Immigration

Apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using official instructions. UAlberta provides study-permit information and may provide tools or supports for admitted degree-seeking students, but the application itself is an IRCC process.

SourcesImmigration resources - UAlberta

Yes. ISVS has licensed immigration specialists and advisors who support UAlberta international students with immigration-related questions and referrals. Use ISVS instead of relying on unofficial WhatsApp, Reddit, TikTok, or country group advice for high-stakes questions.

SourcesISVS homeContact ISVS

Be suspicious of calls, texts, emails, or social media messages claiming to be from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Revenue Agency, police, a delivery company, or a bank if they threaten arrest, deportation, account closure, or immediate penalties. Real government offices do not demand urgent payment by cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfer, or casual e-transfer. Hang up, do not click links, and contact International Student and Visitor Services (ISVS), UAlberta Protective Services, your bank, or the official agency contact page if you are unsure.

SourcesImmigration fraud and scams - IRCCCRA scams and fraud

IRCC says you should apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. If your passport expires soon, renew the passport first when possible, because IRCC will not issue a study permit beyond your passport validity.

SourcesStudy permit extension - IRCC

If you applied for the extension before your current permit expired and you remain in Canada, IRCC generally allows you to keep studying under the same conditions while the application is in process (maintained status).

SourcesStudy permit extension - IRCCContact ISVS

IRCC rules can shorten how long your study permit remains valid after program completion. If you finish earlier, check IRCC rules and speak with ISVS before assuming you can remain in Canada until the printed expiry date.

SourcesStudy permit extension - IRCC

UAlberta notes that part-time study or withdrawals during regular terms can affect Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility, except in limited situations such as a final term. Speak with your faculty and ISVS before changing registration.

SourcesImmigration resources - UAlberta

Read the refusal letter carefully, do not immediately reuse the same documents, and contact UAlberta/ISVS if you are an admitted student. You may need to understand the refusal reasons, deadlines, whether a deferral is possible, and whether reapplication or other options are appropriate.

SourcesContact ISVS

No. A study permit authorizes study in Canada. A temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a travel document that helps you enter Canada. Some students need both a valid study permit and a valid entry document. Check IRCC rules for your passport country before leaving Canada and before re-entering.

SourcesImmigration resources - UAlberta

Start planning early because family members may need their own visitor, study, or work documents, and you may need additional proof of funds, relationship documents, housing planning, school or childcare planning, and health-insurance planning. Some spouses or common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit, but eligibility is limited by current IRCC rules and your program type, so check IRCC and speak with ISVS before making work or travel assumptions.

SourcesBringing family - UAlbertaSpouse or common-law partner work permit - IRCC

Start in your first year, not your last month. PGWP eligibility can be affected by full-time status, program completion, timing, previous PGWP use, leave periods, and application deadlines.

SourcesImmigration resources - UAlberta

Extend your study permit first if you need more time to study in Canada. Your permit authorizes your studies; your temporary resident visa (TRV) is a travel document. A permit extension does not automatically renew your TRV. Once IRCC approves the extension, apply separately for a new TRV if you need one for travel.

1. 01Start early: follow IRCC's instruction to apply at least 30 days before expiry. Check passport validity.
2. 02Request a current enrolment letter; gather your passport, permit, financial evidence and documents from your personalized checklist.
3. 03Apply through the IRCC secure account, upload the enrolment letter in the acceptance-letter slot, pay and save the submission confirmation.
4. 04After approval, use IRCC's in-Canada visitor-visa process if needed. Proof of approval can be used before the paper permit arrives.

SourcesExtend your study permit: How to applyExtend your study permit: When to applyVisitor visas for workers and students in Canada

If you did not apply before expiry, you generally lose student status and must stop studying. Contact an international student advisor promptly about restoration and a new permit. A late application does not give you the same rights as a timely extension application.

1. 01Record the expiry date and contact International Student Services immediately.
2. 02Check restoration eligibility and the applicable deadline with an authorized advisor.
3. 03If eligible, apply for restoration and a new study permit with the required explanation, documents and fees.
4. 04Resume studying only after status is restored and you receive your new permit.

SourcesExpired study permits and restorationExtend your study permit: When to apply

If you were working while waiting for your PGWP, stop working on the day IRCC notifies you of the refusal unless you have separate valid authorization. Save the refusal letter and seek immigration advice immediately. Your next step depends on the refusal reason, your status and whether you still meet the application deadlines.

1. 01Save the refusal decision, notification date and a complete copy of your original application.
2. 02Ask an authorized immigration professional to review your study history, completion date, language evidence and the officer's reasons.
3. 03Discuss reconsideration for an identifiable error, a corrected new application if still eligible, and any status-restoration or departure requirements.
4. 04If a court challenge may be appropriate, consult an immigration lawyer promptly; judicial-review deadlines are short.

SourcesPGWP: After you applyPGWP: Who can applyHelp after a temporary residence refusal

You can ask IRCC to reconsider an identifiable error, but reopening a refused application is discretionary. Being eligible does not guarantee reconsideration or approval. Have an authorized immigration professional review the refusal, then send a focused request through the IRCC web form with evidence addressing the specific error.

1. 01Identify each refusal reason and explain exactly what was misunderstood or overlooked, referring to the rules applicable to your application.
2. 02Prepare a letter headed 'Request for reconsideration — PGWP' with your name, UCI, application number, refusal date and the decision you want reviewed.
3. 03Attach the refusal letter and relevant evidence, such as transcripts, an enrolment/completion letter, approved-leave evidence or proof a document was originally submitted.
4. 04Use the web form's application/document-update route, identify Temporary Residence and the work-permit application, and save the acknowledgement.

SourcesIRCC web formHelp after a temporary residence refusalPGWP: After you apply

Alberta's PNP is called the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Start with its Eligibility Explorer and the rules for your possible stream. For worker streams, you must submit a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) and receive an invitation before submitting a nomination application.

1. 01Review AAIP streams and confirm you meet at least one stream's eligibility requirements.
2. 02Create or use your own Alberta.ca Account and enter the AAIP portal through the official application page.
3. 03Complete the WEOI accurately and pay the current fee: CAD 135 as checked on September 6, 2026.
4. 04Keep the profile updated. If invited, follow the invitation deadlines, document checklist and separate application-fee instructions.
5. 05If nominated, complete the appropriate federal permanent-residence application.

SourcesAlberta Advantage Immigration ProgramHow to apply to AAIP worker streamsAAIP learning resources

Possibly. PGWP holders need an eligible Alberta credential, qualifying full-time Alberta employment and job offer, a job related to their Alberta field of study, and the required language results. They generally need at least six months of qualifying full-time work in their current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months.

1. 01Check that your credential and PGWP meet the stream's requirements.
2. 02Match your actual duties to the NOC occupation and check occupation exclusions.
3. 03Check your work history, job offer, language test and any licensing requirements against the current eligibility page.
4. 04If eligible, follow the WEOI and invitation process.

SourcesAlberta Opportunity Stream eligibilityHow to apply to AAIP worker streams