Immigration applications
Study and work permits
Study permits
Work permits and working in Canada
Part-time studies and taking a break from classes
Health insurance
Academic and financial supports
I want to apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). What should I do?
If you are currently a legal resident of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam, you have two pathways available for a study permit application – the regular stream and the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
If you have all the documents required for SDS at the time of application and provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required), the SDS stream typically provides faster processing times. Please note that the SDS estimated processing times are not guaranteed. You should apply for your study permit as soon as possible. Read the FAQs on the impact on processing times and what to do if you can’t travel by the start of term for guidance.
One of the eligibility requirements for SDS is proof of upfront tuition payment. As of February 28, 2022, UBC offers pre-payment of tuition for SDS-eligible international students starting in any future term. You will need to submit a Student Direct Stream pre-payment application.
Students studying in the Diploma in Accounting program are not eligible to prepay tuition until you register for classes.
We recommend that you apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your UBC letter of admission. If your registration date has already arrived you can pay your tuition and apply through the SDS stream. If you have already registered for courses, your tuition assessment is available in the Student Service Centre (SSC). You can view your Term 1 and Term 2 tuition amounts in 'Financial Summary' under Finances. After making a payment it may take 1-5 days for tuition payment to appear on your account. You can get proof of payment from your SSC by selecting 'Tuition History' under Finances.
What if I can't travel to Canada by the start of term?
You may be experiencing delays with your study permit or TRV application, or you may have other reasons why you are unable to travel to Canada at this time.
The processing times posted on the IRCC website are estimates where some applications may be processed faster, and others may take longer than the published processing time. You can also check your application status. Unfortunately, there is no option to get rushed processing, and International Student Advising is not able to influence processing times or contact IRCC on your behalf. If your application is past the published processing time, you can send a webform to request an update.
Need to explore your next option(s)?
- Under normal circumstances, online courses taken from outside Canada will not count towards the length of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and you must complete at least 50 percent of your program in-class in Canada. IRCC created temporary COVID-19 policies allowing online courses completed outside Canada to count towards the length of a PGWP, if you meet the requirements. Even if you will take online courses outside Canada, you must study full-time for immigration purposes to maintain eligibility for a PGWP. On September 1, 2023, IRCC extended this temporary policy end date from August 31, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The policies are different depending on when you started your program:
- Connect with an Academic Advisor from your faculty or your graduate program staff to ask about the possibility of arriving late, online options, starting another term, or deferring.
- If you defer, you can still use the Letter of Introduction from IRCC to obtain your study permit in the future, so long as it is still valid and you applied with a UBC letter of acceptance. If your application is still processing, send IRCC a webform with your updated letter of acceptance with your deferred start date and request that your study permit is issued for your future start date. If your application is processed based on your previous letter of acceptance, you might need to extend your study permit in the future, which you should apply for 3-4 months before your study permit expires from inside Canada.
- If you are thinking of withdrawing from courses, make sure to do so before the add/drop deadlines. If you need to withdraw from all courses:
- If this is not your first term at UBC, you might be eligible for a leave. Learn about taking time away from studies.
- If you are an undergraduate student and this is your first term at UBC and you remain registered in Winter Term 2 (January to April) but not in Winter Term 1 (September to December) by the last day to drop courses without a W, you would be considered to have deferred enrolment for immigration purposes. You would not need and would not be eligible for a leave. If in your first term in your program you withdraw from all courses after the course change dates with a W, you might qualify for the Academic Leave Policy. The leave would start on the day you withdraw.
- If you are a graduate student starting a new program at UBC and you withdraw before the add/drop deadline, your program will be considered to start on your new deferred start date. You do not need to request a leave of absence. If you are in Canada before your program begins, contact International Student Advising for support.
- If you are a new student and withdraw before the add/drop deadline, your iMED fees will be automatically removed. If you re-enroll in the future, your iMED fee will be added again. If you are an undergraduate student and withdraw from Term 1 courses, but remain enrolled in Term 2, your iMED fees will be automatically adjusted to January.
- If you have questions about tuition refunds, contact an Enrolment Services Advisor. For information about refunds of student fees, check the academic calendar.
- Arrange for housing wherever you will live during your study gap and change any housing arrangements you made for your UBC studies. If you have on-campus housing, contact UBC Housing to ask about your options.
- If you are registered in Jump Start orientation and will not be able to make it, please email orientations.jumpstart@ubc.ca to let them know.
- If you can’t study this term, how can you invest your time to help yourself, family or friends? Can you study a special interest such as a new language or a life skill such as public speaking? Can you gain workplace experience by working or volunteering? Can you help care for your family? Can you make a difference in your community? Can you promote a cause that matters to you?
- Review the taking time away from studies page and keep supporting documents, such as your flight tickets leaving and returning to Canada or a letter confirming your internship or volunteer experience.
You should not travel before your study permit has been approved, even if you have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization or Temporary Resident Visa. You may experience difficulties travelling without a study permit or an approval letter, may not be allowed to enter Canada, and you cannot begin studies until you have obtained your study permit (an approval is not sufficient - it is not a study permit).
Before making travel plans, carefully review the Travelling to Canada Guide.
I need to provide biometrics. How does this impact my application?
immigration applications, New students
Biometrics (your fingerprints and photo) have been required for study permit applications since 2018. If you applied for a study permit before 2018, you may not have provided them in the past and will need to provide them if applying for a study permit or work permit from outside Canada—this is different from providing your fingerprints at the airport kiosk. If you previously provided biometrics, they are valid for 10 years. If you are not sure, you can confirm if you have valid biometrics. Some people are exempt from biometrics, such as US citizens and children under 14 years old.
It’s best to pay your biometrics fee at the same time you submit your immigration application. You must provide your biometrics within 30 days of when you have received your Biometrics Instruction Letter and should book an appointment as soon as possible.
If you are outside of Canada
See the steps to provide biometrics. If you are not able to provide biometrics within 30 days, write a letter of explanation to request more time and provide proof of the reason you cannot provide biometrics, such as a PDF or screenshot of your appointment confirmation, then combine these together into one PDF and submit the files in your online IRCC account by the deadline (or send a webform if you do not have a request in your online portal).
Schedule your biometrics appointment as soon as you can. Since applications are typically not processed until biometrics have been provided, the delay in providing biometrics may cause increased processing times.
If you are eligible to apply for a study or work permit at the airport or border crossing on arrival to Canada and submit your application there, you can provide your biometrics at that time.
If you are in Canada
The temporary suspension to provide biometrics from inside Canada due to COVID-19 has ended.
As of Feb 23, 2023, biometrics are required for temporary residence applications submitted from Canada. This applies to:
- Study permit, work permit, and Visitor Record extensions
- Temporary Resident Visas
- New study permits, work permits, or Visitor Records
- Restoration of student, worker or visitor status
- Temporary Resident Permits
After you receive your biometrics instruction letter from IRCC, you will need to book an appointment with Service Canada online. Follow the steps to provide biometrics.
If you are eligible to apply for a study or work permit at the airport or border crossing on arrival to Canada and submit your application there, you can provide your biometrics at that time.
Find updates and information on biometrics collection.
I need to complete my medical exam. How does this impact my application?
immigration applications, New students
Contact your nearest panel physician’s office to confirm they are still performing medical exams. You may not be able to complete an up-front medical exam at this time.
If you submitted an immigration application and received a request from Immigration for a medical exam, you must provide a medical exam within 30 days of receiving the request.
If you are unable to get an appointment within 30 days, write a letter of explanation to request more time and combine this with proof of the reason you cannot complete the medical exam, such as a copy of your future appointment confirmation, into one PDF and submit them online in your IRCC account by the deadline (or send a webform if you do not have a request in your online portal).
Since applications are typically not processed until medical exams have been completed, the delay in your medical exam appointment may cause an increase in processing times.
If you completed a medical exam for an application, such as a new study permit from outside of Canada as a new or returning student, or a Temporary Resident Visa or Post-Graduation Work Permit, note that medical exams are only valid for 12 months from the date you took the exam and should be valid at the time you travel to Canada. If you will travel to Canada more than 12 months after you took your medical exam for your application, you should complete a new medical exam before travelling to Canada.
If you are a current student outside of Canada with a valid study permit and have lived in a designated country for more than 6 months in the past year, are a medical student, or will work in jobs which require a medical exam, you must complete a medical exam before travelling to Canada, as well as apply to change conditions to work in jobs which require a medical exam, if required. If IRCC or a CBSA officer specifically requests that you complete a medical exam it is important that you submit a copy of your e-medical by the deadline provided.
If you are applying for a new study or work permit from inside Canada and you have completed a medical exam in the past 5 years, you might be eligible for the temporary medical exam policy in place until October 5, 2024. Contact International Student Advising for support.
Find out more about medical exams for your immigration application.
I am starting my program between September 2022 and December 2023. Could I start my program online from outside Canada? Will I be eligible for the PGWP?
immigration applications, New students
Under normal circumstances, international students must complete at least 50% of your program inside Canada and at least 50% of your program in-person. IRCC has created a transition period for online studies due to the pandemic for students starting a program between September 2022 and December 2023. (On September 1, 2023, IRCC extended this temporary policy end date from August 31, 2023, to December 31, 2023).
If online options are available in your program, you can begin your program online from outside of Canada, even if your study permit application has not been processed yet, since you are not required to have a study permit for the purposes of studying online outside Canada.
However, if you intend to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after you complete your studies, in order for your online courses completed outside of Canada to count towards the PGWP, you must have one of the following before your courses start:
If you have one of the above, you can complete up to 50% of your program online from outside Canada between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, without impacting your eligibility or the length of your PGWP. Online studies completed outside Canada before December 31, 2023, won’t be deducted from the length of your PGWP as long as it is less than 50% of your program of study.
Online courses completed outside Canada after December 31, 2023, will be deducted from the length of your PGWP.
If you began online studies before IRCC received your study permit application, your studies will only count towards the length of your PGWP after your application was received.
If you applied for a study permit before your program started but it was refused, your studies will count towards the PGWP starting from your first study permit application if you reapply for a study permit and IRCC receives your application before your program ends and it is later approved.
You must continue to meet the other PGWP requirements, such as maintaining full-time enrolment, even while outside of Canada.
See the IRCC August 25 notice, IRCC’s PGWP page, and the PGWP page for officers for more details.
My study permit will expire soon but my program is not finished. What should I do?
immigration applications
IF YOU ARE IN CANADA
You can apply to extend your study permit online as usual. You must submit your study permit extension application before your study permit becomes invalid.
When you apply for a study permit extension in Canada, after you've received your new study permit, you must submit a separate application for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if required, since it is not issued automatically when you apply for a study permit in Canada. In general, if you will be abroad when your current TRV expires, it is best to get your new TRV before leaving Canada so that you can return with your new documents.
If you will leave Canada after you apply for study permit extension
You may use the Canadian mailing address of a trusted friend in your application. It must be a friend who does not live in UBC student housing since your mail will be returned to sender. Once your study permit is received, ask a friend to send you a digital copy and mail the original to you.
If you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and it expires before you plan to return, you can apply for a TRV online from outside of Canada with a digital copy of your study permit. Review our step-by-step TRV tutorial, then review the TRV from outside of Canada guide since your application will be slightly different. Be sure to upload any additional documents required by your visa office in the "Client Information" section. Select your country under the "apply on paper" section, then see the visa office instructions PDF. Make sure to write a letter of explanation and make it clear that you apply for a TRV in order to return to Canada to continue to study. Note that current processing times for a TRV outside of Canada may be very long and could delay your return to Canada.
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF CANADA
You can apply online for a new study permit from outside of Canada. Review our step-by-step initial study permit tutorial for applications from outside of Canada. If you have not applied yet, it's important to submit a complete study permit application as soon as possible.
For the 'letter of acceptance' document request, you should include a current letter of enrollment—see the ‘letter of enrollment’ section of our study permit extension tutorial for details. In addition, you should include your initial letter of acceptance from when you were first accepted to UBC and combine these in one PDF, with the current letter of enrollment as the first page. Furthermore you should order a PDF transcript and include it in your ‘client information’ section. You will need to provide proof of funds for one year of tuition fees plus a minimum of $10,000 for living expenses (more if you have dependents).
If you have not previously provided biometrics, you will need to provide them when applying from outside of Canada (see question above). If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), it will be issued automatically after your study permit application has been approved.
If you plan to return to Canada, and if you are currently enrolled and meet the requirements to travel, you could return to Canada before your study permit and Temporary Resident Visa expire, then apply for a study permit extension from inside of Canada before your study permit becomes invalid (see the ‘if you are in Canada’ section above).
If you have finished your studies, you could apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit from inside or outside of Canada (see FAQ on options inside or outside Canada).
If you have been in a designated country for more than 6 months, intend to work in certain jobs, or are a medical student, you will require a medical exam for your study permit application, whether you apply from outside or inside of Canada. Be sure to add a section to your letter of explanation to request conditions allowing you to work in these jobs, if applicable.
Check the Travelling to Canada Guide to learn what you need to return to Canada.
I want to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). What are my options?
immigration applications
IF YOU ARE IN CANADA
You can apply for a PGWP online as usual. See our PGWP page for important information on timing to apply, eligibility to work before and after applying, and more.
After you’ve received your PGWP, you must submit a separate application for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if you are from a visa-required country and your TRV expired or will expire soon, since it is not issued automatically when you apply for a work permit in Canada. However, if your TRV is still valid, you can use it until the expiry date. In general, if you will be abroad when your current TRV expires, it is best to get your new TRV before leaving Canada so that you can return with your new documents.
If you will leave Canada after you apply for PGWP
You may use the Canadian mailing address of a trusted friend in your application. It must be a friend who does not live in UBC student housing since your mail will be returned to sender. Once your work permit is received, ask a friend to send you a digital copy and mail the original to you. If you apply while inside Canada, note that your work permit start date will typically be the same day it is approved and mailed to the address included on the application form. Learn about returning to Canada after applying for the PGWP.
If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, you can continue to use your TRV you received as a student until it expires. If your TRV expires before you plan to return, you can apply for a TRV online from outside of Canada with a digital copy of your work permit. Review our step-by-step TRV tutorial, then review the TRV from outside of Canada guide since your application will be slightly different. Be sure to upload any additional documents required by your visa office in the ‘Client Information’ section—select your country under the "apply on paper" section then see the visa office instructions PDF. Note that processing times for a TRV outside of Canada may be very long and could delay your return to Canada.
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF CANADA
You can apply for a PGWP online from outside of Canada within 180 days after your letter of completion first became available, even if:
- Your study permit is no longer valid
- You received a Letter of Introduction for a study permit and have not travelled to Canada to get your study permit
Review our step-by-step PGWP tutorial, then review the IRCC work permit outside of Canada guide since your application will be slightly different. Be sure to include any additional documents required by your visa office in the ‘Client Information’ section—select how you will apply then select your country to see the visa office instructions PDF. If you have not previously provided biometrics, you will need to provide them when applying from outside of Canada (see question above). If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), it will be issued automatically after your application has been approved.
If you have been in a designated country for more than 6 months, or intend to work in certain jobs, you will require a medical exam for your PGWP application. Be sure to add a section to your letter of explanation to request conditions allowing you to work in these jobs, if applicable.
After you receive your PGWP approval (letter of introduction), your letter will indicate the date by which you need to travel to Canada, which is typically the length of the PGWP for which you are eligible. Once you travel to Canada and present your letter of introduction for your work permit to the officer on arrival in Canada, your work permit should be issued for the full length of PGWP for which you are eligible.
If you are someone who does not require a Temporary Resident Visa and you have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or are a US citizen, you can apply for a work permit at the Canadian border or airport when you return to Canada. You will need to bring all original documents and an outside of Canada application with you to apply upon arrival.
I am in Canada as a worker. Am I eligible to study without a study permit under the temporary policy?
Under normal circumstances, work permit holders must have a study permit to study in Canada for more than 6 months, and must have a study permit for studies under 6 months if you have extended or changed your status since arriving in Canada.
IRCC has recently announced a temporary public policy which applies to some workers who held a valid work permit on June 7, 2023, or who applied for a work permit extension on or before June 7, 2023, and are authorized to work. If eligible, you can study without a study permit until whichever comes first:
- The work permit you held on June 7, 2023, expires
- The work permit extension you applied for on or before June 7, 2023 expires (or when your work permit application is refused)
- June 27, 2026
You must apply for a study permit:
- If you want to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after studies
- To continue studying after you are no longer eligible for the temporary policy
- If your work permit application is refused and you want to study
Note that if you study full-time, your work experience will not count towards eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class and you cannot earn Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System points.
International Student Advisors cannot advise on permanent residency or work permits unrelated to international students. Learn how to find a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer.
See the news release, public policy page, temporary public policy for details.
If you are not eligible for the temporary policy, learn about studying without a study permit.
Can I study in Canada without a study permit as a visitor or worker?
New students
If your course or program is 100% online and is not part of an in-person program, you are not eligible for a study permit and do not require one regardless of whether you are in Canada. Programs normally offered 100% online are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Whether or not you can study in Canada without a study permit depends on the total length of your studies.
If you have a work permit, you might be eligible for a temporary policy to study without a study permit, even if you plan to study for more than 6 months—check the FAQ to learn more.
Some students are study permit exempt.
STUDIES 6 MONTHS OR LESS
You can study in Canada without a study permit if both of the following apply to you:
- Your entire program of studies will be completed within 6 months or less (such as one term exchange students), and
- Will be completed within the period of your stay authorized upon entry to Canada (for example, within your first 6 month visitor period)
You must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to travel to Canada as a visitor. Travel may be possible even if you applied for a study permit and a decision is not reached on your application before you travel and you will study for less than 6 months.
If you will study for less than 6 months but you want to work, you may consider applying for a study permit, which allows you to work in Canada if you meet the requirements. Having a study permit also makes it easier to extend your stay if you might extend your studies.
STUDIES LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS
If you are planning to study for longer than 6 months (such as two term exchange students), you must have a study permit before you can begin your program in Canada, even if your first course is less than 6 months.
If you are outside Canada
You should apply for a study permit as soon as possible. You should not travel until your study permit is approved, and cannot use the 6 month study permit exemption since you will study longer than 6 months.
US citizens, US permanent residents, and residents of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon can apply for a study permit at the airport or border when you enter Canada.
If you are in Canada
You must apply for and receive your study permit before you can begin studies, and cannot use the 6 month study permit exemption since you will study longer than 6 months.
Only some people are eligible to apply for a study permit inside Canada.
If you are eligible to apply inside Canada
You can follow the same process as a study permit extension.
If you are a visitor who is studying at a secondary school in Canada or as a visiting or exchange student, you can study after you apply for a study permit from within Canada, so long as you apply before your visitor status ends.
If you apply for a study permit as a work permit holder or as the dependent of a study or work permit holder, you cannot study until you have received your study permit. It is possible to have a study permit and a work permit at the same time.
If you are not eligible to apply inside Canada
You must apply for a study permit outside Canada online or by paper through the visa office which serves your country of citizenship. You cannot start studying with a Letter of Introduction (study permit approval) and will need to leave and re-enter Canada to obtain your study permit—contact International Student Advising for support.
You must not study until your study permit is issued. Also note that applications submitted through the outside of Canada process do not give you status in Canada, and you must always ensure you have valid status in Canada, such as applying to extend your stay as a visitor before your status ends.
I received a request from IRCC to provide another document for my application. What should I do?
If you receive a request from IRCC to provide additional documents after you have submitted your application, it is very important to upload the document by the deadline as well as make sure to follow the steps to successfully submit them to IRCC.
PROOF OF TUITION PAYMENT
If you have registered and paid for tuition, get proof of payment from your Student Services Centre (SSC) by selecting "Tuition History" under Finances.
If you are not able to register yet please contact International Student Advising for support.
UPDATED LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE
If you receive a request for an updated letter of acceptance, contact International Student Advising through the online form and send a copy of the request you’ve received.
If you are enrolled in classes, download a current letter of enrollment from your Student Services Centre (SSC) by selecting "Proof of Enrolment Letters" under Grades and Records. Then, combine your updated letter of acceptance and letter of enrollment into one PDF and upload them together.
MEDICAL EXAM
See the FAQ on medical exams.
BIOMETRICS
See the FAQ on biometrics.
Contact International Student Advising through the online form if you receive a different type of request or have any questions.
I have applied for a co-op work permit but I have not received it yet. Can I start working?
immigration applications, Work eligibility
If you are eligible to work on or off campus and you applied for a co-op work permit and are waiting for it to be processed, you can start your program-required work (co-op, internship, or practicum) with your on- or off-campus work eligibility from your study permit. This was a temporary policy during COVID-19 which is now ongoing. Be sure to check the section on our co-op work permit page for details before starting work.
Temporary co-op work permit exemption
If you are eligible to work off-campus more than 20 hours a week following the temporary off-campus work policy, you can work without a co-op work permit for program-required work (such as a co-op, internship or practicum) starting November 15, 2022 until whichever comes first:
- The study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires
- The study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires, if you did not have a study permit application in progress on October 7, 2022
- December 31, 2023
- You finish your studies and receive your letter of completion
If your program-required work will continue past this date, you’ll need to apply for a co-op work permit for program-required work beyond this date.
However, if you will work in jobs which require a medical exam, such as working with children or in health-care settings, you must take an immigration medical exam and apply for a co-op work permit, then wait until you’ve received your co-op work permit with the right conditions before starting.
Refer to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) May 27, 2020 (pdf) update on your co-op work eligibility and co-op page for officers. Review the alert on the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit on IRCC’s co-op page.
I was enrolled in my PGWP-eligible program in March 2020 or began my program between March 2020 and August 2022. My courses moved online due to COVID-19. Will this affect my eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)?
work eligibility
Under normal circumstances, to be eligible for the PGWP, students must complete at least 50% of the program in-person and at least 50% of the program must be completed in Canada. Online courses completed outside Canada do not count towards the length of the PGWP.
Due to the pandemic, IRCC created temporary policies allowing students to complete more than 50% of the program online and/or outside Canada and still have courses count towards the length of the PGWP, if meeting eligibility requirements. (On September 1, 2023, IRCC extended this temporary policy end date from August 31, 2023, to December 31, 2023).
Courses delivered online due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to December 31, 2023 will count towards the length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you have been enrolled in a program which is eligible for the PGWP that was in progress in March 2020 or started a program between March 2020 and August 2022 and:
- You study in Canada and you hold a valid study permit, or
- You study in Canada and you held a study permit, applied to extend it before expiry date and are under maintained status, or
- You study outside of Canada and you hold a valid study permit, or
- You study outside of Canada and submit a study permit application prior to beginning your program and it is eventually approved.
You must continue to meet the other PGWP requirements, such as maintaining full-time enrolment even while outside of Canada.
Online courses completed outside Canada after December 31, 2023, will be deducted from the length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit.
IF YOU ARE INSIDE CANADA
If your classes were moved online due to COVID-19, as a temporary measure, your courses can count towards the length of your PGWP until December 31, 2023, even if you complete more than 50% of your program online. Make sure to keep a valid study permit at all times (see question above). IRCC recommends that you take in-person courses when they are available.
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF CANADA
You can study online outside of Canada, even if your study permit has expired or your application for a new study permit inside or outside Canada has not yet been approved, since immigration regulations requiring a valid study permit are only for studies undertaken within Canada. As such you are not required to have a valid study permit for the purposes of studying online outside Canada. However, if you intend to apply for a PGWP, you must fall into one of the above bulleted categories in order for those online courses completed outside Canada to count towards the PGWP.
If you began online studies before IRCC received your study permit application, your studies will only count towards the length of your PGWP after your application was received.
If you applied for a study permit before your program started but it was refused, your studies will count towards the PGWP starting from your first study permit application if you reapply for a study permit and IRCC receives your application before your program ends and it is later approved.
If your study permit will expire while you are outside of Canada, consider applying for a new study permit out of an abundance of caution. See what to do in the question above if your study permit will expire soon.
If you are in one of the above bulleted categories, online courses completed outside of Canada until December 31, 2023 will count towards your PGWP. If you complete your program by December 31, 2023, you are no longer required to complete at least 50% of your program in Canada.
If you are in a program which will end before December 31, 2023, you can complete up to 100% of your program online outside of Canada and be eligible for the PGWP.
COMBINING PROGRAMS
Furthermore, you could combine your program completed online with another PGWP-eligible program and request a longer work permit, so long as:
- Your program was ongoing or started between March 2020 and August 2022, and
- You complete the second PGWP-eligible program within 2 years of finishing your first PGWP-eligible program.
Under the current policy, if your program will finish after December 31, 2023, online courses completed outside of Canada after December 31, 2023 will be deducted from the length of your work permit.
If your program started between March 2020 and August 2022, you are not required to complete at least 50% of your program in Canada.
If your program starts September 2022 to December 2023, you have different temporary policies for the PGWP where at least 50% of the program must be completed in Canada.
IF YOU WILL COMPLETE YOUR PROGRAM ONLINE FROM OUTSIDE OF CANADA AND ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PGWP
See the question below for options to apply for a PGWP inside or outside of Canada for details.
See IRCC’s PGWP page and the PGWP page for officers for more details.
My Post-Graduation Work Permit expired or is about to expire. Am I eligible for an extension?
work eligibility
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is usually only available to you once in a lifetime.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, a temporary policy allowed students to apply for another open work permit until July 27, 2021.
As of August 2022, former international students who had a PGWP expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, qualify for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months.
Review the notice and temporary policy for more information.
As of April 6 2023, if your PGWP expires in 2023 and/or you were eligible for the 2022 temporary measures, you might be able to apply for an additional 18 month work permit. Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2023.
See the news release, IRCC’s page on how to get an open work permit for current and former PGWP holders, and the public policy for details.
If I had to drop to part-time studies or take a break due to COVID-19 in Winter Term 2 2019 (January - April, 2020), how will this impact me?
work eligibility
As an exception, if you were full-time for immigration purposes during winter term 2, and had to drop to part-time studies or take a break in studies due to COVID-19, you could work in Canada unlimited hours on campus and up to 20 hours per week off campus, if eligible. This applied regardless of whether you had a UBC-approved leave of absence.
You must still have held a valid study permit or have applied to extend it before the old study permit expires.
Normally, as an international student, you must maintain full-time status in each term to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, if you were a current student and could not meet this requirement due to COVID-19, Immigration will take this into consideration and this will not affect your PGWP eligibility. At the time you apply for PGWP, if your program was not available online during COVID-19, please contact an Academic Advisor from your faculty or graduate program staff to request a letter, then contact International Student Advising for support with your application.
GRADUATE STUDENTS, DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING AND LAW STUDENTS
If you have a UBC-approved leave of absence, you can remain in Canada for 150 days after:
- The day your leave was approved, or
- The first day of classes of the term in which your leave started, whichever comes last.
Before the 150 day period is over, you will probably need to:
See the latest IRCC updates on international students' eligibility to work on- and off-campus.
If I had to drop to part-time studies or take a break due to COVID-19 in the summer session 2020 (May - August, 2020), how will this impact me?
work eligibility
You could remain in Canada so long as you held a valid study permit or had applied to extend it before the old study permit expired.
Normally, as an international student, you must maintain full-time status in each term to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP); however, if you were a current student and could not meet this requirement due to COVID-19, Canadian Immigration will take this into consideration and this will not affect your PGWP eligibility. At the time you apply for PGWP, if your program was not available online due to Covid-19, please contact an Academic Advisor from your faculty or graduate program staff to request a letter, then contact International Student Advising for support with your application.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
You could work full-time during summer if:
- You studied full time for immigration purposes at the start of winter term 2, and
- You had to drop to part-time studies or take a break in studies in winter term 2 due to COVID-19, and
- You have returned to full-time studies in winter term 1.
GRADUATE STUDENTS, DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING, AND LAW STUDENTS
Summer session is not considered a scheduled break for you. As an exception, if you had to take a break in studies due to COVID-19 in the summer session, you could work the same amount as during a full time semester, which is unlimited hours on campus and up to 20 hours per week off campus. This applied regardless of whether your leave was formally authorized by UBC.
If you have a UBC-approved leave of absence, you can remain in Canada for 150 days after:
- The day your leave was approved, or
- The first day of classes of the term in which your leave started, whichever comes last.
Before the 150 day period is over, you will probably need to:
See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students.
If I had to drop to part-time studies or take a break due to COVID-19 in Winter Session 2020 (September 2020 - April, 2021) or Summer Session 2021 (May - August, 2021), how will this impact me?
work eligibility
Dropping to part-time or taking a break from studies in Winter Session 2020 or Summer 2021 could affect:
This applies to you even if you were studying online, outside of Canada.
Learn about the immigration impacts of withdrawing from courses.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
If you were not enrolled in any courses, you probably needed to:
GRADUATE STUDENTS, DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING, AND LAW STUDENTS
If you had a UBC-approved leave of absence, you could remain in Canada for 150 days after:
- The day your leave was approved, or
- The first day of classes of the term in which your leave started, whichever came last.
Before the 150 day period was over, you probably needed to:
See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students.
If I need to drop to part-time studies or take time away from studies in Winter Session 2021 (September 2021 to April 2022) or later, how will this impact me? Can I take a leave of absence?
Dropping to part-time or taking a break from studies after the 2020 Summer Session could affect:
Graduate students, diploma in accounting students, and Law students
If you have a UBC-approved leave of absence, you can remain in Canada for 150 days after:
- The day your leave was approved, or
- The first day of classes of the term in which your leave started, whichever comes last.
If you are not returning to studies, before the 150 day period is over, you will probably need to:
Undergraduate students
Part-time studies
If you would like to study part-time for immigration purposes (less than 9 credits in a winter term) this would impact your current work eligibility and future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Learn about the immigration impacts of withdrawing from courses.
Taking a break from studies
Beginning in the 2021 Winter Session, UBC offers a procedure to allow continuing UBC international undergraduate students to take time away from studies and still be considered to be actively pursuing studies, maintaining the conditions of your study permit and maintaining eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for leaves up to 150 days. UBC Vancouver’s Academic Leave Policy enables students in good academic standing to take up to a year away from studies without having to reapply for admission. If you want to prove to IRCC that you were on an authorized leave, you must request the leave and receive a letter from UBC confirming that you are authorized to take the leave.
If Winter Term 1 was your first term in your program and you dropped all courses by the last day to drop courses without a W, and you were registered in Term 2, you would be considered to have deferred enrolment for immigration purposes. You would not need and would not be eligible for a leave in Term 1.
If in your first term in your program you withdrew from all courses after the course change dates without a W, you might qualify for the Academic Leave Policy. The leave would start on the day you withdraw.
If it is not your first term in your program and you dropped all courses:
- by the last day to drop courses without a W, your leave would start on the first day of classes for that term, or
- with a W, your leave would start on the day you withdrew from all courses.
After the last date to withdraw from a course with a W, you will not be able to withdraw from your courses yourself and so will not be eligible for an authorized leave letter for that term. If you are granted an academic concession and are withdrawn from all courses that term(s), you may be eligible for a leave letter. See your academic advising office for more details.
If you have a letter documenting your undergraduate leave, you can remain in Canada for 150 days after the date on which the letter indicates your leave began.
Leaves longer than 150 days affect your Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility and status in Canada. If you are not returning to studies before the 150 day period is over, you will probably need to:
If you withdraw from courses on time, you can apply for a leave letter at any time.
If you are in Canada, note that you cannot use your study permit or co-op work permit to work in Canada while on leave, and are not eligible to work during the scheduled breaks immediately preceding or following your leave. You will not be eligible to work until you resume full-time studies and meet all requirements to work in Canada. There may also be other non-immigration impacts of taking time away from studies.
To request a leave letter:
- Consider carefully whether you will take Term 1, Term 2 or both terms away from studies. Check your program requirements and contact your Academic Advising office with any questions about your program.
- Carefully review how taking time away from studies impacts your immigration, particularly if you will be on leave for more than 150 days and will be in Canada during your leave.
- After you withdraw from all courses in Term 1, Term 2 or both terms, send a request to your Academic advising by their normal communication methods. Tell them you are requesting a leave and for which term(s).
- If they agree, the Academic Advising office will email you a letter which you can find on the Message Centre of the Student Service Centre (SSC).
- The leave will not appear on your transcript. Include the authorized leave letter with future IRCC applications as needed.
- Regardless of the amount of leave taken, you must meet all academic regulations of your program.
If you take a break from studies in the Winter Session 2022 (September 2022 to April 2023) onwards
As of June 2022, authorized leave for undergraduate students is available on an ongoing basis.
Check taking time away from studies for more information since there are some changes from the above policy for students who took a gap in Winter Session 2021.
Under the International Undergraduate Leave Procedure, you can request a leave letter by the following August 31 after your gap. For example, if you took a gap in Winter Term 1 2022, you can request the leave letter until August 31 2023.
I work in essential services - can I work more than 20 hours per week?
work eligibility
Between April 22, 2020 and August 31, 2020, as a temporary measure you could work off-campus more than 20 hours per week if you worked in ‘essential services’, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.
To be eligible, you must have:
If you worked more than 20 hours during this period, please contact International Student Advising for support before submitting your next immigration application.
Can I work more than 20 hours a week off-campus under the temporary policy?
Under normal circumstances, international students can work off-campus up to 20 hours a week during academic terms, and full-time during scheduled breaks, if eligible. This applies to students in degree, diploma, certificate or exchange programs.
In recognition of international students’ contribution to the labour market, IRCC announced a temporary policy which allows some international students who are eligible to work off-campus to work more than 20 hours a week starting from November 15, 2022, until whichever comes first:
- The study permit you applied for on or before October 7 expires
- The study permit you held on October 7, 2022 expires, if you did not have a study permit application in progress on October 7, 2022
- December 31, 2023
- You finish your studies and get your letter of completion
Your eligibility for the temporary policy depends on whether you applied for your initial or extended study permit before or after Oct 7, 2022 and the expiry date of the study permit you applied for or held on Oct 7, 2022—review the scenarios below for details.
If you are eligible for the temporary off-campus work policy above, you are also exempt from needing a co-op work permit for the co-op placements, practicums or internships taking place during this period—review the scenarios below for details.
You can check when IRCC received your study permit application by logging into your online IRCC account and checking the PDF confirmation IRCC automatically sent confirming the date they received your application. Note that application times are based on being received by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) 11:59pm, not local time zones.
Make sure you are eligible to work off-campus and learn how your enrollment impacts immigration, including work eligibility.
As is the case for all work in Canada, you must make sure you maintain eligibility requirements to work on and off campus. You must stop working immediately if any of the following is true:
Consider carefully before increasing your work hours. As the IRCC news release states, “Study permit holders are still expected to balance their study and work commitments, as those who stop studying or reduce course loads to only study part-time are not eligible to work off-campus.”
Be sure to track your off-campus work hours, such as saving your pay slips and work schedules, in case you are asked to provide proof in the future. In future immigration applications, if you worked more than 20 hours a week during this temporary policy period, include a section in your letter of explanation referring to the policy.
Take advantage of the many resources offered by the Centre for Student Involvement and Careers, such as guidance with resumes and interviews, workshops, and CareersOnline job postings.
If the study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires AFTER December 31, 2023
You can benefit from the full duration of the temporary off-campus work policy from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, so long as you maintain eligibility to work off-campus.
Keep in mind you must stop working if you finish your studies and receive your letter of completion, withdraw from courses and are no longer enrolled full-time, or your study permit expired and you did not apply to extend it before it expired.
If you have a co-op, internship, or practicum
You can also benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit if your program-required work takes place between November 15, 2022, and December 31, 2023.
If your program-required work ends after December 31, 2023, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit for program-required work taking place from January 2024 onwards. We recommend that you apply for your co-op work permit (or study permit extension and co-op work permit, if your study permit will expire soon) when you get your co-op letter so that you can receive your co-op work permit before program-required work taking place in January 2024 or later.
For example, if the study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires on July 31, 2025, you can benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023. You will need a valid co-op work permit for program-required work starting from January 1, 2024, onwards.
If you applied for a study permit (initial or extended) on or BEFORE October 7, 2022, and that study permit expires AFTER December 31, 2023
You can benefit from the full duration of the temporary off-campus work policy from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, so long as you maintain eligibility to work off-campus.
Keep in mind you must stop working if you finish your studies and receive your letter of completion, withdraw from courses and are no longer enrolled full-time, or your study permit expired and you did not apply to extend it before it expired.
If you have a co-op, internship, or practicum
You can also benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit if your program-required work takes place between November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023.
If your program-required work ends after December 31, 2023, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit for program-required work taking place from January 2024 onwards. We recommend that you apply for your co-op work permit (or study permit extension and co-op work permit, if your study permit will expire soon) when you get your co-op letter so that you can receive your co-op work permit before program-required work taking place in January 2024 or later.
For example, if you applied for a study permit extension on September 20, 2022, and that study permit expires on March 31, 2025, you can benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023. You will need a valid co-op work permit for program-required work starting from January 1, 2024, onwards.
If you applied for a study permit (initial or extended) on or BEFORE October 7, 2022, and that study permit expires BEFORE December 31, 2023
You can benefit from the temporary off-campus work policy from November 15, 2022, until the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires.
If you need longer to finish your studies and extend your study permit, you won’t be able to benefit from the policy after the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires.
For example, if you applied for a study permit on September 29, 2022, and that study permit expires on August 31, 2023, you can benefit from the temporary policy from November 15, 2022, until August 31, 2023. If you extend your study permit, you won’t be able to benefit from the temporary off-campus work policy between August 31, 2023, until it ends on December 31, 2023.
If you have a co-op, internship, or practicum
You can only benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit until the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires, so long as you maintain eligibility to work off-campus.
If you need longer to finish your program-required work, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit along with your study permit extension. Starting from the day after the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires, you must have received your co-op work permit or be able to work while you are waiting for your co-op work permit before working in a program-required position. We recommend that you apply for your study permit extension and co-op work permit about 5 months before your study permit expires so that you can hopefully receive your co-op work permit before starting or resuming program-required work taking place after the study permit you applied for on or before October 7 expires, depending on processing times.
For example, if you applied for a study permit extension on September 29, 2022, and that study permit expires on August 31, 2023, you could benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from November 15, 2022, until August 31, 2023. You will need a valid co-op work permit or to be able to work while you are waiting for your co-op work permit before starting program-required work from September 1, 2023 onwards.
If you applied for your initial (first) study permit AFTER October 7, 2022
Unfortunately, you are not eligible for the off-campus work temporary policy.
If you meet the requirements to work in Canada, you can work on campus unlimited hours as well as work off-campus up to 20 hours a week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.
If you have a co-op, internship, or practicum
You cannot benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit and will need to apply for a co-op work permit.
If you applied for a co-op work permit and are still waiting for it to be processed, learn about working while you are waiting for your co-op permit. We recommend that you apply for your co-op work permit (or study permit extension and co-op work permit, if your study permit will expire soon) as soon as you get your co-op letter so that you can receive your co-op work permit before your start date.
If you apply to extend your study permit AFTER October 7, 2022, and the study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires BEFORE November 15, 2022
Unfortunately, you are not eligible for the off-campus work temporary policy.
If you meet the requirements to work in Canada, you can work on campus unlimited hours as well as work off-campus up to 20 hours a week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.
If you have a co-op, internship or practicum
You cannot benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit and will need to apply for a co-op work permit.
If you applied for a co-op work permit and are still waiting for it to be processed, learn about working while you are waiting for your co-op permit. We recommend that you apply for your co-op work permit (or study permit extension and co-op work permit, if your study permit will expire soon) as soon as you get your co-op letter so that you can receive your co-op work permit before your start date.
If you apply to extend your study permit AFTER October 7, 2022, and the study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires AFTER November 15, 2022
You can benefit from the off-campus work temporary policy from November 15, 2022, until whichever comes first:
- The study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires, or
- December 31, 2023
For example, if you applied for a study permit extension on November 1, 2022, and the study permit you held on October 7, 2022 expires on February 1, 2023, you can benefit from the temporary off-campus work policy from November 15, 2022, until February 1, 2023.
If you have a co-op, internship, or practicum
You can only benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from November 15, 2022, until whichever comes first:
- The study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires, or
- December 31, 2023
If you need longer to finish your program-required work, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit, or a study permit extension and co-op work permit if your study permit expires soon. Starting from the day after the study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires, you must have received your co-op work permit or be able to work while you are waiting for your co-op work permit to work in a program-required position. We recommend that you apply for your co-op work permit as soon as you receive your co-op letter, or if your study permit expires soon, apply for your study permit extension and co-op work permit about 5 months before your study permit expires, so that you can hopefully receive your co-op work permit before starting or resuming program-required work taking place after the study permit you held on October 7 expires, depending on processing times.
For example, if you applied for a study permit extension on November 1, 2022, and the study permit you held on October 7 expires on February 1, 2023, you can benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from November 15, 2022, to February 1, 2023. You will need a valid co-op work permit or be able to work while you are waiting for your co-op work permit before starting program-required work beginning February 2, 2023, onwards.
Check the October 7 news release and alert on IRCC’s page for details.
Traveling to Canada
As of October 1, 2022, travellers are no longer required to be vaccinated to travel to Canada. Review the Travelling to Canada guide before travelling.
UBC campus requirements
All members of the UBC community are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as they are eligible.
If you live in UBC student residence, learn about COVID-19 residence rules.
If you are not vaccinated
Learn how to get the COVID-19 vaccine in BC free of charge, even if you are not enrolled in the Medical Services Plan and do not have a BC Personal Health Number (PHN). However, you are encouraged to get a PHN to use the online vaccination booking system—you can call 1 833 838 2323 from 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week to get a PHN. Translators are available.
Limited personal information will be collected, such as your name, date of birth and address. You do not need to provide proof of a Social Insurance Number or proof of immigration status.
Visit the BC government website to learn when and how you can get vaccinated.
If you were vaccinated outside of BC
If you received your first or both COVID-19 vaccination doses outside of BC (inside or outside of Canada) then travel to BC, bring a vaccination record indicating which vaccine you received and when it was administered.
The BC government recommends that you:
- Register with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system.
- If you do not have a Personal Health Number (PHN), call 1 833 838 2323 from 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week, to get a PHN. Translators are available.
- Submit proof of an official vaccination record for one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be entered into the Provincial Immunization Registry. This can take 4-7 days.
See BCCDC guidance on if it is recommended to get an additional COVID-19 vaccination in BC. A doctor will determine the appropriate dose.
If you need a second dose or booster, after completing the above steps, you will receive an invitation to book your second dose or booster once your record has been updated and you are eligible.
BC proof of vaccination
In BC, proof of vaccination is no longer required to access events, services and businesses. However, individual businesses and event organizers can choose to require proof of vaccination. Learn how to get proof of vaccination.
Can I work or be paid for a scholarship, award, teaching, or research assistantship, if I am outside of Canada?
work eligibility, travel restrictions
Canadian immigration laws only apply to those inside of Canada. However, there may be obstacles to employing or paying you outside of Canada, such as WorkSafe BC requirements, taxation, needing a valid Social Insurance Number, or other complexities.
Please contact your supervisor or employer to learn about potential impacts.
I am under financial distress. Can UBC help?
I will be studying online from outside of Canada. Can I opt out of the U-Pass, health insurance and other student fees?
financial assistance
You might be eligible to opt out of some student fees. Learn about how to opt in or opt out of AMS fees.
AMS/GSS HEALTH AND DENTAL PLAN
If you have questions about coverage outside of Canada or eligibility to opt out of AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan, contact Student Care.
iMED HEALTH INSURANCE
If you will not study in Canada for the full duration of your program of studies, contact International Student Advising to see if you are eligible to opt out.
BC MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN (MSP)
You do not apply or pay for the BC government-run Medical Services Plan (MSP) until you arrive in BC.
If you are a current student who has MSP, learn about MSP coverage when you leave BC.
Will I be able to access course materials if they are not permitted in my home country?
travel restrictions
Equity and academic freedom are two fundamental values of our UBC culture. Moreover, UBC is not subject to foreign censorship laws. Every effort is and will be made to ensure that UBC students living abroad are provided access to the same materials and digital learning spaces as domestic students. As long as students use institutionally-provisioned learning tools and applications (such as Canvas, UBC email and other such systems), students can expect to exercise their academic freedom whether they are in Canada or abroad.
