Congratulations on your acceptance to College of the Rockies! We are looking forward to welcoming you to your new home in Canada. We are sharing some information that we feel you may find valuable as you begin your adventure.
One you arrive, you will need a place to live! There are several housing options available for international students, international homestay, on-campus student housing, or a rental option that is off-campus.
Please contact the International Office, if you need any assistance along the way.
The cost of living in smaller communities in British Columbia can be significantly more reasonable than in the bigger cities. Your cost will depend on the type of housing you choose, if you purchase a vehicle, and the lifestyle that you live. Students get a discounted rate at the local ski hill!
Approximate Costs per Month for 12 Months:
Rent
$550 – $950
Food
$400
Phone
$50
Home Wifi
$70
Clothing/Toiletries
$50
Textbooks/Supplies
$40
Transportation
$0
Provincial Health Insurance
$75
Extended Health and Dental Plan
$20
Entertainment
$80
Total
$1,335 – $1,735 CAD a month
Working in Canada
There are many work opportunities in Canada. There are also processes for obtaining a work permit.
You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you start your work in Canada and to file taxes.
You must be a full-time student in an academic program to work off campus.
If you meet all the requirements, you can work off-campus for up to 24 hours a week during academic terms, and unlimited hours during your program’s scheduled breaks.
As long as you are a full-time student both before and after the scheduled break, you can work unlimited hours during the break.
You can’t work before you start your very first school semester.
If you’re working unlimited hours during a scheduled break, you can also
take courses on a part-time or full-time basis during that break.
work overtime or work 2 part-time jobs.
If you are a full-time student, you may work unlimited hours on-campus with a valid study permit.
If you are doing volunteer or unpaid work, this may still be considered work by IRCC. It is essential to understand the meaning of work according to IRCC’s definition.
A Canadian Immigration Medical Exam may be required if you are working with children or in health-care settings.
Co-Op Work Permit
Some of College of the Rockies’ programs include work practicum or co-op. If you are registered in these programs, you must apply for a co-op work permit.
To be eligible for this permit:
You must have a valid study permit
A practicum must be an essential part of your program
The practicum length cannot exceed 50% of the total program
Examples of programs with a work practicum are:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Practical Nursing
Dental Assistant
Early Childhood Education – Infant/Toddler
Tourism Management
Post-Graduation Work Program
A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows you to remain in Canada and work full-time after you complete your academic program that is at least 8 months in length. PGWP is only issued once and cannot be extended.
You have a valid study permit or had a study permit that was valid in the last 180 days, and you apply for a PGWP within 180 days of when your letter of completion first became available.
You must have successfully completed a program at least 8 months in length and received a certificate, diploma or degree.
If you applied for a study permit on or after Nov 1, 2024, your program must meet a field of study requirement.
You have studied full-time during each academic session.
You may study part-time only in your final semester.
You may take a leave authorized by College of the Rockies or had a gap in studies which is considered actively pursuing studies for less than 150 days.
You’ve completed at least 50% of your program in class (face-to-face) in Canada.
