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 As you approach the end of your program, you may start thinking about your future plans. Are you considering returning to your home country? Pursuing further education? Or embarking on your career in Canada? Here are some things to keep in mind for your next steps.

Apply to graduate

If you will be completing your UVic program in the next year, familiarize yourself with the undergraduate or graduate graduation and convocation timelines.

Immigration status after program completion

As a temporary resident in Canada, you should also be aware of how to maintain valid immigration status. Your study permit will become invalid or the expiry date printed on your permit, whichever comes first.

Inviting international convocation guests

If you are inviting international guests to attend your convocation ceremony, they may need either a  or an  to enter Canada, depending on their country of citizenship. Please check the  to determine if they require a TRV or an eTA. It will be important for your guests to consider and apply well in advance.

To support your guests’ visa applications, you can provide them with:

• • an invitation letter from UVic: request an invitation letter for international convocation guests
  • an invitation letter from you: refer to the IRCC website for 
  • proof of your status in Canada (e.g. a copy of your valid study permit)

Your guests should include all of the above items with their visa applications.

Continuing your studies in Canada

If you wish to further your education in Canada after you complete your degree at UVic, you must maintain a valid study permit and continue complying with your study permit conditions.

Study permit conditions

If your study permit is still valid and you will pursue further studies at UVic, you can continue using the same study permit. However, if you will be studying at another institution, you must apply for a new study permit.

Working between programs

Your study permit allows you to work full time between two programs of study if you meet all of the following requirements:

• you meet the in your current program,
• your study permit is valid (or you applied to extend it before it expired) and includes a condition stating you may work off campus,
• you have received written confirmation of program completion from your current institution,
• you have been issued a letter of acceptance to a subsequent full-time degree, diploma or certificate program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and
• your new program will start within 150 days of when you received your final grades from your current program.

Working after graduation

Depending on your situation, you may be able to work in Canada after you graduate from UVic.

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

After completing your program of study at UVic, you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) and stay in Canada to work for up to 3 years. To learn more, visit our working in Canada page.

Other work permits

If you are not eligible for a PGWP, you might consider other work permit types; however, this will depend on whether you meet the eligibility criteria for another type of work permit. 

Please note that International Student Advisers at UVic are not able to provide advice on work permits that are not related to your student status. Please visit the IRCC website for more information on , and if you have questions or need support.

Working in Canada: Resources

As you transition from school to workplace, you may continue to access career support from UVic Career Services.

• Visit the UVic Career Services events page or log in to for event information
• Book an appointment with the Alumni Career Educator for one-on-one career support

You can also view a recording of our most recent Career Tips for International Students session (offered in collaboration with UVic Career Services) on our Working in Canada page.

Health insurance and SIN

If you will stay in Canada to study or work after completing your program, you will need to maintain valid health insurance, as well as a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Updating your BC MSP

If you will stay in British Columbia after completing your UVic program, you will need to maintain your BC Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) coverage. Your BC MSP will expire with your study permit, so if you are extending your study permit or applying for a work permit, you will also need to extend your BC MSP.

Please note: Study permit holders are assessed a monthly international student health fee for BC MSP. This fee does not apply to work permit holders.

For more information:

If you are leaving BC permanently, remember to .

Updating your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You will also need to maintain your SIN if you will stay in Canada to study or work. Your SIN will expire with your study permit, so after you have received your extended study permit or your work permit, you should update your SIN record.

For more information:

• Social Insurance Number: Once you have a SIN

Community resources

As you transition to working in Canada, you may be eligible to access certain settlement and employment services through community organizations, including:

Becoming a Permanent Resident (PR)

There are many pathways to Permanent Residence (PR), and the right program will depend on your individual circumstances. You can begin learning about these programs by reviewing the following:

• • Use the IRCC  and the  to explore and assess your eligibility based on your circumstances
  • Watch IRCC's and attend a  to ask general questions

If you need additional support, you may consider hiring an .

Please note that International Student Advisers at UVic are not able to provide advice on permanent residence. However, we regularly invite subject matter experts to provide information sessions for UVic students on permanent residence programs in Canada.

For information about upcoming permanent residence sessions:

• Subscribe to the International Current newsletter
• Visit our Upcoming events page

Returning home

Returning home can be both exciting and challenging. Every student will experience returning home differently. Here are some resources to keep you on track when preparing to leave UVic, BC, and/or Canada permanently.

Departure Checklist

• Prepare to move out of your housing:
  • Cancel utilities, internet, streaming services, and any other services connected to your Canadian address
  • Donate or recycle household items you no longer need:
    • Donate to the UVSS food bank and free store
    • Visit the website for information on other options to recycle or donate items
• Contact your Canadian bank to close your account(s)
• Plan to file your taxes the year after leaving Canada, if required:
  • For information about your tax obligations after leaving Canada, visit the website
  • to notify them of the date you will leave Canada, and to ask questions about filing taxes and receiving refunds outside Canada
  • Contact your employer(s) to request that your T4 and any other tax filing documents be sent to you electronically
• Obtain medical records for any doctor visits, medications prescribed or vaccines taken during your time in Canada
• Make time to connect with friends and colleagues before you leave
  • Consider writing thank-you cards or letters to professors or others who have had a positive impact on your time in Canada
• Visit your favourite places in BC one last time
• Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs for your friends and family back home!

Additional items if you have children:

• If applicable, provide proper notice to your childcare provider of your upcoming departure, as per your provider’s policies
• If your children are school-aged, request their education records from the school
• Talk to your children about going back home, and support them during the transition
• Make time for your children to say goodbye to friends and teachers

Staying connected to UVic

You may be graduating and moving on, but you will always be part of the UVic community.

Stay connected to UVic through:

• UVic Alumni Relations
• The UVic Alumni Association
• Career support for alumni

Legal notice

Immigration information on this page has been reviewed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors in compliance with the Government of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Information can change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the following websites: