Study Permits

Persons who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents require a Study Permit (Student Authorization, Visa) in order to enter Canada to study. As an international student, you must obtain a Study Permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in order to live and study in Canada for more than six months.

Apply early! It can take weeks (or in some cases, months) to process your Study Permit application.

Detailed instructions on how to apply for your Study Permit can be found on the UBC International Student Development web site. If you need assistance with this process, you can contact an International Student Advisor at isa@students.ubc.ca.

US citizens: If you are a US citizen (or permanent resident) currently living in the United States, you can choose to apply for a Study Permit on arrival in Canada, provided you enter at a major US/Canada border crossing or airport.

Working while studying

If your Study Permit is valid for at least six months and you are a full-time student, you may be permitted by Canada Immigration to accept part-time employment on campus and may also be eligible to apply for an off-campus work permit once you meet eligibility requirements.

International Student Development provides more information on working in Canada during your studies.

Spouses/partners

Spouses and common-law partners of students holding a Study Permit may apply to CIC for Employment Authorization in order to work in Canada for the duration of the Study Permit.  More information on work permits for spouses/partners is available from CIC and UBC International Student Development