Study Permit Requirements

International students must have a valid status in Canada while studying at BCIT. Most programs require a study permit. For exceptions see the Entrance Requirements page for your program.

International students are required to submit proof of their valid study permit to study at BCIT. Valid study permits designated for secondary school studies may be used to meet the study permit requirements at BCIT.

Getting your study permit

BCIT does not issue study permits; students must apply for a study permit themselves with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) directly using the BCIT Letter of Acceptance or Verification among other documents to apply.

Please see the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada webpage for information on eligibility and how to apply.

Submitting proof of your study permit

The deadline to submit your study permit is 7 days before your program starts. If this day falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the deadline is the next business day.

There are two acceptable options for submitting proof of your study permit, by email or in person.

By email

Create a digital copy by scanning or taking a photo of your original permit and email it as an attachment to statusdoc@bcit.ca from your myBCIT email account. The digital copy must comply with the following criteria:

• • The entire document must be visible
  • It must be clear and legible to read
  • It must not be altered in any way

  In person

  Bring your study permit in person to the International Student Centre at the Burnaby Campus during drop-in hours.

  What to do if:

  Your study permit has expired, or will expire soon

  If your study permit has expired, or will expire before the refund deadline* for your program, you must:

  1. Submit proof your expired study permit and proof that you applied for a study permit extension before your study permit expiration date no later than 7 days before your program start date.
  2. Submit proof of your new study permit as soon as you receive it.

  *Please follow the links below for refund details regarding:

  • Full-time and part-time programs
  • TPP programs

  You will arrive in Canada less than one week before your program starts

  If you will arrive in Canada less than one week before your program starts, then you must upload your Port of Entry Letter of Introduction from Immigration, Refugee & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to your application no later than 7 days before your program starts.

  To upload a document to your application, follow the steps below:

  1. Log in to your myBCIT account
  2. Select “Check Application Status or Upload More Documents”
  3. Select your program
  4. Select “Upload more files”

  Once you arrive in Canada you must submit proof of your study permit before your program start date.

  You miss your study permit submission deadline

  Full-time programs

  If you do not comply with the deadlines stated, you will be withdrawn from the program. Once you are withdrawn, your seat will be given to another student on the waitlist and you will receive a refund of any tuition fees paid. The application fee and commitment fee are non-refundable and non-transferrable unless your study permit application is denied by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and proof is provided.

  If you are unable to meet the deadline(s), notify Admissions immediately at International_Admissions@bcit.ca.

  Part-time programs

  If you cannot comply with the deadlines stated, you may withdraw from your courses according to the Flexible Learning courses refund deadlines.

  You may remain registered in (or register for new) courses that have a later start date.

  If you applied through Admissions and received conditional acceptance, please email International_Admissions@bcit.ca to notify your Admissions Officer about the status of your study permit application and registration.

  Your study permit is denied

  Full-time programs

  If your study permit is denied, please notify your Admissions Officer as soon as possible.

  Your application fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable. However, you can request a full refund of your commitment fee and all tuition fees paid by submitting a scanned copy of the study permit denial letter from Immigration, Refugee & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to International_Admissions@bcit.ca within 60 days of your program start date.

  Please follow the links below for refund deadline details regarding:

  Flexible Learning programs

  Your application fee or declaration fee for a flexible learning program is non-refundable and non-transferrable. However, you can request a full refund of your tuition fees by submitting a scanned copy of the study permit denial letter to international_flex@bcit.ca before the refund deadline for all courses in the term.