Descriptions sorted by Immigration

IRCC publishes processing times for various types of applications. These are estimates and not service guarantees.

If you submitted a study permit renewal application before the expiry date on your old permit, and if you have remained in Canada, you may continue to study and work as authorized by a study permit as usual, even if your current permit has expired while you are waiting. Your Social Insurance Number remains valid.

If you submitted a Co-op Work Permit Application, you can work as authorized by your study permit until you have the work permit.

If you are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, and you submitted your application while you had a valid study permit, then you may be authorized to work without a work permit until you get the decision from IRCC. See the complete eligibility details in the ISSOs PGWP Application Guide.

If you need a new Temporary Resident Visa, then you should remain in Canada until your application is approved and the new visa is inserted into your passport. If you leave Canada, you won’t be able to return without a valid visa. (There is an exception if you have a valid study permit and travel only to the United States.)

The ISSO often recommends that students include additional documents to make their study permit or work permit application clearer or more convincing.

The IRCC online application takes only one PDF document for each “Upload” button. However, you can combine several PDFs into one file and then upload that. If you don’t know how to do this on your computer, there are free websites that offer a “merge PDF” function.

You can also use the “Client Information” line for additional documents. It is most important to include all your documents, without worrying about where they go.

Many Carleton students are able to prepare their own study and work permit applications. IRCC’s online system is easy to use, and the ISSO provides information and support for immigration applications.

If you pay someone to do an immigration application for you, make sure they are an Authorized Representative under Canadian law: a lawyer, paralegal, Quebec notary, or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. These professionals are members of regulatory bodies that work to protect consumers against fraud and unethical practices. You can check if someone is authorized by visiting the Government of Canada law society directory.

An Authorized Representative will always ask you to sign an IMM 5476 Use of Representative form, found on the IRCC site, to include with your application. Using an unauthorized or undeclared representative is illegal and may lead to a refusal of your application.

Applications prepared by Authorized Representatives don’t get faster processing times or other preferential treatment from IRCC.

Learn more about Authorized Representatives from the IRCC’s website.

Still have questions? Connect with us through the ISSO’s Contact Us page!

If you owe money to Carleton, a “financial hold” is placed on your registration documents at Carleton Central. If you are able to pay off the balance, the hold will be released. If you are not able to pay off the balance, and you are facing an immigration deadline such as a study permit expiry date, contact the ISSO. We may be able to facilitate a solution with Student Accounts so that you can submit your application on time.