VISA Information
Visa Requirement
A Study Permit is not required for programs less than 6 months in length. Please confirm if you need either a Temporary Resident Permit or an eTA before entering Canada. Immigration: Visit the Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to check this.
Document Requirements
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Before you submit a study permit application, you will need: - (LOA) A letter of acceptance from IHV International House Vancouver
- Financial proof (GIC) tuition fees and living expenses for Canada
- A medical exam, if required
- Biometrics, if required
Visa Requirements
A Study Permit is not required for programs less than 6 months in lengths. Please ensure if you need either a Temporary Resident Permit or an eTA before entering Canada. Immigration Visit the website of Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to check this.
Document Requirements
- Before you submit a study permit application, you will need:
- (LOA) A letter of acceptance from IHV International House Vancouver
- Financial proof (GIC) tuition fees and living expenses for Canada
- A medical exam, if required
- Biometrics, if required
| Length of Stay | Length of Study | Visa Process | Work authorization |
| 6 months or longer | 6 months or longer | Apply for visa before arrival. Can use school Letter of Acceptance | – Not authorized for language study programs. |
| – Eligible for career college programs |
If your academic program includes a co-op or work placement, international students are obligated to apply for both a co-op work permit and a study permit. The application for a co-op work permit must be submitted together with the study permit application. This permit enables you to work full-time during your co-op work placement, and it is essential to possess the permit prior to the commencement of your co-op component.
If your study program includes a co-op or work placement, international students must apply for both a co-op work permit and a study permit. The application for the co-op work permit should be submitted together with the study permit application. This permit enables you to work full-time during your co-op work placement, and it is essential to have the permit in hand before the start of your co-op component.
| Type of Visa | Length of Stay | Length of Study | Visa Process | Work authorization |
| Working Holiday Visa | 1 year (some exceptions) | Up to 6 months | Apply before arrival | Open work permit |
| (eligible countries) |
Open work permit VISA holders are allowed to accept and do full-time jobs.
| Length of Stay | Length of Study | Visa Process | Work authorization |
| Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months | Apply for eTA before arrival or | none – not allowed to work |
| Apply for Temporary Resident Visa before arrival |
Frequently asked questions
No. Only Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants and Canadian Lawyers are authorised to apply for immigration visas and permits on behalf of students. However, our team can provide our students with guidance on general immigration issues, and refer them to immigration practitioners that can assist them with their needs.
The students will receive these documents upon their arrival in Canada, either from the Immigration Officer at the airport or land border. It is necessary for them to present the documentation that verifies their study permit application has been approved by a visa office outside Canada.
- If the student is completing a less-than-6-month English program as a prerequisite for the International House Vancouver program, it is recommended to apply for a study permit at a visa office abroad.
- The study permit application should include both Letters of Acceptance for the English program and the subsequent International House Vancouver program.
- If the application is approved, the student will receive a study permit document, allowing them to continue their studies in Canada without interruption once they meet the English requirement for the college program.
- Alternatively, students can choose to enter Canada to complete their English requirement without a study permit, but it is crucial to have a study permit approved before starting the International House Vancouver program.
- To ensure timely approval, it is advised to apply for the study permit at least five weeks in advance and be flexible with the program’s start date in case the study permit is not received on time.
Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance is required for students studying in Canada.
Options for medical insurance are:
- Purchase before departure in you own country (Please present to IH staff during Day 1 orientation)
- Purchase Guard Me Insurance from IH Vancouver before or after arriving in Canada
- Sign up for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (available for students on study permits or working holiday visas after 6 months stay in Canada)