ISS Power Hour

Friday 10:00 a.m - 11.00 a.m

The ISS POWER HOUR happens every Friday from 10:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m! Join the Power hour and get connected with the entire LUI advising team. Ask questions and stay connected.

Click here to connect.

Virtual Coffee House

Friday 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Our LUI student assistants will be hosting fun and interactive activities, movie and trivia nights, cooking shows, prizes and much more!  We have an amazing online community to keep you connected! We encourage you all to take a break from your online classes and keep engaged.

Click here to join.

Conversation Club

Wednesday 8:30a.m - 9:30 a.m

The Conversation Club is a program designed by the International Student Centre for students to improve their conversational skills in English. It promotes intercultural engagement and gives them the opportunity to meet in small groups, meet new people, practice their English, make friends and add to their co-curricular.

Click here to join.

Peer Mentor Program

Lakehead International’s Peer Mentor program pairs up experienced Lakehead students with a small group of new international students to help ease their transition to Lakehead by orienting them to the resources and services offered by Lakehead University for its students.

The Peer Mentor program also organizes fun online events and activities for all participants. It is a great way to meet new students and learn about your new home.

Yes, you can travel home and complete your semester online. There are travel restrictions and procedures for returning to Canada. Please click here for updated information. You will need a valid TRV (visa in your passport) for returning to Canada.

 If your permit was issued on or before March 18, 2020, you likely can return to Canada. However, the situation can change quickly and there are procedures for returning to Canada. Please click here for updated information. You will need a valid TRV (visa in your passport) for returning to Canada.

 Yes, you can apply for your work permit online from any country. Please click here for more information.

 There are travel restrictions in place however if your permit was issued on or before March 18, 2020, you may be exempt from these restrictions. Please click here for updated information.

 You can request your official transcript to be mailed to you (or to someone in Canada). Your degree requirements met letter is sent by email. Both documents will be available in May after the Senate meets to confirm graduates. Both documents are ordered through your myinfo account. For information on how to apply for the PGWP please click here

 As of now, the Service Canada locations across Canada are closed. Please watch for updates on their website here.

As of now, the Service Canada locations across Canada are closed. You will be issued an extension on the deadline (from 30 days to 90 days) to submit your biometrics with your online application. Please watch for updates on biometric collection by clicking here.

If you have applied abroad and need biometrics, please click here to find the collection centre nearest to you.

The winter 2020 semester ends on April 3. Students can start working right away after this date. There is no limit to where you work in Canada, or hours during your break. You can work full-time until you resume classes, or for graduating students, until you receive your proof of graduation in May (when you should apply for your work permit). 

Although processing is still being done for online applications with IRCC, processing is delayed. Please click here for updated information on processing times by country. 

No, this can vary by country. Please check the online database for centres here.

Yes, please click here for information and instructions for all student-related applications.

Please contact your Embassy in Canada (search on google for office) and ask for information on how to renew your passport abroad. You may be required to travel for the renewal.

IMMIGRATION SUPPORT

(Please click here to know how coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services according to IRCC.)

Immigration Resources Online

Please CLICK HERE to access video tutorials and PDF handouts for help with immigration applications.

Immigration Advising

Lakehead University International is pleased to have a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) certified by ICCRC on staff to assist with your questions and applications pertaining to studying in Canada.

Jennifer Hay, RISIA

International Immigration Advisor

immigration.intl@lakehadu.ca

In addition to the online resources, You are able to attend online immigration workshops, book one-on-one appointments (online), and email requests for information.

Student Regulations

As per Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), study permit holders in Canada are subject to both of the following conditions:

• They shall enroll at a designated learning institution (DLI) and remain enrolled at a DLI until they complete their studies.

• They shall actively pursue their course or program of study.

Please visit this link for details, up to date information regarding rules and regulations for international students from IRCC.

Workshops and Updates

(Join us every Tuesday and Thursday at the live zoom drop in immigration sessions by clicking here.)

The International Immigration Advisor will send monthly updates and workshop schedules to your Lakehead email account. Please ensure you check your email frequently.

WORKING IN CANADA

On-Campus work

(Students who are legally allowed to work part-time can continue working on-campus keeping in mind the safety precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19)

You can work as an international student in Canada if your study permit lists a condition that says you’re allowed to work on- or off-campus.

To work on campus, you must ensure you:

• are a full-time post-secondary student at a:

• public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec

• private college-level school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools, and is at least 50% funded by government grants, or

• Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law

• have a valid study permit, and

• have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

For more details, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-on-campus.html

Off-Campus Work

(Students who are legally allowed to work part-time can continue working off-campus keeping in mind the safety precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19. Though most businesses have temporarily closed down there are still some companies which are hiring. Please take necessary precautions and stay safe while working.)

You can only start working in Canada when your study program has started. You can’t work before you start your studies.

If you’re able to work during your studies, it’ll say so in the conditions on your study permit.

Eligibility requirements

You can work off campus without a work permit if you meet all of these requirements:

• you’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)

• you’re enrolled in

• a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or

• a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)

• your study program

• is at least 6 months long and

• leads to a degree, diploma or certificate

• your study permit says you can work off campus

• you’ve started studying

• you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If you’re a part-time student, You can work off campus only if:

• you meet all of the requirements above and 

• you’re only studying part-time, instead of full-time, because:

• you’re in the last semester of your study program and you don’t need a full course load to complete your program and

• you were a full-time student in your program in Canada, up until your last semester

If you’re on an authorized leave

If you’re on an authorized leave from your studies, or you’re switching schools and you’re not studying, you CANNOT work off campus. You can only return to work once you’re back to studying.

 For more details, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html

Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada

 (As of now, the Service Canada locations where you apply for your SIN number  across Canada are closed. Please watch for updates on their website here)

A SIN is a 9 digit number that the Government of Canada gives you. You need one to work in Canada. 

You may receive your SIN number upon entry at the airport. If not, you can visit the local centre with your study permit and passport.

Thunder Bay Campus: Service Canada, 975 Alloy Drive, Thunder Bay

Orillia Campus: Service Canada, 50 Andrew Street South, Suite 101, Orillia.

To apply for a SIN to work off campus, you must have 1 of these conditions printed on your study permit:

• May work 20 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

• May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.

If your study permit doesn’t have work conditions on it

You can ask to have these conditions added if you’re eligible to work off campus. There’s no fee to add these conditions to your permit.

You’ll need to request an amendment to your study permit before you can apply for a SIN from Service Canada.

Scheduled Breaks

Scheduled breaks are considered when students have a scheduled break from classes. This includes reading weeks, winter holidays and summer break, and the short break between semesters. Students (if meeting all conditions of their stay in Canada) may work full-time during this period.

*Please note Graduate students do not have a summer break. 

*Authorized breaks are different from scheduled breaks. Please note that students who take unscheduled breaks cannot work full-time during this period. 

Please Click here for detailed, up to date information regarding rules and regulations for international students from IRCC.

IN-CANADA APPLICATIONS

(Please click here to know how coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration services. Please refer to the Question on Biometrics if your required to give biometrics as part of your application by clicking here)

Study Permit Extensions

All study permit extensions should be done at least two months before the expiry date. Please note the permit must be extended before any travel visas, so please allow enough time for processing before any travels abroad.  Please visit the Online Resource Centre   for tutorials. You can contact the immigration advisor on-campus if you require any additional assistance.

Co-op Work Permits

Once you have received confirmation you have been approved for co-op through the Student Success Department, you will be issued a letter. This letter is required to apply for your co-op work permit. There is no fee for this permit. Please click here for information on how to apply.

Passport Renewals

Canadian immigration permits cannot be issued past the validity of your passport. If your passport is expiring, we encourage you to start the renewal process early. You can contact your embassy in Canada to find out how to renew your passport in Canada.

Temporary Residency Visa (TRV)/eTA renewals

In order to enter Canada, you must have a valid temporary residency visa (TRV) stamp in your passport, or eTA for applicable countries. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html to see what is required. Your permit does not allow entry to Canada.

If you renew your study permit or change your status to a worker while in Canada, you can renew the TRV for travels after the new permit has been approved. Please click here for help on renewing your visa.

APPLYING FOR YOUR STUDY PERMIT AND VISA

(Some VACs Visa Application centers have temporarily closed or are operating with limited hours and services and this varies from country to country. Check your VAC website before you go. To know more click here)

Congratulations on your acceptance to Lakehead University!

It is now time to apply for your study visa and permit. Study permits are required for any studies more than 6 months in length, click here to know more.

We encourage applicants to submit their study visa and permit applications online through the IRCC website. When you are outside of Canada, the visa and study permit applications are done together. When the application is approved online, you will be sent an approval letter and asked to submit your passport for stamping. You will be issued the actual study permit upon entry. Here are some steps to get you started:

1.   Create an IRCC account. Please log onto the website and open an account to apply:https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html

2.    Gather required documents:

a.     Letter of acceptance

b.     Proof of identity (“international” passport)

c.     Proof of financial support

Other items may also be required, depending on your country of birth.  Please click here for more details.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Conditional Offers

We strongly encourage you to meet all conditions and have an unconditional letter of acceptance before you start the study permit process. This is the best way to ensure your study permit is issued for the correct duration of time and with the correct conditions.

However, we understand due to processing times, you may have to apply for your study permit with a conditional letter. If you decide to use a conditional letter of acceptance, please clearly demonstrate how you are currently working towards the conditions (finishing high school, completing IELTS). You may be issued a one-year study permit with conditions on working while studying if you use a conditional offer. This can be corrected after arrival once conditions are met and you have registered.

Biometrics

(As of now, the Service Canada locations across Canada are closed. You will be issued an extension on the deadline (from 30 days to 90 days) to submit your biometrics with your online application. Please watch for updates on biometric collection by clicking here.If you have applied abroad and need biometrics, please click here to find the collection centre nearest to you)

IRCC is collecting biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) for most applications. You will pay the biometric fee within your application online and will be sent a biometric instruction letter. Please follow the steps on the letter and visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) closest to you for collection. More information can be found by clicking here.

Passport Expiry

You should check the expiry date of your passport before you start the process. A study permit cannot be issued past your passport validity, therefore if your passport is expiring in the next two years, you may want to consider renewing this first. To renew your passport in Canada, most countries require an in-person meeting at the embassy (in Ottawa) which can be costly and time consuming.

Medical Exams

A medical exam could also be required, depending on your country of citizenship and program of study. This request is typically sent (if required) after you apply. Once you submit your online application, you will be sent a request for medical, if it is required. Please follow the instructions in the medical request letter and complete the requirement before the deadline indicated. If you plan to study and work in the health field, we recommend completing the medical before coming to Canada and including this with your study permit application. 

Please click here to find an IRCC doctor close to you.

Co-op work/internships

Co-op is work integrated learning as part of your degree studies. Co-op may be a mandatory component to your program (either undergrad or masters program). Lakehead University will approve co-op positions after your first year of studies. Workshops will be held on-campus for individuals needing to apply for this permit.

Program End Dates

Although your letter of acceptance does not have an end date listed, you will be required to enter this information on your study permit application form. We recommend the following:

Accompanying family members

Dependents (spouse and/or children) of international students in Canada are eligible to visit, study and work while their family member studies. You can include your family members in your original application to come to Canada, or invite them to accompany you after you arrive. More information on family members can be found here.

Processing Times

(Although processing is still being done for online applications with IRCC, processing is delayed. Please click here for updated information on processing times by country)

Once you submit your application, you can track the progress through your IRCC online account. IRCC will send you notifications anytime they make a change. You can check processing times on the main page of the IRCC website:https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html.

Once your application is approved online, you will be sent a notification. It will also ask you to mail your passport or visit the VAC for your passport stamping. You must travel to Canada with the approval message, and your study permit will be issued upon entry.

Questions? Email immigration.intl@lakeheadu.ca

POST-GRADUATE WORK PERMIT (PGWP)

(Please click here to know how coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration applications.)

Be Prepared

Leading into your final semester, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the post-graduate work permit (PGWP) application and next steps.

1. Check your student account balance. You must pay off all outstanding tuition fees to obtain graduation documents. 

2. Check your passport expiry. You cannot obtain a PGWP beyond the duration of your passport. If you expect a three year PGWP, your passport should be valid for 3+ years. Contact your embassy to find out about passport renewal in Canada.

3. Complete your intent to graduate. Emails will be sent from Student Central on graduation formalities and requests will be submitted through myinfo.

4. Complete your courses. Once your final grades have been uploaded, you can request a degree requirements met letter and final transcript for your PGWP. As soon as these documents are issued you should apply for the PGWP.

5. Prepare to apply online. Please click here  for information and resources on how to apply for the work permit.

Applying for the PGWP

Resources:

Click here to access resources related to PGWP.

Please review the IRCC website for detailed information on how to apply, required documents and important details: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html

Please see the attached FAQ here for more information around post-graduation.

Inviting Family to Convocation

(Please click here to know about Restrictions and exemptions for travellers to Canada due to COVID-19)

You are welcome to invite your family to visit for Convocation. Lakehead University does not provide an invitation letter for your family to visit you for convocation.  We encourage you to prepare the invitation letter. Please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/letter-invitation.html to see what details should be included.

Along with this invitation letter, we recommend including a copy of your study permit, passport front page. You can also include your intent to graduate  or RSVP email as well.

Traveling After Graduation

(Please check the travel restrictions of the country you are planning to visit after graduation before proceeding with travel. Please refer to Questions 1 and 2)

Students can travel before or after applying for their PGWP. As soon as you apply for the PGWP in Canada, you have implied status. You must ensure your Canadian TRV or eTA is valid for re-entry into Canada. 

Working After Graduation

 As soon as you submit your PGWP application online in Canada, you can start working full-time anywhere in the country. Please click here to learn more about implied status.

Questions? Email immigration.intl@lakeheadu.ca.

Staying in Canada After Graduation

Permanent Residency

Resources:

Click here to access resources related to Permanent Residency.

Canada has many pathways to permanent residency (PR)  for international student graduates. 

Lakehead University does not provide any advice or assistance with PR matters, however, we are happy to share some information and resources to assist you.

There are many pathways to Permanent residency for our graduates from Lakehead. The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association graciously provides free monthly PR information sessions on-campus (refer to your monthly email from the immigration advisor). We encourage you to attend a session for more information.

Additionally, you can find information on program requirements, costs, selection criteria on each of the websites:

EXPRESS ENTRY (Federal Program)

For information on Express Entry click here

ONIP (Ontario Provincial Nominee Program)

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp

Masters stream:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/oinp-masters-graduate-stream

PhD stream:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/oinp-phd-graduate-stream

RNIP (Thunder Bay program)

https://www.gotothunderbay.ca/en/immigration/rural-northern-immigration.aspx

PNP programs in other provinces

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/works.html

Other resources in the community include:

TBMA - http://thunderbay.org/programs-services/

CEDC - https://www.gotothunderbay.ca/en/index.aspx

**Only designated RCIC Immigration Consultants can provide advice and assistance with PR matters (for a fee). If you decide to use a representative, please ensure they are certified with ICCRC:

https://iccrc-crcic.ca/find-a-professional/. 

EMPLOYMENT AND JOB SEARCHING

National Occupation Classification (NOC) Listing

Most programs for permanent residency require work in the NOC 0, A or B category. Please review the NOC listing and ensure your searching for the right jobs: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/find-national-occupation-code.html.

Job Search Assistance

Please connect with Lakehead University’s Career Zone for employment assistance in job searching, interview practice, resume writing and more: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/students/academic-success/student-success-centre/careerzone

Job bank: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

We understand that this is a difficult situation for our students in terms of finance and are working to come up with a plan to help address students concerns related to financial aid. We recommend our students to explore all options including contacting their respective embassies to find out if any aid is available for them offered by their respective governments through their embassies. We will soon update this page with more information about financial aid.

NOTE: Please note that all Lakehead University International office funding for students who are staying in Thunder Bay will be provided only through the COVID Student Relief Fund of the University.

 All eligible students can apply for the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit(CERB) Program offered by the government of Canada or can apply to the COVID Student Relief Fund offered by Lakehead University here.

UPDATE: Government of Canada has launched the portal to apply for the CERB program.

Canada Emergency Relief Benefit Program:

Workers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents – including temporary foreign workers and international students – may be eligible to receive the Benefit under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program if they meet the eligibility requirements. Please click here to know more.

Update (April 6th):

Government of Canada has launched the portal to apply for the CERB program. Please click here to visit the website. Please note that if you are applying online then you will need to have a CRA account. You can also apply through telephone by calling 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041.

Some of the eligibility criteria to apply for the CERB program are as follows.

• You reside in Canada.

• You have not quit your job voluntarily.

• You have stopped or will stop working for reasons related to covid-19.

• You did not apply for, nor receive, CERB or EI benefits from Service Canada for the same eligibility period

• You earned a minimum of $5,000 income in the last 12 months or in 2019.

To talk to a CRA agent on CERB  call  1-800-959-8281

Whether you apply online or by phone, there are  specific days set up for you to apply. Please use the following guidelines:

STUDY ABROAD AND EXCHANGE PROGRAM

LUI has repatriated all outbound students that wished to return home.  LUI is currently monitoring outbound exchange for future semesters including risk assessment which is country dependent.  Stay tuned to this page for up to date information.

Incoming Exchange Students (Changes due to COVID-19)

We are all facing unprecedented times as the world comes together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, Lakehead University has remained committed to maintaining the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and communities.  While it may not seem clear what the upcoming days and weeks will look like, I want to affirm to you that Lakehead University is here to support you and guide you through it all. Lakehead University's International Enrolment team is developing and launching a series of new tools and ways to engage with our university and to answer your questions.

We are hopeful that the Fall 2020 semester will continue as predicted.  Please feel free to submit. As a result, we are happy to make our application deadline of April 30th flexible.

 Please see the instructions below on how to complete an application to study abroad at Lakehead University:

All inbound exchange students must be nominated to Lakehead University on behalf of their host institutions using the Nomination Form (please contact your home exchange co-ordinator to complete this form).

Incoming Exchange Students from Partner Universities:

Please see the required documentation below:

1. The Incoming Exchange Student Application Form.

2. A copy of your Official Academic Transcripts from your home university.

3. A Letter of Attestation from your university stating that you are proficient in the English language.

All documents and forms should be sent to Laura Pudas, International Student Advisor at studyabroad@lakeheadu.ca

Incoming Fee-Paying Exchange Students (Undergraduate)

Please see the required documentation below:

4. The Incoming Fee Paying Exchange Student Application Form.

5. A copy of your Official Academic Transcripts from your home university.

6. A Letter of Attestation from your university stating that you are proficient in the English language.

All documents and forms should be sent to Laura Pudas, International Student Advisor at studyabroad@lakeheadu.ca

Incoming Fee-Paying Exchange Students (Graduate)

Please see the required documentation below:

7. The Study Abroad Application Form for Graduate Students.

8. Proof of degree.

9. Copies of past Official Academic Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

10. A Letter of Attestation from your university stating that you are proficient in the English language.

All documents and forms should be sent to Laura Pudas, International Student Advisor at studyabroad@lakeheadu.ca

Click here.

Outgoing Exchange Students (Changes due to COVID-19)

Current Accepted Outbound Exchange Students (Fall 2020)

At this time, you have all been contacted about how the COVID-19 global pandemic may potentially impact plans for your upcoming international exchange program.  Although LUI will continue to work with you to plan and prepare for your upcoming Fall 2020 term exchange, we will be holding off on making a formal decision about your eligibility to attend a study abroad program until further notice.  It is our top priority to ensure the safety and health of all students, and at this point in time it is too early to give final approval with the state of things changing so rapidly. We are hoping to re-assess at the end of April, although this deadline is not fixed.

In light of the the reality that things may change and there is a possibility your exchange/co-op may need to be canceled or postponed, please consider the following points:

1. At this time, we will not be encouraging students to book flight tickets until you receive notice of approval from us.  As flight prices can increase, I would recommend taking screenshots of current flight prices for your anticipated dates so we can assess at a later date if we are able to provide financial support to cover the difference in fares.

2. Additionally, I would not encourage anyone to proceed with visa or study permit arrangements until further notice, as this is a financial investment.

3. Depending on how the situation progresses, when course registration opens in June/July I would encourage you all to register for Fall courses as normal so in the event that your semester abroad is postponed/canceled, you do not miss core course requirements.  As registration will not open not for a few months, we will keep you updated on this point.

In the meantime, before waiting for further direction from LUI, I would recommend that all of you monitor the Global Affairs webpage for your host country by clicking here.

You can also reference the Lakehead University website for updates and information bout COVID-19 and additional resources:

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/coronavirus

Laura Pudas (International Student Advisor) will be in touch with each of you individually about this in further detail in the coming weeks.  If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact Laura Pudas (International Student Advisor) at studyabroad@lakeheadu.ca to set up a virtual Zoom appointment.

Prospective Outbound Exchange Students 

As a Lakehead student, you have the opportunity to study, travel and make friends around the world.  Don't miss out on a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn more about yourself, and expand your global perspective.

Please note:  Lakehead University International is still currently accepting applications to study abroad at this time; however, in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are holding off on accepting applicants until we are able to make an informed decision about the continuance of our Study Abroad Program for the 2020-2021 academic year.  We encourage students to continue to apply to study abroad with the understanding that their experience may be cancelled or postponed depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic develops. While we are committed to continuing to provide our students with enriching global experiences, your health and safety is our top priority.

If you are considering participating in a study abroad experience during your time at Lakehead University, the first step is to do some research!   To get started, you can find information about our international partner institutions, how studying abroad works, and answers to frequently asked questions in our Study Abroad Book which can accessed here.

If you would like to apply to study abroad, you can find the application instructions on the link below:

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/exchange/outgoing

If you have questions or want to discuss these opportunities further, do not hesitate to contact Laura Pudas (International Student Advisor) at studyabroad@lakeheadu.ca to set up a virtual Zoom appointment.