Victoria, BC
Tofino, BC
Victoria, BC

International Students

Canada Student Visas

International players can apply for an international student visa if enrolled in one of Westcastle International Academy’s full-time academic pathways. International players are required to be enrolled in the University of Victoria’s Diploma or ESL programs to participate in the academy program.

Please be aware that information can change without notice. For the most current information, always refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

The information below is specific to Canadian immigration documents. If you plan to visit other countries, either on your way to Canada or during your time at UVic, you should connect with the appropriate representative of that country to inquire about the necessary immigration documents.

Since you will also be attending the University of Victoria, UVIC provides additional immigration information for the campus community at www.uvic.ca/immigration.

Do I need a study permit?

Most international students need to obtain a study permit before beginning their studies in Canada.

Visit the IRCC website to determine if you need a study permit.

Even if you don’t need a study permit, we recommend that you apply for one. It will make things much easier if you want to work on campus or extend your studies in Canada.

How do I apply for a study permit? I am outside Canada.

Detailed instructions and application requirements are available on the IRCC website. Check current processing times.

The application process for a study permit can take weeks or even months, so it is important to apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance (i.e., admission and study permit information emails) from UVic.

When your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction confirming the approval. This letter is not a study permit. It is proof that your study permit application was approved, and it authorizes a study permit to be issued at any Canadian port of entry.

Unless you are a citizen of the United States, Greenland, or St. Pierre and Miquelon you must not travel to Canada until you have obtained your letter of introduction.

Will I need an entry document?

Canada has two types of entry documents: the electronic travel authorization (eTA) and the temporary resident visa (TRV).

Most international students need to obtain one of these entry documents before travelling to Canada. US citizens travelling with a valid US passport do not need an eTA or a TRV.

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to determine if you need an entry document.

I intend to apply for a study permit.

If you apply for a study permit outside Canada and you also need an entry document, you will be issued one automatically.

If you apply for a study permit inside Canada, you will not automatically receive a new entry document.

Detailed instructions and requirements for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) application are available on the IRCC website.

Detailed instructions and requirements for a temporary resident visa (TRV) application are available on the IRCC website.

I do not intend to apply for a study permit.

If you need an entry document, you must apply for one before travelling to Canada.

Detailed instructions and requirements for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) application are available on the IRCC website.

Detailed instructions and requirements for a temporary resident visa (TRV) application are available on the IRCC website.

Even if you do not need an entry document, you still need to meet certain requirements to enter Canada.

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