Frequently asked questions

Every program at Career Technical Centre runs for 12 weeks — three months — delivered as a single continuous block. There are no part-time or extended versions; the intensity is part of the design.

All programs are delivered in person at our Nanaimo campus in a training and workshop style. There is no online or distance option. You attend roughly 20 hours per week, with most of that time spent doing practical work rather than sitting in lectures.

Successful learners receive a Career Technical Centre Certificate of Completion for their course, listing the modules covered and the practical competencies demonstrated. It is a training record you can show employers, not a regulated licence or a degree.

Workshops are capped at 14 learners. That cap exists so everyone gets genuine time on equipment and direct supervision from the instructor.

No. Programs of six months or less can be taken on a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorisation if you are from a visa-exempt country. Because every CTC program is 12 weeks, a study permit is not required.

We issue the official invitation letter that supports your application, confirming your course, dates, delivery mode and fees. We cannot submit the application for you or give immigration advice — that must come from IRCC or a licensed immigration consultant.

Send us a copy of the refusal and we will either defer your place to a later intake at no extra cost or refund fees in line with our refund policy. The CAD 150 admission fee is non-refundable, but it can be carried over to a deferred intake.

Start at least 10 weeks before your intake. Processing times vary widely by country, and you should have your visa decision in hand before paying course and accommodation fees.

The CAD 1,035 course fee covers all 12 weeks of instruction, workshop consumables and materials, use of tools and equipment on campus, and your certificate of completion.

The CAD 150 admission fee is paid once your invitation letter has been issued. The CAD 1,035 course fee and CAD 1,650 accommodation fee are both paid after your visa is approved, during enrolment.

You should budget for flights, travel insurance, your visa application fee, food and personal expenses. Personal protective equipment such as safety boots is your responsibility for trades programs; we tell you exactly what to bring in your pre-arrival pack.

Accommodation is arranged by CTC for every enrolled learner who pays the accommodation fee. You will be placed in shared student housing in Nanaimo, and your address is confirmed in your pre-arrival pack two to three weeks before your intake.

Yes. If you have family in the area or prefer to arrange your own housing, tell us during enrolment and the accommodation fee will not apply. Note that this may affect how your visa application is assessed, so plan carefully.

No. The application form asks only for the information we need to assess your eligibility. We may ask to see your passport and qualification certificates later during enrolment, but nothing needs to be uploaded to apply.

Most applications receive a decision within three to five working days. If a course is full for your chosen intake, we will offer you the next available date.

Apply for the course you most want to study. If it is not the right fit, our admissions team will contact you to discuss alternatives before making a decision.

Our first available intake is October 2026, with monthly intakes running from that date onward. Popular courses fill several intakes ahead, so applying early gives you the widest choice.