Vancouver Community College Logo
International Education

Frequently Asked Questions for VCC International Students

Below are answers to some of the questions we receive most often from international students at Vancouver Community College (VCC).

1. I have just arrived in Canada. What should I do?

Welcome to VCC!

Before your classes begin, make sure you:

Ready to start at VCC? Here is what you should do next. 

Learn more: New Student Resources

 

2. When will I receive my Program Completion Letter and Electronic Transcript?

After you complete your program and all final grades have been submitted, VCC will conduct a graduation audit. Depending on your program, you may also need to apply to graduate.

The graduation audit can take up to six (6) weeks.
Once your credential has been awarded, the International Education Office will email you:

  • VCC Program Completion Letter
  • VCC Electronic Transcript (with confirmation of graduation)

These documents are required if you plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more: PGWP - VCC Documents, Graduation, and Application Timeline

 

3. When is VCC Convocation?

Convocation ceremonies are usually held twice a year. Visit the VCC Convocation webpage for upcoming ceremony dates, eligibility requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions.

If you have additional questions, email convocation@vcc.ca.

Learn more: VCC Convocation

 

4. How do I invite my family to visit Canada or attend my Convocation ceremony?

If your family or friends wish to visit you in Canada, they may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their citizenship.

Please note that VCC does not issue invitation letters for visitor visa applications. You are responsible for preparing your own invitation letter.

To support your invitation, you may request a Confirmation of Enrolment Letter from VCC by completing and signing the Confirmation of Enrolment Request Form and uploading it through myVCC.

If your guests are visiting Canada specifically to attend your Convocation ceremony, VCC also does not provide invitation letters. You should prepare your own invitation letter and include documents that demonstrate your connection to VCC, such as:

  • If you have not yet graduated: your Confirmation of Enrolment Letter, which confirms your expected program completion date.
  • If you have graduated: your Program Completion Letter, which confirms that you have completed your program.

You may also include information about the expected Convocation ceremony date. Details about ceremony dates and eligibility are available on the VCC Convocation webpage.

Learn more:

 

5. How do I extend my study permit?

To apply for a study permit extension, you will need a Study Permit Extension Support Letter from the International Education Office. To request this letter, complete and sign the Study Permit Extension Support Letter Request Form and upload it through myVCC.

Learn more: Study Permit - How to Apply for a Study Permit

 

6. Should I renew my passport before extending my study permit?

Yes. If your passport will expire soon or before the expected end date of your studies, you should renew it before applying to extend your study permit whenever possible.

IRCC generally cannot issue a study permit beyond the expiry date of your passport. Renewing your passport before submitting your study permit extension application may allow you to receive a study permit that is valid for the full length of your remaining studies.

If you are unable to renew your passport before you need to apply for a study permit extension, contact an International Student Immigration Advisor to discuss your options.

Learn more: Foreign Representatives in Canada: Consular Offices' Addresses

 

7. Can I continue studying and working while waiting for my study permit extension?

If you apply to extend your study permit from inside Canada before your current permit expires, you may have maintained status in Canada. Maintained status means you may continue studying and working under the same conditions as your previous study permit while IRCC processes your application, as long as you remain in Canada.

Your eligibility to continue working depends on whether you continue to meet the conditions of your previous study permit and IRCC requirements.

If your study permit has already expired and you did not apply before the expiry date, your options may be limited. Contact an International Student Immigration Advisor as soon as possible.

Learn more:

 

8. How do I apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa, allows you to travel to Canada if you are from a country that requires a visa. If your TRV has expired and you plan to travel outside Canada and return, you may need to apply for a new TRV before you travel.

As part of your TRV application, you may need supporting documents from VCC, such as a:

Make sure to review the requirements on the IRCC website before submitting your application.

Learn more: Visa to Enter Canada - eTA and TRV

 

9. What documents should I bring when returning to Canada after travelling abroad?

Before returning to Canada, make sure you travel with:

  • a valid passport
  • a valid study permit
  • a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA (if required)
  • a Confirmation of Enrolment Letter (recommended)
  • your class schedule and unofficial transcript from myVCC (recommended)

Border Services Officers determine admissibility when you enter Canada and may ask to see proof that you are continuing your studies.

Learn more: Entering Canada

 

10. I changed my address. Do I need to update IRCC and myVCC?

Yes. If you have an application in progress with IRCC or your contact information has changed, you should update your address with IRCC as soon as possible by submitting an IRCC Web form. Keeping your contact information up to date helps ensure you receive important correspondence about your application and any immigration documents issued by IRCC.

You should also update your contact information in your myVCC account as soon as possible to ensure VCC can contact you with important information about your studies.

Learn more:

 

11. Can I work after I finish my program but before I apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

It depends on where you are in the graduation process.

  1. Before you receive your Program Completion Letter, you are still considered a VCC international student. You may be able to work on-campus and work off-campus as long as you have had work eligibility while studying and you have a valid study permit. 
  2. Once you receive your Program Completion Letter, you must stop working immediately. You are no longer authorized to continue to work in Canada, as you no longer meet the eligibility criteria as a study permit holder under paragraph R186(v). 
  3. After you receive your Program Completion Letter and submit your PGWP application within 90 days, you may be able to start working full-time if you meet all the eligibility criteria:
    • had a valid study permit at the time of the PGWP application submission,
    • had completed your program of study,
    • were eligible to work off-campus without a work permit , and
    • did not work off-campus for more than 24 hours a week during academic sessions (unless meeting the IRCC temporary policy that allowed some international students to work more than 20 hours per week between November 15, 2022, and April 30, 2024).

To help avoid a gap in your work authorization, prepare your PGWP application in advance and ensure your study permit remains valid during your graduation period. Submit your application as soon as your Program Completion Letter and Electronic Transcript become available.

Learn more: Post-Graduation Work Permit

 

12. Do I need Medical Services Plan (MSP)? Do I need private medical insurance?

Yes. Most international students who live in British Columbia for six months or longer are required to apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP).

MSP provides coverage for medically necessary services, such as visits to a doctor or hospital care. However, MSP does not cover all health-related expenses, such as prescription medications, dental care, or vision care.

Because MSP coverage does not begin immediately after arrival, VCC automatically enrolls eligible new international students in temporary private medical insurance for their first 90 days in Canada. This ensures you have health coverage while waiting for MSP coverage to begin.

In addition to MSP and temporary medical insurance, most eligible international students are automatically enrolled in the Students’ Union extended health and dental plan, which provides additional coverage for services not covered by MSP.

Learn more:

 

13. What is considered full-time studies at VCC?

International students are responsible for maintaining full-time enrolment unless they qualify for an authorized exception.

Learn more about VCC's full-time enrolment requirements on our Immigration Considerations for International Students page.

Learn more: Immigration Considerations for International Students

 

14. Can I take courses during a scheduled break?

Possibly. Before registering for courses during a scheduled break, speak with your program department and the International Education Office to ensure that additional course(s) will not affect your program progression or immigration status.

If you have questions about how course registration may affect your study permit conditions, book an appointment with an International Student Immigration Advisor.

Learn more: Full-Time or Part-Time Course Load During a Regular Scheduled Break

 

15. When will I receive my schedule for the next term?

Continuing students who are eligible to continue their program will either be registered into classes by VCC or receive instructions to register themselves, depending on their program of study.

After registration is complete, you can view your class schedule in your myVCC account.

Students with outstanding holds or who are not eligible to continue may need to resolve these issues before registration can be completed.

Student Accounts will email you information about your tuition balance and payment deadline once registration is complete.

Learn more: Course Registration

 

16. What happens if I drop or withdraw from a course?

Dropping or withdrawing from a course may have academic, financial, and immigration consequences. Depending on your situation, it may affect:

  • Your full-time enrolment status at VCC.
  • Your eligibility to work in Canada.
  • Your future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.
  • Your academic progression.
  • Your eligibility for a tuition refund, depending on when you withdraw and your program’s refund policy.

Before dropping or withdrawing from a course, speak with your department to understand the academic and financial implications. You should also consult an International Student Immigration Advisor to discuss how the change may affect your immigration status and future PGWP eligibility.

Learn more: Withdrawal and Refunds

 

17. Can I take a leave from my studies?

Taking a leave from your studies may have academic and immigration implications.

International students are expected to follow the study schedule outlined for their program at VCC. Changes such as taking an unauthorized leave, becoming a part-time student, creating an unscheduled gap in studies, or not following a scheduled break may affect your:

In limited and extenuating circumstances, international students may request an official leave from studies if they have appropriate supporting documentation. Approval of a leave request is determined according to VCC policies and does not automatically guarantee that there will be no impact on your academic or immigration status. Before requesting a leave or making changes to your study schedule, consult an International Student Immigration Advisor to understand the potential academic and immigration consequences.

Learn more: International Advising

 

18. Do international students need to file a Canadian income tax return?

Many international students may be eligible or required to file an annual Canadian income tax return, depending on their individual circumstances.

Filing a tax return may allow you to claim eligible tax credits or receive government benefits.

Common tax documents you may need include:

  • T2202 – Tuition and Education Credit Certificate: Issued by Vancouver Community College (VCC) and available through your myVCC account around late February. This form shows eligible tuition fees paid during the tax year.
  • T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid: Issued by your employer and shows employment income and deductions.
  • Other tax slips: For example, bank interest statements or investment income slips, if applicable.

If you are required or choose to file a tax return, you should keep your tax documents for your records.

Learn more:

 

19. Where do I get my VCC Student ID?

VCC Student ID cards are issued by the Registrar’s Office.

For new international students, the International Education office also offers Student ID card services during International Student Orientation.

To get your Student ID, please bring a government-issued photo ID and your VCC student number.

Learn more: VCC Photo ID

 

20. What is the U-Pass BC Program? How do I activate my U-Pass?

The U-Pass BC program provides eligible students with affordable and convenient access to unlimited public transit across the Metro Vancouver region.

To use your U-Pass BC, you must purchase a Compass Card and link it to your U-Pass BC account. Visit the U-Pass BC website and follow the instructions to sign in, link your Compass Card, and activate your pass.

Learn more:

 

21. How do I book an appointment with an International Student Immigration Advisor?

International Student Immigration Advisors provide support and guidance on Canadian immigration matters related to your studies, including:

  • Study permits and study permit extensions.
  • Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).
  • Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs).
  • Working while studying.
  • Maintaining your immigration status.
  • Other IRCC-related questions.

To book an appointment, visit the International Advising page on the VCC website and follow the instructions to access advising services. If you are unsure whether you need an appointment or which service is right for you, contact the International Education Office for assistance.

Learn more: International Advising