Plan Your Arrival

Entering Canada

There is no set time frame for you to arrive in Canada before you begin your studies.  You should just arrive to give yourself a reasonable amount of time to prepare before you start studying and to attend the orientation.  You are not allowed to work on or off campus until you begin your studies in Canada.  Students will need to provide evidence to demonstrate that they have the means to support themselves as a temporary resident in Canada.   Find more information on the Government of Canada website.
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Students are responsible for checking additional travel requirements through the below webpages:

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• Travel Canada
• Canada Border Services Agency

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Review your plan

Ensure your medical exam is up to date according to IRCC guidelines.  Review all information, to understand how to prepare for your trip, if you are approved yo travel to Canada.  

If you are an international student who is travelling with family members to Canada, it is important to understand the different factors involved with enrolling your children into school.  Please review this document for more information.

For questions on planning your arrival to Calgary, please book an appointment with an International Success Advisor.

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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Changes

Bow Valley College was informed that there have been changes to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.  The AAIP is a provincial program which nominates eligible individuals for permanent residence application processing through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  The requirements for permanent residency programs may be adjusted without prior notice by government in response to the labour demands across various provinces/territories.  For complete details on the AIPP, please check their website.

Bow Valley College is committed to reviewing and understanding the concerns and feedback that we have been receiving from students.  We invite you to review the information below for clarification on a number of points:

1. There have been no changes to the programs that Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved at Bow Valley College.  This means that the Bow Valley College Letter of Acceptance you received is still valid for a study permit application.
2. Eligibility for post-graduate work permit application has not changed.  All of our full-time Certificate, Diploma, and Post-Diploma/Post-Degree programs remain eligible for application for a post-graduate work permit.  You must meet all eligibility requirements as an individual applicant.
3. If you are interested in possible options to apply for a permanent residency status in Canada, you are advised to contact a certified immigration consultant or immigration lawyer.

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Where can I find information about Permanent Residency Programs?

Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada provides detailed and up-to-date information about all immigration processes, including permanent residency.  Here are some quick links:

• Immigrate to Canada
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
• Skilled Immigrants: Who can apply