Maintaining Your Study Permit and Student Status
Understanding Your Responsibilities as an International Student at ATC Surrey
As an international student at Automotive Training Centre (ATC) Surrey, it is your responsibility to maintain valid immigration status and comply with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations throughout your studies. This includes ensuring your study permit remains valid, actively participating in your program, and following work eligibility rules if you choose to work while studying.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the loss of student status and affect your ability to stay in Canada.
Maintaining Your Student Status
To legally remain in Canada as a student, you must:
- Hold a valid study permit or have applied for an extension before your permit expires.
- Remain enrolled and actively participate in your studies.
- Work towards completing your program within the authorized time.
Valid Study Permit Requirements
Your study permit is considered valid under the following conditions:
- The study permit expiry date – You must leave Canada or apply for an extension before this date.
- 90 days after completing your program – Once you receive confirmation of program completion, your permit becomes invalid within 90 days, even if the expiry date is later.
If your study permit expires and you have not applied for an extension, you must immediately stop studying and working in Canada.
Actively Pursuing Studies at ATC Surrey
As an international student, you must be actively pursuing studies, which include:
- Full-time enrollment in your program.
- Participation in scheduled breaks as per your institution’s academic calendar.
- Temporary gaps in studies of up to 150 days in cases such as:
- Transferring to a new program or institution.
- Interruptions due to institutional strikes or unexpected closures.
If you take a break longer than 150 days, you may be required to change your immigration status or leave Canada.
Extending Your Study Permit
If you need additional time to complete your program, you must apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before it expires.
Steps to Extend Your Study Permit
- Gather required documents, including:
– Letter of Enrollment from ATC Surrey
– Proof of sufficient funds
– Valid passport - Submit an extension application through the IRCC online portal.
- Pay the required fees and wait for processing.
🔹 If your study permit expires while waiting for an extension decision, you may have ‘maintained status’ (formerly ‘implied status’), allowing you to continue studying until a decision is made.
Work Eligibility for International Students
International students may be eligible to work during their studies if their study permit states that they are allowed to work in Canada.
Off-Campus Work
- You can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms.
- You can work full-time during scheduled breaks (such as winter or summer holidays).
Learn more about working while studying in Canada on IRCC’s Work Page.
Traveling Outside Canada as a Student
If you plan to travel outside Canada during your studies, you must ensure you have:
- A valid study permit.
- A valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada (if applicable).
- Proof of enrollment at ATC Surrey to present to immigration officials upon return.
It is recommended to check IRCC’s website for the latest travel requirements before making any plans.
Contacting Immigration Canada
For immigration inquiries, applications, or updates, you can contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through the following:
- Online Portal: IRCC Website
- Phone (Within Canada): 1-888-242-2100
- Visa Application Centre (VAC): Find a VAC near you for application support.
If you require further guidance, consider consulting an authorized immigration consultant or lawyer for personalized advice.
Your future starts here
Maintaining your immigration status is crucial to your studies, work eligibility, and future opportunities in Canada. Always stay informed about study permit regulations, work limitations, and extension deadlines to ensure a smooth study experience at ATC Surrey.
For the latest immigration updates, visit IRCC’s Study Permit Information.
