Information for Continuing International Students

Yes! You must ensure that you maintain legal status in Canada. We typically recommend applying to extend your study permit at least 3 months prior to the expiry, although you can apply up to the expiry date. As long as you apply to extend your study permit prior to its expiry date, when your permit expires, you will benefit from maintained status (previously called implied status). Maintained status means that you can continue to study and work according to the conditions of your study permit until you receive a decision on your study permit extension application from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

See the information at the top of this page for the different ways you can get in touch with an International Student Advisor for application support and guidance.

Yes. The International Centre is here to support you with applications and to provide advice. Although you have 180 days from the date of program completion to apply for your PGWP, we suggest applying as soon as possible, certainly within 90 days of completion, or before the expiry date on your study permit (whichever comes first). If you are not able to apply within the recommended timeframe, you will need to make sure to apply to extend your status in Canada as a visitor.

See the information at the top of this page for the different ways you can get in touch with an International Student Advisor for application support and guidance.

Even post COVID-19, online classes are still frequently being offered - especially at the Calgary campus. IRCC has indicated that online studies are permitted so long as 50% of the program is taken in-person. If a choice remains between taking an online course or in-person, you should choose the in-person option. You can review PGWP eligibility requirements here.

All your time studying online outside Canada between Spring 2020 and August 31, 2022 counts toward the length of your PGWP.

As of October 1, 2022, there are no longer any travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

In order to travel now, you need to ensure you have a valid study permit, temporary resident visa (if applicable), and a Verification of Enrollment letter (for re-entry to Canada) confirming you are actively studying.

No other documents or proof of vaccination necessary!

IRCC has announced a temporary exemption to the biometrics requirement for all in-Canada applications. This applies to all new and previously submitted applications for study permits or extensions, work permits or extensions, temporary resident visas, restoration of status or applications to remain in Canada as a visitor.

If you have already applied and paid the biometrics fee, IRCC will be refund you the $85 fee after your application has been processed.

If you have not yet applied, be aware that the online system will still indicate that you must pay the $85 biometrics fee. You can also expect to receive the biometrics instruction letter (BIL), but you can ignore it, as long as this exemption remains in place.

You can find more details here.

You must be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree, diploma or a certificate program in order to use your study permit work authorization.

Please contact an international student advisor if you have any questions about your work eligibility.

Service Canada has re-opened for in-person services. We recommend that you renew your SIN at a Service Canada location nearest to you.

Service Canada now allows the option to apply for a Social Insurance Number online. This process does take longer than in-person, so please take this into consideration. You can find the online application here. As usual, in order to be issued a SIN, your study permit must include remarks stating that you can work in Canada. A Canadian address is required for the application, as IRCC will mail your SIN to you once your application is processed.

There is also the option to apply by mail. To apply to extend your SIN by mail, you must:

• Complete and print the application form (NAS-2120) and sign in blue or black ink.
  • The NAS-2120 form does not allow you to save as a PDF. Complete the form in its entirety, then use the "Print to PDF" function to save (Select Print, then choose the printer name "Print to PDF")
• Mail the completed and signed application form along with your study or work permit (photocopies are not accepted) to the following address using Canada Post or a courier service:

Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Canada

For additional information on the application for SIN, see here.

Your Alberta Health Care card will normally expire on the same date that your study permit expires. In order to ensure that you continue to have Alberta Health Care coverage, please call the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan to request an extension of your coverage while your wait for a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Once your new permit is approved, you will need to apply to extend your Alberta Health Care coverage to the expiry date of your new permit. Normally, you would do this at a registry agent. If you are not able to visit a registry agent, please call the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan for instructions.

Scholarships and Bursaries

When applying for scholarship and bursaries, always take time to complete the application thoroughly and accurately. There will likely be a large demand for these funds, so your clear communication of your particular situation will help the administrators of the awards allocate funds.

• Continuing undergraduate students are encouraged to submit the scholarship and awards application by May 15, 2022 for Fall 2022 payments. Apply via the Bridge under the Student tab.
• Graduate students are encouraged to submit the scholarship and awards application by May 15, 2022 for Fall 2022 payments. Apply via the Bridge under the Student tab.
• The International Student Emergency Bursary, along with other emergency bursaries and loans, is administered by the Scholarship and Student Finance office. If you find yourself in urgent need, please contact the office at awards@uleth.ca for more information on the application.

Food Banks

Students requiring short-term assistance with food are encouraged to contact local food banks:

• Lethbridge Food Bank
• Interfaith Food Bank

Employment Insurance

International students may be eligible for Employment Insurance. You must have worked the required number of insurable hours of employment for your region (between 420 and 700 hours) within the last 52 weeks, as well as meet all other eligibility requirements.

• If you have been directed to self-quarantine due to Covid-19 then you can attempt to apply for EI – Sickness Benefits.
• If you have lost work due to being laid off, then you can attempt to apply for EI – Regular Benefits.

There are a variety of mental health supports you can access, both through the university, and from the community.

University of Lethbridge Resources

Counselling & Career Services is offering in-person sessions, Zoom and phone sessions to support students.

• Email counselling.services@uleth.ca or contact their intake coordinators via phone at 403-317-2845 to set up an appointment.

Therapy Assist Online (TAO): Think of TAO as an online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life.

• Check here for more information and how to log in.

Community Resources

• Alberta post-secondary students across Alberta can text STUDENT to 211 or visit www.ab.211.ca and click “live chat” anytime 24/7 to reach a live person – a community resource specialist – who will listen and connect you with the most appropriate on-campus and community resources.
• Mental Health First Aid Self-Care and Resilience Guide

We have heard several reports of scams targetting international students. Unfortunately, in times when we feel vulnerable, there will be unscrupulous people who try to take advantage of us. It is especially important to continue to use critical thinking skills when interacting online, on the phone and in person.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has posted a list of scams to watch out for. In particluar, they advise to beware of:

Unsolicited calls, emails and texts requesting urgent action or payment and/or offering medical advice, financial relief, or government assistance and compensation

• If you didn't initiate contact, you don't know who you're communicating to
• Never respond or click on suspicious links and attachments
• Never give out your personal or financial details

You should also beware of fraudulent offers of employment. Novoresumes posted a helpful article describing the most common job scams and how to avoid them. This CBC article outlines some tips to avoid job offer scams.

Online Learning Success Resources!

The Student Success Centre has prepared some great tips to help students succeed with their courses. Please visit Student Success Centre website to access these resources.

Book your appointment: This link will take you to the My Experience website. Select Students from the menu at the top of the page to sign in. Then select Study Skills Appointments from the menu on the left to book your appointment. You can also request an appointment by email: student.success@uleth.ca