Apprenticeship Training for International Students

Apprenticeship training may be available to eligible international students under a temporary public policy. Review the eligibility requirements, international tuition, course offerings, and application steps before applying.

• Temporary policy
• Apply for apprenticeship courses
• Apprenticeship course fees and availability

Apprenticeship training for work permit holders who qualify under the temporary public policy

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a temporary public policy which allows eligible foreign workers to study without a study permit. This policy helps meet labour shortages while creating stronger pathways to permanent residence for workers who contribute to Canada’s economy. For more information, please visit the IRCC webpage: Temporary public policy to allow foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit.

According to the above-mentioned public policy, work permit holders can register for eligible apprenticeship training at VCC. Before applying, you must review the following information to determine your registration eligibility. By continuing with the application process, you confirm that you have read and acknowledged the statements outlined:

1. Eligible work permit holders can study without obtaining a valid study permit as per the temporary public policy announced on September 9, 2026.
2. This public policy came into effect on September 9, 2026, and will expire on December 31, 2027. IRCC can also revoke the public policy at any time without prior notice.
3. If you cannot complete the program before the expiry date on your work permit or December 31, 2027(the date this public policy expires), whichever is sooner, you will need to stop your studies until you have another valid permit or authorization to continue studying.
4. You are responsible for confirming your immigration eligibility to enroll in the Apprenticeship Training program(s) according to your current immigration status. Should you have questions about your immigration status, you may contact IRCC by phone at 1-888-242-2100 or by using the online IRCC Web Form.
5. Vancouver Community College will not be held responsible should you not be compliant with your immigration status.

Applying for apprenticeship training

To inquire about registration and obtain an application form, please email [email protected] with the following details:

• Your full name and VCC ID (if applicable)
• The apprenticeship course you are interested in
• The course start and end dates
• A copy of your valid work permit
• SkilledTrades BC Number (required for any Apprenticeship Training courses at VCC)

Important notes:

• VCC does not issue a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for study permit applications related to apprenticeship courses.
• Your work permit must remain valid for the entire duration of the course.
• If you plan to study in apprenticeship courses for more than six months, you will need to wait until you obtain Permanent Residency or Canadian Citizenship to qualify as a domestic student.
• Space in apprenticeship courses is limited and not guaranteed.

Apprenticeship courses

The international tuition and fees estimated below are based on the 2026-27 tuition rates.  Fees are in Canadian dollars and are approximate and subject to change without notice.