ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS: STUDYING AND WORKING IN CANADA
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced changes to the International Student Program starting January 1, 2026, including new rules for Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs).
Graduate students (Master’s or PhD) at public institutions will be exempt from the PAL requirement starting January 1, 2026. In addition, PhD students and their accompanying family members may also qualify for expedited processing, if they apply within the same application. Please note that applications may still be subject to background checks, which could affect processing times.
For full details on PAL requirements and other updates, please review our 2026 PAL Requirement News Post.
As an international student, it is important to understand your SFU enrolment status. Changes to full-time enrolment in an academic term will also affect your ability to work and eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What is Full-time Enrolment Status at SFU?
Each institution determines the minimum course load required for full-time enrolment status. At SFU, students are considered full-time for immigration purposes in a given term, if they are in the following scenarios:
- Undergraduate Students (including post-baccalaureate programs)
- Graduate Students
- Formal Exchange Program Students
- Co-op Students
- Visiting International Research Students
- Students Approved for a Reduced Course Load
Undergraduate Students (including post-baccalaureate programs)
You are considered a full-time student for immigration purposes if you are enrolled in a minimum of 9 units in a given term.
Note: A full course load for undergraduate students at SFU is generally 15 units per term.
Graduate Students
You are considered full-time if you are:
- enrolled in per term fee program, or
- enrolled in a thesis, project, capstone course or field exams, or
- enrolled in 6 or more units per term in a per unit fee program.
Formal Exchange Program Students
Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a full-time Formal Exchange Program (FEP) or Field School (outbound exchange and field school).
Co-op Students
Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a full-time co-operative education placement (Co-op), approved internship or practicum as per program requirements.
Visiting International Research Students
Visiting International Graduate Research Students (see more information) enrolled in Grad 800.
Students Approved for a Reduced Course Load
If you registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning and have been approved for a reduced course load (less than 9 units) you are considered a full-time student for the term(s) covered by your approval.
Note: If your confirmation of enrolment (COE) or transcript does not indicate your enrolment status that is equivalent to a full-time courseload, please contact an International Student Advisor for support.
The information on this page has been reviewed by International Student Advisors and was last updated on March 26, 2026.