Here are answers to some of the most common Questions
Students with valid study permits who are currently enrolled at LCC are not affected by this announcement. Students who did not apply for a Study Permit before January 22, 2024, will be subject to the new requirements, including providing a provincial attestation letter along with the Study Permit application.
Yes, we are currently accepting applications from international students. Please feel free to reach out to us by email at info@Lcc.issbc.org if you have any questions.
Yes, you are very welcome to come join our ESL or short-term diploma or any program less than six months. Please feel free to reach out to us by email at info@Lcc.issbc.org if you have any questions.
The well-being and accomplishment of our students is our top priority. You can contact us by email: coopwork@lcc.issbc.org or call us at 604-684-2325 for support and guidance.
As of January 22, 2024, every new study permit application submitted to IRCC will require an attestation letter from a province or territory.
We are awaiting instructions from the BC government regarding the Attestation Letter process. Once we learn more about the new policy, we will update our FAQ page. IRCC will update this page when more information is available.
For now, there is no change regarding visa requirement for Mexican nationals. However, in recent news reports suggest that the Government of Canada is considering reinstating its visa requirement on Mexico. Languages Canada recommends that students who have a valid Mexican passport and are thinking about coming to Canada for studies of six months or less should apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) as soon as possible, before the visa exemption comes into effect.
You are very welcome to visit our office at 333 Terminal Avenue, room 601, in Vancouver. We are pleased to help you in person or on the phone at 604-684-2325. We can help you in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Our office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; and Fridays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
LCC has a variety of full-time or part-time ESL courses for students from beginner to advanced levels. Our full-time courses run four or five days per week depending on the course you choose. Or you can study part-time in the morning (9:30 am to 12 pm, Monday to Thursday), afternoon (12:30 to 3:00 pm or 4 to 6 pm, Monday to Thursday), or evening (6:30 to 8:55 pm on Tuesday and Thursday). .
Classes start every week.
With a visitor visa, you can study at LCC for up to 6 months. If you would like to study for more than 6 months, please consider one of our full-time English programs. You will need to apply for a study permit for programs over 6 months in duration.
You can take our free online English test.
We have classes for all levels from beginner to advanced. You must be at least a CLB level 4 to join the Co-op program.
A Co-op or vocational program will allow you to study and work. You can choose from programs of 48 weeks (24 weeks study, 24 weeks work) up to 112 weeks (56 weeks study, 56 weeks work). We have different streams: marketing, communication, tourism, international business management, and leadership in our Co-op programs.
Also, you are very welcome to come to our office in person or call us at 604-684-2325 and talk to one of our Program Assistants. Our office hours are Monday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Fri: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
For ESL, you should take a course over 6 months in duration. International students who want to register for a program longer than 6 months will need a study permit.
Co-op programs require a study permit with work conditions, so you will need to have a valid study permit and apply for a co-op work permit.
Students with valid study permits who are currently enrolled at LCC are not affected by this announcement. Students who did not apply for a Study Permit before January 22, 2024, will be subject to the new requirements, including providing a provincial attestation letter along with the Study Permit application.
Yes, we are currently accepting applications from international students. Please feel free to reach out to us by email at info@Lcc.issbc.org if you have any questions.
The well-being and accomplishment of our students is our top priority. You can contact us by email: coopwork@lcc.issbc.org or call us at 604-684-2325 for support and guidance.
As of January 22, 2024, every new study permit application submitted to IRCC will require an attestation letter from a province or territory.
No, students applying to extend their study permit are exempt from needing an attestation letter.
Good news is that you do not need a visitor visa if you –
New requirements to be eligible for an eTA:
If you are not eligible for an eTA anymore, you will need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada.
If you have permission on your study permit, you can work up to 20 hours/ week while you study. For additional details, please check with the IRCC.
International students require:
Hours of work will depend on your Co-op study options. You can check your number of hours on your letter of acceptance. The work term in hours must not be longer than your study term in hours. You can expect at least the current BC minimum wage ($16.75/hour from June 2023).
The complete program (including both study and work components) runs from a minimum of one (1) year up to a maximum of two (2) years. The work term must not be longer than the study term.
Students are encouraged to communicate all difficulties to a registrar or the Co-op Coordinator. If you need to leave a job, you can still work in other jobs for your Co-op Program, but you will need to have the new Co-op work placement approved by the Co-op Coordinator.
Students need a Social Insurance Number and adequate medical insurance. Information on how to obtain a SIN card and medical insurance are included in your application package. Students can visit any local insurance agency or broker to purchase an additional private medical insurance plan. LCC requires students to provide proof of medical insurance before starting the program.
Although the Co-op Coordinator will support you and is in contact with many employers, Co-op students are encouraged to search for jobs and attend interviews during the study term. LCC provides lists of past co-op employers, employment websites, and up-to-date job market information. Business Diploma Program students write a resume and cover letter and practice interviewing techniques, so they will be ready to start job-hunting when they finish studying.
If you need additional support during your job hunt, you can attend one of our free weekly job search workshops. Check with a registrar or the Co-op Coordinator for the dates and times. Private advisory sessions are available for an hourly fee.
Vancouver is a big city with many opportunities, and Co-op students usually find jobs. However, there is no guarantee that students will find a position. Finding a job depends on employability (work experience, job skills, personality) and the local job market.
You need to provide a notice of withdrawal or copy of a refusal of study permit by email or in person. Depending on when you need to withdraw, you may be entitled to a partial refund. Please check LCC’s refund policy. This information is required by IRCC; In other words, we have to inform IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) of your status and close your file here at LCC.
Yes, you can take a break. However, diploma programs have 24 weeks of classes and each week has different material to study. As a result, you may need to wait up to 24 weeks to enroll in the missed week again after a break.
We strongly recommend that you take your break after your study term.
If you have to take a break during study, your study term will be extended and your work term may be reduced (depending on your work permit end date). We allow you to take a break only if you have enough visa duration to complete your study and work terms.
All changes require two weeks’ advance notice to the LCC office. You will pay a service fee.
