Frequently Asked Questions
Study Permit
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Do I need to apply for a study permit before study at English Language Centre (ELC)?
Normally studying for less than 6 months does not require a study permit. However, we strongly suggest for you to apply for a study permit before you start especially if you have been accepted into an Ontario Tech or Durham College program. Holding a study permit for your ELC program allows you to renew or change the conditions of your study permit for further studies.
- How do I apply for a study permit?
- How do I apply for a study permit from within Canada?
- What is the difference between study permit and temporary resident visa?
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How long can I study with a study permit?
A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows someone to study in Canada for a specified period of time. You must apply to extend your study permit before it expires if you plan to continue studying in Canada past your study permit date of expiration.
- When should I apply for a study permit extension?
- How can I extend a student permit?
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How much of a gap can I have between by ELC studies and my program studies at the university or college?
The gap should not exceed 150 days. If you begin your program within 150 days after your ELC completion, you should be fine. If you do not begin your program within 150 days, you should do either of the following:
- change your status (that is, change to visitor status or worker status)
- leave Canada
- extend your ELC program
If you do not change your status or leave Canada, you are considered non-compliant with your study permit conditions.
More information can be found on the IRCC website.
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If I intend to apply for another university or college program after ELC, do I need to apply for a study permit?
You are encouraged to apply for a study permit for your ELC studies if you intend to apply for another program afterwards.
- What should I do if I change my school or program?
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I am in Canada as a visitor. I have applied for a study permit from within Canada before the expiry date of my visitor status. Can I begin or continue my study after my study permit submission?
No, you are not authorized to begin or continue your study after you submit your study permit. You must wait for your study permit to be approved.
Travel to Canada
- What documents do I need with me when I travel to Canada (into Pearson)?
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How do I get from the airport to Residence (or to my new home)?
Please check “Transportation” section on our Quarantine Resource Guide. You can also check “Arranging travel to Oshawa” section on our “Arriving in Canada” website.
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Is airport pick up free?
Due to COVID-19, free airport pick up is not available.
Work in Canada
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Can I work off campus while studying at the ELC?
No, you cannot. Regarding work off campus as an international student, please check the IRCC website for more information.
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Can I work on campus while studying at the ELC?
You can if the condition on your study permit allows you to accept on-campus employment. You also need to make sure you meet the requirements on the IRCC website.
- How do I get a SIN card
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How can I get a job on campus?
At Ontario Tech University, there is an on-campus work opportunity named University Works which is designed to help full-time undergraduate students gain useful career-related experiences. As an ELC student, you are not qualified.
Permanent Residence
Contact
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If I have questions that are not listed above, who should I contact?
You can always connect with your International Student Advisor by visiting the International Office website. If you have a question specific to the ELC, you can contact us or ask a question online.