Working with Agents

International agents provide valuable student recruitment and support services for the UVic English Language Centre.  We carefully screen and train these representatives, however students should be aware of the following:

  • An agent's services are not required in order to apply to ELC programs.  Students are welcome to send inquiries and applications directly to the English Language Centre.  
  • ELC agents are only authorized to recruit for English Language programs and select UVic Continuing Studies programs.
  • The UVic English Language Centre cannot take responsibility for any errors, omissions or other failures of any agent.
  • Students may discontinue their agent relationship at their own discretion, by written request to the ELC registration email.
  • Students are not permitted to 'change' agents under any circumstance once their ELC application has been processed.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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The deadline for program application is five weeks before the start date of the program. The ELC recommends submitting the application as early as possible for two reasons:

  1. To allow enough time to apply for a visa / a study permit if necessary.
  2. To ensure that our Homestay staff has time to match you with a local family (if applicable).

Applications for on-campus English programs and online English programs are submitted through your Continuing Studies account. UVic Pathway program applications are submitted via PDF application form.

Please see step-by-step instructions on how to submit program applications.

The Homestay application deadline for programs beginning in September—including the Intensive English (ELPI) program and Monthly English—is July 1. The Homestay office may accept late applications if space permits.

For other programs, the Homestay application deadline is usually five weeks before the start date of the program. Homestay spaces are limited so we recommend applying as early as possible. Space in Homestay is not guaranteed.

No, you should only submit the $300 Homestay application fee. The student pays the monthly fee directly to the host.

Yes, the cost of dormitory accommodation is included in the total cost of the program, so you should collect the complete fee and submit this to the ELC.

Registration for a program is usually completed within three business days of receiving a student’s complete application online. Please remember to submit registration fees along with the application so there is no delay in preparing the student’s Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

Electronically by email.  Paper documents can be couriered for a fee of $65 CAD. To request courier service, please indicate this when submitting the application.

The deadline for full payment of tuition and student services fees is 5 weeks before the program start date. A $100 late payment fee may be charged if tuition fees are not paid by this deadline. 

Please note: Students who have not paid their tuition fees by the program start date cannot attend classes until their fees have been paid in full.

Agents are not required to send the ELC an invoice for commission payments. Commissions are processed two weeks after the program start date. If you are a new agent receiving your first commission payment, this process may take longer.

Commissions are paid by:

  • bank wire (international bank)
  • direct deposit (Canadian bank)
  • cheque

If paying by bank wire, payments would be made via Western Union's GlobalPay service. A great benefit of paying through this service is that UVic can make payments using many more foreign currencies. We are encouraging agents to receive their commission payments in their local currency.

For those using a Canadian bank account and wishing to be paid by direct deposit, please contact the ELC so that we can follow up with you regarding the payment process.

In cases of delayed or refused visas, students are permitted to transfer programs once, upon paying a $100 CAD program transfer fee. To transfer programs, the ELC must be notified in writing before the program start date.

See full details on the ELC’s transfer and refund policies.

Yes, if you are an CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) member in good standing or a lawyer. 

Once a student is registered, they may access the support of an International Student Advisor (ISA) at the Division of Continuing Studies, who provides non-academic support of immigration advice related to being a student (e.g. study permit, work authorization) throughout a student’s program of studies at DCS at UVic.

See full details on our immigration advising support for registered students.

Please view our page for new prospective agents to find out more about the process of becoming an authorized agent.