Visit StudentAid BC or contact VIU Financial Aid and Awards to verify if the host university is designated to receive student loans.

Short Term Education Abroad Programs

For students participating in Field Schools, Internships, Practica and Summer programs abroad who, you may be eligible to StudentAidBC funding.

In order to apply, you must be enrolled in at least 60% (40% for students with permanent disabilities) of a full-time course load for credit, for a period of at least 12 consecutive weeks. The Financial Aid office will be able to advise you on whether your program will qualify for StudentAid BC.

If you are currently receiving StudentAid BC funding, you may need to complete a Reassessment form (Appendix 7) in January to extend your end date to August. It is important that you submit this form to the Financial Aid & Awards Office early in the new year to ensure that additional funds are received by the field school payment deadlines. The additional funds are usually available 4 to 6 weeks after you submit your Reassessment application.

If you are not currently receiving StudentAid BC funding, and need financial assistance, contact VIU Financial Aid and Awards.

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Our academic and immigration advisors have compiled most frequent question into this page. Use your discretion since there may be updates or information does not apply to your unique case.

Co-op and Internships

I am an Int’l student at VIU and don’t understand the difference between Co-op and Internship. What is the difference?

• Co-ops are full-time usually paid practicum and an integral part of your studies and will not exceed 50% of your academic studies. Your performance will be evaluated in the workplace in the field of your studies. For example, Culinary Arts Program students will have a practicum in a restaurant.
• The internship may be full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid, on-the-job training for students to gain valuable experience in their career field.

What is the length of a Co-op or Internship?

• VIU determines the length of a Co-op. Usually, it will not exceed 50% of the academic study duration. Internship durations may vary, subject to approval from VIU. Please note, often internships are unpaid, on-the-job training.

Are Co-op and Internship Work Permits different?

• Co-op or Internship Work Permits are the same. When you extend your Study Permit it is recommended that you apply for your Co-op or Internship Work Permits at the same time. If you have not done so, then you can apply online through MyCIC account and there is no fee.

Family

I am a full-time VIU student. My family is here with me. If my spouse would like to study or work would she be allowed to do so?

• Yes, an accompanying family member can apply for a Study or Work permit without an acceptance letter. Your minor children can attend kindergarten, primary and secondary schools without paying international tuition fees.

I am an MBA student at VIU and my spouse has a Visitor Record. Can she apply for a work permit?

• Spouses and common-law partners of full-time students in a Program at VIU may apply for an open Work Permit.

I am a VIU student and my family is here with me. My child is Canadian born. Will this help me to immigrate to Canada quickly?

• No. Children born on Canadian soil are Canadian citizens as per the Citizenship Act. However, a birth certificate is not a citizenship certificate and you need to apply for it. The child’s citizenship does not give a privilege to a temporary resident parent, they are still required to maintain legal status in Canada.

Finance

I am an International Student at VIU and enrolled full time in the BA Program. Can I apply for a loan through the Canada Student Loan Program?

• Unfortunately, International Students (refugee claimants) are not eligible for benefits under the Canada Student Loan Program. However, the university has various scholarships, bursaries, and grants that International Students can apply for. Please follow this link for more information: Money Matters

I am an International Student and I have financial problems. What would you advise me to do to maintain my studies?

• As a full-time International Academic Student at VIU, you have the option to earn income while you are studying. Enrolling in three courses at VIU allows you to work 20 hours per week on or off campus. The best option to offset some education expenses would be to take advantage of the summer break to work May-August full-time. Please keep in mind, Study Permit Extension and authorization to work, require being a full-time student in a good academic standing.

On / Off Campus Work

I am a full-time student at VIU, can I work full time in summer break?

• Yes, full-time students are permitted to work full-time during scheduled breaks on a valid Study Permit. Also, your Study Permit should have the authorization to work on or off campus. If you are taking a full-time course load during the summer, you are only permitted to work 20 hours per week.

I am a full-time student at VIU but I failed three of my courses (or withdrew), can I still work full time in summer if my Study Permit has the authorization to work?

• No, students who failed their courses or withdrew are no longer eligible to work during scheduled breaks. Students who are no longer in full-time studies must not work.

What are the consequences if I withdrew (failed) from my courses and worked in a scheduled break?

• Students who do not stop work and surrender their Work Permit, will be found non-compliant and will lose their ability to qualify for a work permit in future (PGWP or Co-op). If a student has failed to comply with the conditions of their Study Permit, which is being a full-time student and in academic good standing, and was engaged in unauthorized work, an Immigration Officer cannot issue or extend a Study Permit for six months. It is called a “six-month ban” for noncompliance imposed on Temporary Residents.

How can the government find out that I worked full time while I was not qualifying to work?

• There are many ways to trace International student’s work: through payment records, universities compliance report to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada and other.

I am a BA Program student and would like to work off campus in the summer time, what I am supposed to do?

• You need to check if your Study Permit authorizes you to work on /off campus, if yes, then apply for a SIN number at nearest Service Canada office (50 Front St.). Before you go there, please check your Study Permit expiry date. After you obtain a SIN number you may wish to attend Career preparation seminars at VIU and learn how to search for a job.

I started my education at VIU with ESL courses, now I am an academic program student, but my Study Permit has a remark which prohibits me from working in Canada, what I should do about it?

• If you are a registered full-time student in the academic program and your Study Permit prohibits you from working 20 hours per week after classes and during scheduled breaks, you need to apply for a renewal of your Study Permit to change the conditions.

I am a full-time academic program student at VIU and want to work during the summer break, but my Study Permit does not have any notes in the remarks and conditions section, what I should do?

• If your Study Permit does not have any notes, you need to apply to amend it. Go to B 255 to request a letter ($10.Fee). There is no application fee. Please follow this link for more information: Government of Canada: Valid Temporary Resident Documents

I am a full-time academic student at VIU and I know that I am eligible to work on/off campus, but my Study Permit has a condition which prohibits me from working, can I appeal a decision?

• No, under Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) of Canada, temporary residents have no right of appeal; therefore, the best solution is to reapply for it.

I am ESL student at VIU from visa exempt country and have International Experience Canada work permit, can I extend it?

• No, however, you may wish to review Canada and your country’s agreement. Some countries allow young people to participate in this program more than once.

I am VIU exchange student from Sweden can I work off campus in summer?

• Students in exchange programs are not eligible for off-campus work authorization.

I have been studying at VIU for two years now, but I enrolled in only two courses in each session in order to keep a manageable workload. Can I work 30 hours after classes and up to 40 hours during scheduled breaks?

• If you are enrolled less than three courses in each semester you are not eligible to work off campus as well as after classes even if your Study Permit authorizes it. You need to be enrolled full-time and in good academic standing to be eligible to work after classes up to 20 hours per week and during scheduled breaks up to 40 hours a week.

I am an ESL (Exchange, Visiting, enrolled in general preparatory non-degree courses) student at VIU, can I work off campus?

• If you are an ESL, Visiting or Exchange student, you are not eligible to work off campus. However, you can work on campus with a valid Study Permit as per IRPR Section 186 (f).

I was enrolled to BBA Program at VIU but decided to graduate earlier with a two-year diploma. My Study and Co-op Work Permit is valid until November 2017 with authorization to work. Can I continue working full time with it?

• When a student finishes his/her studies early, Study & Co-op Work Permit will be invalid within 90 days even if it is valid for a longer date. Therefore, they need to apply for PGWP within those 90 days.

I am an academic student in the BBA Program. My Study Permit does not have any conditions or remarks; can I still work on campus?

• Yes, you can work on campus if you are enrolled full-time and in good academic standing. However, it is recommended that you apply for an amendment of your Study Permit which will allow you to work on or off campus. Go to B 255 to request a letter ($10. Fee) Amending of Study Permit is free of charge.

I am a full-time student at VIU and my mother is accompanying me and has a visitor visa, can she apply for a Work Permit?

• She may be able to apply for a work permit within or outside of Canada if she receives a permanent job offer supported by Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) issued by Service Canada.

I am an International Student at VIU. Can I take two courses in the classroom and one online and work full time?

• No, students who are studying part-time are not eligible to work on or off campus. Online and distance learning courses are not eligible for work program.

I am a VIU student. How do I know if I am a full time or part time student?

• Three or more courses at VIU are full-time studies. If your course load is less than three courses then you are part time student and consequently not eligible to work on or off campus.

Post Graduate Work Permit

I am a VIU graduate and my Study Permit has expired. How can I apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

• You may apply for a Study Permit Restoration and a PGWP at the same time if you are within 90 days of the expiry of your study permit. Please note, in this case you must pay for the following: Restoration Letter from B 255 -$10. Study Permit extension -$150, Restoration fee -$200, Open work permit holder fee -$100, Work Permit Processing fee -$155. Total -$605 CAD.

I am an MBA graduate and applied for a PGWP with my final transcripts but I was granted only 18 months of Work Permit, what can I do about it?

• If your program of study is less than two years but at least eight months, you would be eligible for a work permit lasting for the period equal to the duration of your studies. The VIU Letter of Graduation usually confirms that the MBA program is the equivalent of two-years of study. You may reapply to request a PGWP for the full two years. It is the Immigration Officer’s discretion to grant or reject the request.

I am an exchange student with a valid Study Permit. Can I apply for a PGWP?

• No, students in an exchange program funded by their own Government, or Canadian scholarship programs, or taking courses on-line, are not eligible for Post Graduate Work Permits.

I studied one-year full time at VIU. I am continuing my education on-line from my home country. Can I apply for a PGWP?

• You may be eligible for a PGWP only for the portion of the study you took at VIU and you’re applying with 180 days of completion of the VIU program. The on-line portion of education is not eligible for this program.

Can I keep working on my study permit (20hrs a week) after I’ve completed my program and before I apply for my PGWP?

• No, work after notification of program completion and before applying for PGWP is illegal.

I know have 180 days to apply for my Post-Grad work permit, so can I work for 6 months after I graduate on my study permit and then get more work time once I apply for my PGWP?

• No, you cannot work after program completion until you apply for PGWP

Okay, I don’t want to work, but can I just hang out in Canada and apply for my PGWP within 180 days.

• Not that simple. You can remain in Canada with valid student status for 90 days after program completion. Before the 90 days expires, if you haven’t already applied for PGWP, you would have to apply to change your status to visitor so that you’d have a valid status when you apply for PGWP or you can return home until you get your PGWP. If your study permit expires sooner that 90 days, you’d have to apply for PGWP or change status to visitor before it expires. If you’re in Canada and you did not change your status to visitor before your study permit expired, you will have to apply to restore your status along with your PGWP application (see question: I am a VIU graduate and my Study Permit has expired. How can I apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?)

What should I do if I want to keep working continuously after I complete my program?

• Apply for your Post Grad Work Permit as soon as possible after program completion. You can’t work until you apply for PGWP. The less time between program completion and applying for PGWP=less ‘no-work’ time.

I took a one-year certificate program at Seneca College in Toronto. I am a current PDDB student at VIU. Am I eligible for a three-year PGWP?

• Yes, but only if your previous full-time certificate program and your PDDB course are completed within a 2 year time frame (ie. Both completion dates are within a 2 year period). You may also only qualify for a 2 year work permit. Individual immigration officers have the power to decide whether two 1- year programs will lead to a 2 year work permit or a 3 year work permit.

I am graduating from the MBA program at VIU. Can I apply for PGWP from my home country?

• Yes, graduating students may apply for PGWP from outside of Canada on paper or on-line. If due to a mistake in the online system you were charged a $155 CAD processing fee, but not a $100 CAD “open work permit fee”, you need to pay the additional $100 CAD online and upload the receipt in the Letter of Explanation section.

I have graduated from my BA Diploma program. I would like to apply for a PGWP within Canada. Can I return to my home country while waiting for my application to be processed?

• Yes, you can, however to re-enter Canada your will need a valid TRV (Temporary Resident Visa). TRVs are only issued automatically with PGWP applications if you apply for PGWP outside Canada. So, if you apply within Canada and your TRV will expire before you’re planning to return to Canada from your trip, you should wait until you get the PGWP before applying for a TRV because a TRV will only be issued for the length of your current status document (ie. PGWP). Once you have the valid TRV you can return to Canada. If you’re planning to travel please see a VIU immigration advisor to get advice on your particular circumstances.

I am an MBA student at VIU and decided to work during my Internship in my home country. I have now graduated and am still in my home country. My Study Permit has expired. How can I apply for PGWP?

• If you are still within 180 days of program completion you may apply for a PGWP from your home country. If you don’t receive a response before you return to Canada you may still come back to Canada (provided you have a valid TRV (temporary resident visa) if from a country that requires a TRV). You will likely be readmitted as a visitor, unless the officer sees that your PGWP was approved while you were away in which case you’ll be admitted as a worker. Note that an officer may refuse entry to Canada as a visitor if s/he has concerns about how you’ll financially support yourself in Canada before you get the PGWP.

I graduated from the PDDB Program at VIU. I am now in my home country. My Study Permit expired five months ago but my Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is still valid. Can I apply for a PGWP with a valid TRV?

• Application for a PGWP must be done within 180 days of completion of the Program. If you are still within 180 days of program completion you can apply for your PGWP. A valid TRV is not required for the PGWP application.

Can I “flagpole” and have my Study Permit extended or obtain my PGWP at the US/Canada border.

• Yes, this is one of the options students may employ in exceptional situations if they have a valid Study Permit, a valid TRV (if from visa required country) as well as an American Visa in their passport. Students are advised to consult with the Immigration Consultant in International Ed. at VIU before attempting this option.

Received Permanent Residence

I am enrolled in the BA Program at VIU. My family recently became Permanent Residents. What should I do in order to pay domestic fees?

• You need to provide a copy of the Confirmation of Permanent Residence Letter from IRCC to the International Admissions office in Building 255 at VIU. That document would be sufficient to switch you to domestic student list.
• The status change will affect future payments, therefore you will be charged international fees for the current semester, and domestic fees for subsequent semesters of study.

When does my status change effect how I am to be charged tuition fees, international fees or domestic fees?

• For tuition fees collected on a semester basis, a status change will affect future semesters at VIU, not the current semester being attended. For programs charged by installment, charges are based on status at the fee due date.

I recently became a Permanent Resident of Canada. Can I claim a portion of the tuition fees that I paid as an International student, on my tax return?

• Yes, you can claim a portion of your International Tuition fees on your tax return. Please consult with a Tax specialist.

Refugee

I am refugee claimant. Can I apply to study at VIU?

• There is no restriction in applying to VIU as a refugee claimant, however, you would not have a status in Canada until the Refugee Board (IRB) legally recognizes and provides you with a Letter of Determination or Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). If you do not have an IRB Letter of Determination you are considered by Designated Learning Institution as an International Student and pay international tuition fees.

I am a Convention Refugee studying at VIU. Can my children attend school without a Study Permit?

• Yes, your children can attend public schools without a Study Permit and they will not be charged as an International student.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

I was offered a summer job on campus at VIU but do not have a SIN number. How can I apply for it?

• If you have a valid Study Permit and have been offered a job, you need to apply for a SIN from the nearest Service Canada Office (50 Front St). Before visiting Service Canada, please collect all required documents and fill out the forms. Learn how to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

When I apply for a SIN, what should I bring to Service Canada?

• Bring your passport, Study Permit, (if you have a Spouse or a Co-op Work Permit, Confirmation to Work Letter given by CIC prior to February 2015). Please note, if your Study Permit has a condition prohibiting you to be engaged in employment in Canada, you need to apply to change the conditions of the Study Permit. If your Study Permit does not contain any notes or the Border Officer made a mistake then you need to apply for an amendment of the Study Permit prior to work.

Study Permit

I am planning to spend my summer vacation (May-August) in my home country, but my Study Permit and Visa will expire while I am abroad. Where should I apply for an extension?

• If you are planning to travel abroad when your Visa and Study Permit is about to expire, extend your Study Permit/Visa from within Canada before you leave. If you have not applied to extend it before departure, you may apply to the Visa Office responsible for your home country. Please note, processing of your application in a Visa Office may take months to process and you risk missing a significant portion of your semester.

I am planning to travel to my home country but realize that I have misplaced my Study Permit. What should I do?

• You need to apply for the replacement of your Study Permit and pay a $30 fee. For more information please visit: Government of Canada: Replacement of an Immigration Document

I am a VIU student. I lost my passport and Study Permit. What should I do?

• You need to do the following:
  1. Contact the nearest Police Office and report the lost items. Obtain an Incident Report #.
  2. Contact your country’s Consulate or Embassy and apply for the renewal of your passport.
  3. As soon as you receive your new passport apply for the replacement of your Study Permit.
  4. Once you receive your replacement Study Permit apply for a Temporary Resident Visa.

I am planning to marry and stay in my home country one year or so. How will this affect my Student Permit and Visa?

• If you are taking time off from your studies arbitrarily, the University may include your name in the IRCC (formerly known as CIC) report as a student not actively pursuing his/her studies. IRCC in turn may cancel your Study Permit even if it is valid. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to maintain a valid Study Permit. In such situations, it is highly recommended that you call IRCC’s Call Centre 1-888-242-2100 and verify if your documents are still valid.

I am a BA student and want my mother to come to Nanaimo and stay with me. Should I send my original Study Permit to my mother overseas so she can use it to support her application for a Visitor Visa?

• Your Study Permit is the status document of the student and it should be with student’s passport at all times. If you send the originals of your Study Permit to your parent to add to their Application package, firstly, it will not be returned to you, secondly, it can be canceled by Immigration Officer overseas. Please avoid knowingly or unknowingly committing illegal actions.

I have a US Visa in my passport and my Study Permit expires soon. I am planning a short trip to the USA. Will I be allowed to re-enter Canada?

• As long as your Study Permit is valid, you can safely re-enter Canada and if you prepare your application to extend your Study Permit with all the required documents, you may apply at the border for renewal of your Study Permit too.

I misplaced my Study Permit and applied for replacement and provided copies of all documents, but my application was returned to me stating that it was “incomplete”. What should I do now?

• It is important to read the guidelines on the IRCC web-site for replacement of lost, damaged and destroyed status documents. If you have lost your Study Permit it is important to report it to the Police and obtain an Incident Report number and provide a copy of it to IRCC.

I have applied for an extension of my Study Permit but uploaded the wrong Letter in the section of Letter of Acceptance. Also, I did not check MyCIC account, later found out my application was refused. What should I do now?

• You need to apply within 90 days for Restoration of your Temporary Resident status, meanwhile, you are “out of status” and should stop your studies or work until your application is approved. You were in implied status until your Study Permit extension application was under review, you lost your status from the date the decision (refusal) was made.

I am a VIU student and forgot to extend my Study Permit. I applied for Restoration. What will happen if the Immigration Officer refuses the restoration of my status?

• You will receive a letter of approval if the restoration is granted and your Study Permit will be issued. If the restoration is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for refusal and you need to leave Canada immediately.

I was accepted into the ECE Program at VIU and applied for a Study Permit extension. Am I required to have a medical exam?

• International Students enrolled in ECE or other programs which require working with children, disabled or elderly people, are required to have a medical exam from the list of IRCC panel physicians. You cannot receive the medical exam from your own doctor. Please note; fees will apply and exam results will be valid for one year.

I am applying for a Study Permit extension. My checklist requires me to have a Medical Exam from a panel physician even though I have been in Canada for two years. What I should do?

There is a question about Study Permit eligibility regarding “designated countries”. Most probably you have answered “Yes” to the following questions:

• Have you had a medical exam performed by a CIC authorized panel physician (doctor) within the last 12 months?
• Have you lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the last year?

If so, you will be required to go through a medical exam. Please note; if you lived continuously in Canada last 12 months you do not need a medical exam, unless you have a medical condition or an exceptional situation.

Designated countries or territories means that the level of Tuberculosis incidence and other infectious diseases are higher than in Canada.

If I apply to extend my Study Permit the day of expiry, would it still be considered that I complied with Study Permit conditions?

• Yes, if you applied on-line the same day as the expiry date or made a paper application with a date stamp with the same date as the expiry date, you have complied with Study Permit requirement. Please note, IRCC advises to apply early, up to three months prior to expiry date.

I am changing institutions, do I need to let the government know?

Yes, you will need to change your post-secondary school in your account To do this, you’ll need:

• an online account
  • If you applied for your study permit on paper, you need to create an account and then link your application.
• your study permit number
  • It begins with the letter “S” and is at the top right of the permit.
  • For security reasons, we may ask you to provide a few details from your application, so have it handy.
• your new school’s designated learning institution (DLI) number
  • You can find it on the list of designated learning institutions
• your new Student Identification Number (Student ID)
  • You can find it on the acceptance letter your new school sent to you.
• your start date at your new school.

You don’t need a representative to change your DLI, even if you used one to apply for your study permit. You can do this yourself if you have your study permit application details.

Learn how to Change your post-secondary school in your account

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

My Study Permit is valid until 2018 but my visa has been expired for a few months. Can I travel to my home country and re-enter Canada with a valid Study Permit?

• If you are from a Visa exempt country, you can enter Canada with a valid e-TA and Study Permit. If you are from Visa required country you need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) within Canada or from a Visa Office abroad. A Study Permit is not a re-entry document, therefore if you do not have a valid Visa you may not be allowed to re-enter Canada.

I am a VIU student and plan to travel to the USA during my holidays. My Study Permit is valid until the next year but my Visa is expired. Can I travel to the US?

• Yes, you can travel to the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon and return to Canada on a valid Study Permit. If you are planning to visit countries other than those listed above, you need a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

I am a VIU student from Germany (visa exempt country). How do I know when my Temporary Resident Visa or status will expire?

• Upon arrival to Canada, the Border Officer puts a stamp on your passport. By default, that is your Visa for six month from the day of arrival. If the Officer puts a hand written date, your Temporary Resident Visa expires on that date. The Officer may issue a Study Permit if you applied prior to coming to Canada or a Visitor record. They are status documents, usually Visa and status documents expire the same day.

I am an MBA student from Germany and planning to travel to the US. I was told that I do not have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). What should I do?

• Students from Visa exempt countries (many European countries, USA, South Korea, Japan and others) may not have a Temporary Resident Visa sticker in their passport. Instead, students will receive a stamp in their passport by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). By default that is a Visa. If a student applied and received a Study Permit, the CBSA Officer may match the dates of the Study Permit to the Visa stamp. The CBSA Officer may stamp his/her passport upon each re-entry, that would become a valid Visa for six months.

I am a dual citizen of Mexico and Italy. I have an expired Visa to Canada in my Mexican passport. Can I enter Canada with my Italian passport?

• Yes, you can, however, we highly recommend to use the same passport you entered Canada the first time. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) renewal within Canada is the fast process.

Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)

I arrived in Canada with a Visitor Visa and completed my ESL at VIU. Can I apply for a Study Permit from within Canada?

• Yes, students who arrive with a Visitor Visa who are: 1. minor children studying at the primary or secondary level 2. exchange or visiting student 3. short-term students who have completed a course or program of study (ESL, Premaster’s) that is a condition for acceptance at VIU; may apply for a Study Permit within Canada.

I am an ESL student at VIU on a Visitor Visa, can I work off campus?

• No, students holding a Visitor Visa are not permitted to work on or off campus.

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