UBC definitions for immigration purposes

This definition is for immigration purposes to denote students who are not required to be enrolled during program breaks. Students are considered to be ‘actively pursuing studies’ while on a scheduled break.

Scheduled breaks include:

Exception: If an international student’s academic program has start and end dates which differ from those specified in the applicable academic calendar, the program dates will apply.

Graduate & DAP students in summer: Students in graduate programs or the Diploma in Accounting Program (DAP) are deemed to be on an academic summer session, not a scheduled break.

Working during a scheduled break

Students might be eligible to work full-time on or off campus during a scheduled break [1].

Registered, eligible, or continuing students in UBC degree, diploma, or certificate programs are considered to be eligible to work while on a “scheduled break” if:

• They were full time for immigration purposes in term before the break, and 
• Their degrees have not been conferred, and
• They will resume full-time studies in the term following the break 

Students on a scheduled break who meet the above requirements are permitted to work full-time on or off campus for a total of 180 days per calendar year, but not more than 150 consecutive days.

Students on a scheduled break who do not meet the above requirements are not eligible to work.

Undergraduate students on a scheduled break who do not meet the above requirements may work during the summer term in which they are enrolled in a full-time course load off campus up to 20 hours a week and unlimited hours on campus. If they are part-time they are not eligible to work on or off campus.

International students eligible to work on a scheduled break can start work on the first day after the posted final exam period of the term as per the UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan academic calendar. They can work until the day before the first day of classes of the term that follows the break.

Exception: If an international student’s academic program has start and end dates which differ from those specified in the applicable academic calendar, the student can start work on the first day after the posted final exam period of their program’s term. They can work until the day before the first day of classes of the term that follows the break.

[1] Work refers to work which is authorized by a study permit. Students who also hold work permits may be able to work supplemental days/hours in addition to work authorized by their study permits.

UBC students are considered by UBC to be “part-time for immigration purposes” if they are

• Registered (“REGI” on the SISC), and
• Do not meet the “full time” or “scheduled break” definition

No minimum number of credits is required to have “part-time” status.

Part-time students are considered actively pursuing studies but cannot work on or off campus [1].

Part-time studies (except during a final term) also impact eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

[1]  Work refers to work which is authorized by a study permit. Students who also hold work permits may be able to work additional days/hours in addition to work authorized by their study permits.

UBC students are considered by UBC to have “deferred enrolment” if:

• The Letter of Acceptance was issued, and
• The offer was not revoked, and
• UBC allows the student’s start date to be delayed to a subsequent term/session:
  • because UBC has postponed the program of study, or 
  • at the request of the student

Deferred enrolment is determined by Admissions, the Faculty, or program.

UBC students are considered to be “no-shows for immigration purposes” if:

• The Letter of Acceptance was issued, and
• Their offer was not revoked, and
• The Add/Drop date for first term has passed, and
• Enrolment was not deferred, and
• The student never registered or enrolled in the current program of study at UBC

International Student Guide