Immigration Advising at the GO-ISSO
Our team of licensed immigration advisors is here to support you with your immigration-related needs. Our website has general information and guidance and answers many common questions. However, the best advice for you will depend on your individual situation.
Our immigration advising team members are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). RCICs are licensed to practice by The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
When to Contact Us
We hope you will contact the GO-ISSO if you need help making an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or for questions about your immigration status in Canada. You should definitely contact us in the following situations:
- You need a study permit extension because you won’t finish your program by the completion date on your original admissions letter.
- IRCC has requested additional documents for the application you have submitted.
- Your study permit has expired.
- You want to take a break or are required to take a break from studying (not enrol for one or more terms).
- You are thinking of withdrawing from courses or have received a negative Academic Continuation Evaluation. Please see the GO-ISSO before making registration changes, so we can advise you on possible immigration consequences.
- You are not sure if you can work or how much you can work.
Prepare to Meet an Advisor
Get the most out of your consultation with a GO-ISSO immigration advisor by being prepared to provide information about yourself. The advisor may need to see the following documents. We recommend that you show digital versions, even if you are visiting the GO-ISSO in-person.
- Passport
- Study permit – current and any that have expired
- Work permit – current and any that have expired
- Temporary resident visa
The advisor may also need to see your immigration application materials, screenshots of your application portal, and any communications you have received from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They may ask about your Canadian immigration history, accompanying family members, and your short- and long-term goals related to remaining in Canada.
Your documents will not be shared beyond the GO-ISSO immigration advising team.
You can connect with us in various ways
Members of the GO-ISSO immigration advising team can answer your immigration questions and connect you to services and supports.
Most afternoons Monday to Friday (starting at 1:00 p.m.) an immigration advisor will be available see students on a walk-in basis on the 4th floor of MacOdrum Library. However, to avoid long wait-times, we encourage you use these alternatives.
- Email immigration.advising@carleton.ca. Most questions can be answered quickly and in detail.
- Request a morning appointment with an advisor using our online form. You may indicate your preference for day, time, in-person or Microsoft Teams. We will try to accommodate. Note that there may be more availability for Teams meetings. Appointments are not offered to prospective students or new admissions.
Online Learning Resources
Students may access our online resources at any time. These include detailed application guides and videos. All international students are strongly encouraged to complete the Study Permit Secrets Brightspace course shortly after their arrival at Carleton.
Immigration Information Sessions
Check the GO-ISSO Event Calendar for upcoming information sessions on immigration topics.
While we endeavour to assist with all questions to the extent possible, please see below for a list of items we generally assist with and a list of items that we are not able to provide guidance on.
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Study Permits
- First-time study permit applications for new admissions – information and advice on general principles
- Study permit renewals and changes of conditions
- Temporary Resident Visas
- Conditions of student status
- Authorized work for students
Work and Work Permits
- Co-op work – as of April 1, 2026 study permit holders no longer need co-op work permits
- Post-Graduation Work Permits
- Spousal/Common-Law Partner open work permits
Other Issues
- Replacing lost or stolen immigration documents
- Correcting errors on immigration documents
- Travelling and returning to Canada
We may provide general information and referrals, but no personal support or assessments for the following:
- Canada Permanent Residence programs and Provincial Nominee Programs
- Applications for parents, extended family members, or friends
- Work permits other than co-op work permits and Post-Graduation Work Permits
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- Influencing processing times or otherwise contacting IRCC on a student’s behalf
- Immigration to countries other than Canada
- Income tax — Find resources on the GO-ISSO’s Filing Taxes web page
- Starting a business in Canada
- Refugee claims
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact our GO-ISSO immigration advisors at immigration.advising@carleton.ca.
Please note that immigration support provided by Carleton’s licenced Immigration Advisors is for information purposes only, and does not establish a client-representative relationship.