International Students Support

Elevare™ Career Institute aims to provide comprehensive support for our international student community. Here, you will find important information about housing, medical insurance, immigration, and more.

As an international student, you need several documents to study in Canada. It is your responsibility to keep your immigration status up to date and follow immigration rules throughout your time in Canada.

We work hard to provide the latest information; however, for the most accurate details, please visit the IRCC website or call IRCC Client Support at 1-888-242-2100.

  1. Check Your Eligibility
    • Submit your application before your current permit expires.
    • Be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
    • Demonstrate that you are enrolled at Elevare™ Career Institute and actively engaged in your studies.
    • Provide proof that you have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses until graduation.
  2. Gather Required Documents
    • A valid passport
    • Verification of your enrollment from Elevare™ Career Institute
    • An academic transcript
    • Proof of financial funds to support your extended stay
    • Your current study permit
    • A digital photo
    • A letter of explanation detailing why you are seeking an extension
  3. Create an Online Account with IRCC

    Visit the IRCC website to create an online account, or log in if you already have one. An authorized agent may also assist you. Your account lets you submit your application, communicate with IRCC, and track its status.

  4. Submit Your Application

    Once all forms are completed and documents gathered, submit your application through the IRCC online portal. Remember to keep a copy for your records.

Key Tips:

  • Apply early: Submit your application well before your permit expires.
  • Keep documents current: Outdated or incomplete documents may delay or jeopardize your application.
  • Status maintained: Applying before your current permit expires ensures you maintain legal status in Canada while awaiting a decision.

When you apply for a study permit extension at the same Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and at the same level of study, you are exempt from submitting a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).

What This Means: If your circumstances remain unchanged—meaning you continue your studies at Elevare™ Career Institute without changing programs or institutions—your extension application does not require a PAL. Instead, you can simply provide proof of your continued enrollment and compliance with IRCC requirements.

However, if you are:

  • Changing your level of study, or
  • Switching institutions, or
  • Have previously changed institutions without informing IRCC,

then a PAL might be required to support your extension application. If you're unsure, please contact us at [email protected] or refer to the latest guidelines on the IRCC website.

[Today’s Date]

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Dear Officer,

My name is [Your Name], and I am currently studying [Your Program] at Elevare™ Career Institute, located in Kelowna, BC. I am applying for an extension of my study permit because I require an additional semester to complete my program, as stated in my Verification of Enrolment from Elevare™ Career Institute.

Please find attached the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Verification of enrollment from Elevare™ Career Institute
- Academic transcript
- Proof of funds demonstrating my ability to support myself during the extended period
- My current study permit
- A letter explaining the reason for my extension

Feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Hand-written Signature]
[Your Full Name]
            

As an international student, you may work in Canada while studying and even after graduation. With a valid study permit, you can work on-campus or off-campus without a separate work permit—provided you meet the requirements. Post-graduation, you may also apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). For further details, please refer to the IRCC website.

Off-Campus Employment Requirements

  • Have a valid study permit
  • Be a full-time student at a designated learning institution
  • Have commenced your studies
  • Be enrolled in a program lasting at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
  • Possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Note: International students cannot work off-campus if they are enrolled in an ESL/FSL program or are visiting/exchange students without a study permit.

On-Campus Employment

Elevare™ Career Institute does not offer student employment at this time. For additional information, please visit the IRCC website.

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required to work in Canada and access government services and benefits. It enables employers to manage payroll and report your earnings to the Canada Revenue Agency.

How to Obtain a SIN

International students can obtain a SIN by presenting their original passport, study permit, and a full-time enrollment letter from Elevare™ Career Institute at any Service Canada location. For more details, please visit the Service Canada website.

Co-operative education programs offer students the chance to complement academic learning with practical work experience. Elevare™ Career Institute does not offer a co-op program. For information on co-op work permit requirements, please visit the IRCC website.

It is essential to keep your important documents secure while studying at Elevare™ Career Institute. If you lose or have your documents stolen, replace them as soon as possible.

Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, act immediately to replace it. Contact the Embassy or High Commission of your home country in Canada to understand the necessary steps. Obtain a new passport before replacing any Canadian permits or applying for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if applicable.

Other Documents

If you lose other important documents, such as study or work permits, request a replacement from IRCC. Follow the guidelines on the IRCC website and submit your application along with the $30 processing fee receipt. While awaiting your replacement, you may continue to study and work as allowed by your current permit; however, do not leave Canada until you receive the new document.

Disclaimer: This document is not legally binding. Information provided is subject to change without notice. For the latest updates, please refer to the IRCC website.

Medical costs in British Columbia can be very high and can add up quickly due to unexpected events. Elevare™ Career Institute requires that all international students have valid medical coverage for the duration of their studies. Students should enroll in a medical/healthcare plan until or unless the student confirms that they have valid BC medical coverage.

Our institute partners with Murrick Insurance's Langley office to offer this optional coverage for you. Please reach out to our appointed insurance broker, Sarah, at [email protected] or call her at (604) 882-3688 on extension 212. It is strongly recommended that you are fully aware the coverage and the claim process of your medical insurance. Our designated insurance broker will be able to assist you.

British Columbia's Medical Service Plan (MSP) is mandatory for all B.C. residents living in the province for six months or longer with a valid study permit. Students should apply for MSP soon after arriving in B.C. For details on MSP benefits, visit this page.

Please note that MSP does not include extended health and dental benefits.

Eligibility and Enrollment

International students with a valid study permit for six months or longer are eligible for MSP. There is a three‐month waiting period for coverage. For example, if you arrive on August 15, your coverage begins on November 1. Apply online upon arrival and allow 21 business days for processing and mailing of your BC Medical card.

Cost

MSP costs $75 per month, billed by Revenue Services.

Opt-out

There is no option to opt out of MSP for residents staying in B.C. for six months or more. Students leaving B.C. for over six months should contact MSP regarding their eligibility or cancellation. For more details, visit this page.

Additional Information

How to Obtain a Card: Your BC Medical card will be mailed one month after your application. Keep your address updated with MSP.
Dependents: You can add dependents during your MSP application with supporting documents.
How to Make a Claim: Claims are handled directly with your healthcare provider.
Contacting MSP: For assistance, call Health Insurance B.C. at 1-800-663-7100 or Revenue Services of British Columbia at 1-877-405-4909 (toll-free).

In British Columbia, there are two main options for healthcare when you become sick: visiting a doctor or going to the hospital. Always bring your medical insurance card (MSP or otherwise) when seeking care.

Seeing a Doctor

For minor health issues or injuries, visit a walk-in clinic—no appointment is necessary. Check the clinic’s hours before you go, as they may vary. Use Medimap or Google Maps (search “walk-in clinic”) to locate nearby clinics. If you do not have MSP, you may need to pay upfront; be sure to request a detailed receipt for reimbursement.

Going to the Hospital

Go to the hospital only in emergencies or when urgent care is required and walk-in clinics are closed. If you have third-party insurance, verify payment procedures with hospital staff. Without MSP, you may be charged a non-resident fee. If you have MSP, present your BC Services Card so charges are billed directly to MSP.

Kelowna General Hospital is the closest hospital in the area.