No, masks are a personal choice inside all NIC buildings.
To ensure your spot or book an appointment, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register or by calling 1-833-2323.
Proof of vaccination will not be required to be on NIC campuses unless attending extra-curricular activities in which a vaccine passport is required. Students will be notified if a vaccine passport is required to participate in the activity. However, Island Health is working to ensure every student is protected against COVID-19, by making vaccination more convenient than ever. Please see the attached information sheet.
If you are already in Canada and you have received COVID-19 vaccines in another province or country, you are recommended to submit your vaccination record to BC’s health system to determine if you require additional vaccination.
There are three easy steps to submitting a vaccination record and determining vaccination needs. As the review process can take time, Island Health recommends completing this process as soon as possible.
Help is available in many languages. Service is available daily from 7 am to 7 pm, or 9 am to 5 pm on holidays. To speak with someone please call 1-833-838-2323. Telephone service for the hearing impaired is available at 711. The B.C. government’s vaccination website is also available in languages other than English.
We recognize that each student’s case is unique. After submitting your online application to NIC through EducationPlannerBC, please contact us at iadmissions@nic.bc.ca and let us know what you cannot produce at this time. Our admissions team will advise you on the next step after evaluating submitted documents.
Please refer to the Government of Canada website regularly for the most current information on travel restrictions/advisories for travel to Canada.
If your study permit remains in process at the time of your start date, you must request to defer your intake to the next available intake for your program. NIC will communicate with you on the next steps. Please check your NIC email inbox regularly.
Please first go to Government of Canada’s website and read the information. If you have general questions about study permit application after reading the website, you may write to us at study@nic.bc.ca. Please note that NIC does not provide immigration services or advice to applicants and does not apply for study permits or inquire about your existing study permit application on your behalf. For this, please connect with an education/immigration agent in your area. You can also look for an educational/immigration consultants that partner with NIC HERE.
We have a new virtual orientation specifically for new international students. Please see Online Orientation page for more information.
We recommend that you get information from reliable sources. Here are some links to COVID-19 related information in Canada:
If you have further questions, please write to us at istudentvisas@nic.bc.ca and we will respond to you within 24-48 hours. Please note that we are unable to respond to your questions on Saturdays, Sundays or Statutory Holidays.
Please call 250-334-5021. If you do not get an answer, leave a voicemail and someone will call you back as soon as is possible. Be sure to leave a phone number so that we can call you back.
Counselling Services continue to be available through telephone or secure BlueJeans video conferencing appointments only. Please contact Student Services to make an appointment:
For additional or out-of-hours support, the following resources are available:
In an emergency, please call 911.
Yes, there may be funds available to help you with your studies as an NIC student, whether that's for groceries or for technological support such as purchasing a computer to complete your studies. Please contact isa@nic.bc.ca to inquire about financial aid.
Please contact an International Student Advisor by emailing isa@nic.bc.ca to discuss your situation. A Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor will be able to advise you.
Both MSP and Guard Me will cover COVID-19 related illness. Please make sure your MSP is valid. If your MSP has expired while waiting for a study permit extension, please connect with an international student advisor.
One of our advisors can support you remotely with this request. Contact isa@nic.bc.ca.
You can access the Confirmation of Enrollment Request on the Student Services website. Please scroll to the bottom of the page and select the appropriate form. Once completed, please send an email with the complete form attached to isa@nic.bc.ca. The request will be submitted for Student Records for processing and the letter will be emailed as a PDF to your NIC email.
One of our advisors can support you remotely with this request. Email isa@nic.bc.ca.
Please contact isa@nic.bc.ca to learn more about studying online and applying for your post-grad work permit.
Email isa@nic.bc.ca to find out if you are eligible for a scheduled break.
Please connect with an international student advisor before booking any flights to travel.
Yes, all international students must have medical insurance to study in the Province of BC. New students in BC, studying at NIC will be enrolled in temporary medical insurance with Guard.Me for 90 days when your program begins. All international students are required to apply for MSP upon arrival in BC and will serve the required waiting period before they are eligible for benefits. To apply on-line please visit Medical Service Plan - BC. Enrolling in MSP, paying premiums and ensuring current coverage MSP is the student's responsibility.
