International Applicants
Immigration Documents, Student Permit (Visa)
Persons who are not Canadian citizens or Landed Immigrants require a Study Permit (Student Authorization, Visa) in order to enter Canada to study. This is obtained from a Canadian Consular or Immigration Office. Once you have received the official UBC letter of acceptance from the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, apply to the nearest Canadian Immigration Processing Centre or Embassy/High Commission/Consulate as soon as possible, as it may take eight to twelve weeks for processing a Study Permit request; for students from the People’s Republic of China it may take three to six months.
To apply for your Study Permit you will require:
- UBC PDF letter of acceptance;
- A valid passport;
- Evidence of adequate funds to support yourself and any dependents that may accompany you to Canada;
- A completed Application for a Student Authorization form;
- Other documentation as outlined in the Application for a Student Authorization form. You may obtain this form from a Canadian Visa Office.
If your application for a Study Permit is approved, your UBC letter of acceptance will be returned to you. You should retain it for presentation to the Immigration Officer at the Canadian point of entry. For additional information on Student Authorization application forms, procedures, fees, etc. please refer to the Canada Immigration home page or contact your nearest Canadian Immigration Processing Centre or Embassy-High Commission-Consulate.
On-Campus Employment and your Social Insurance Number
In order to work while completing your graduate degree or to receive payments of awards and scholarships, you must have a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). International students are permitted by Canada Immigration to accept part-time employment on campus. After you arrive, you must apply as soon as possible to the nearest Canadian Employment Centre for a Canadian Social Insurance Number.
Spouses of students holding a Study Permit may apply for Employment Authorizations in order to accept employment in Canada for the duration of the Study Permit provided they can show legal proof of marriage to the holder of a valid Study Permit.
International Student Guide
UBC’s International Student Development Office has prepared a guide outlining everything you need to know about moving to Canada. It contains detailed information about immigration, health insurance, working, taxes, and much more. Click the button below to go to the guide: