I am an international student and have questions regarding my immigration status (e.g. study permit, work permit, visa). Who should I contact?

SFU international students, recent graduates, and newly admitted students who have questions about their immigration status in Canada, about applications currently being processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), or about applications they will make in the near future, can contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist by live chat, email, virtual appointment, or phone for assistance.  

If you are in Canada and unable to go home because of concerns related to COVID-19, you must maintain your legal immigration status in Canada (e.g. study permit, work permit, visitor record).

^{Updated April 22, 2020 — Return to top}

I am an incoming student living outside of Canada.  Can I still apply for a study permit?

If you have been accepted to SFU and have an SFU letter of acceptance you should apply for a study permit as soon as possible. You can find general information about applying for an initial study permit from outside of Canada on the ISS website. IRCC advises all applicants outside of Canada to apply online for a study permit.

^{Updated July 28, 2020 — Return to top}

I need to give biometrics as part of my study permit application but biometrics appointments in my country of residence are cancelled until further notice.  What should I do?

You are required to provide biometrics if you have not done so for an application to come to Canada in the past 10 years (unless exempted).  For more information visit the IRCC website. You can check to see if you already have valid biometrics on file using IRCC's check status tool. 

Some Visa Application Centres (VACs) and Application Support Centres (ASCs) are temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are required to provide biometrics, you can still submit your study permit application and pay the biometrics fee even if the VAC/ASC in your area is temporarily closed.

On April 12, 2021, IRCC announced that deadlines for applicants to provide missing information or documents (including biometrics) will no longer be automatically extended. 

• If you applied for your study permit before April 12, 2021, you will receive a final letter from IRCC to ask you to give your biometrics within 30 days. 
• If you applied on or after April 12, 2021, please comply with the deadline indicated on your Biometrics Instruction Letter.

If you are outside Canada and are unable to provide biometrics by the deadline indicated in the instruction letter from IRCC due to COVID-19, you should contact IRCC to request an extension. It is not recommended to travel to another city or country to give your biometrics if your local VAC or ASC is closed. For information on how to request a deadline extension, visit the IRCC website.

^{Updated February 28, 2023 — Return to top}

I have been accepted to SFU for an upcoming term. My study permit application is still under processing.  Can I start my program online from my home country?

Will starting a program online impact my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)? 

During the pandemic, IRCC introduced a special provision that allowed international students to start their program online abroad and that time was counted towards the length of their PGWP. This provision has expired on August 31, 2022.

However, as of August 25, 2022, IRCC announced that distance learning measures have been extended to August 31, 2023. 

The extended measures are applicable for students whose programs start between September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023:

1. No more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
2. Studies completed online from outside Canada starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.

Read the full IRCC measures here.

^{Updated December 14 2022 — Return to top}

Will I be eligible for a refund if my study permit application is refused?

Please note that the specific deadlines on tuition fee refund still apply if you choose to postpone your studies or withdraw from your courses/program due to refusal of your study permit application. Visit here to review SFU’s refund policy. For further questions regarding refund policies and amounts, please contact the Student Accounts office at student_accounts@sfu.ca.

^{Updated July 28, 2022 — Return to top}

Who should I contact to inquire about course planning and/or the availability of remote courses

International Student Advisors do not advise on academic matters. Please explore the following resources for course planning as indicated below:

• Undergraduate students: Please reach out to your academic advisor to check the availability of remote courses. Important Information about Spring 2023 courses can be seen here.
• Graduate Students: Please reach out to your Graduate Program Assistant and or Supervisor to discuss remote learning options.

^{Updated December 14, 2022 — Return to top}

Can I defer my admission to a later term? What is the deadline for deferral, and can I defer after the deadline?

Undergraduate students: The period to apply for a deferral for Spring 2023 is between October 15 – December 15, 2022. Information regarding deferral can be found here.

• Due to extenuating circumstances, you may request to defer after the deadline; however, the final decision is at the discretion of the admissions department.

If you have questions about the deferral, you can contact Admissions at 778.782.6930. Alternatively, you can submit your question using the Ask a Question Form https://community.sfu.ca/futurestudents/s/.

Graduate Students: You should make the request directly to your academic program. 

If you have questions about impact of admissions deferrals on Scholarships and Awards, please email: fiassist@sfu.ca

If you have questions about SFU Housing, please email: housing@sfu.ca

^{Updated December 14, 2022 — Return to top}

Can I start my classes late? How late can I join if my study permit does not get approved in time?

If you are unable to start your program on time, please reach out to your respective instructors and inform them of your late arrival. You should also discuss and explore possible academic concession options with your instructors. The final decision on your request for academic concessions will be granted at the discretion of your individual instructors. To learn more about the academic concessions available to students, please click here.

If you have further questions about your academic options at SFU, you should consult an academic/program advisor. Please also keep in mind the add/drop deadlines in the event your study permit is not approved.

^{Updated July 28, 2022 — Return to top}

Can SFU contact IRCC on my behalf and request expedited processing of my study permit application? 

Currently, there are no measures in place whereby a study permit applicant can request expedited processing of their application. Unfortunately, as a post-secondary institution, SFU does not have the authority to intervene with IRCC on behalf of a student to request faster processing of an application. To check the current estimated processing time for a study permit application submitted outside of Canada, please click here.

^{Updated July 28, 2022 — Return to top}

I have already started my SFU studies online but now my study permit application has been refused. What can I do?

Please email an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist at intl_advising@sfu.ca for assistance. We may be able to provide you with some guidance on how to strengthen your next application, should you wish to apply again. Alternatively, you may hire an authorized representative such as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or lawyer to help you. 

You may continue your online studies from outside Canada if you wish, since a study permit is not required for anyone who is not physically in Canada. However, you will require a study permit for all in-Canada components to your program. 

^{Updated December 7, 2020 — Return to top}

I am an international student living in Canada and transferring to SFU.  My study permit is expiring soon. Can I apply to extend my study permit from within Canada?

If you are transferring to SFU from another Canadian post-secondary institution you must submit your study permit extension application before your study permit expires in order to begin your studies at SFU. As long as you do this you are allowed to remain in Canada and continue studying until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your study permit extension application under maintained status (formerly known as implied status).  

If you plan to work on or off campus during your studies at SFU and you were not previously authorized to do so you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit to have the appropriate work authorization remarks added. To review IRCC’s work eligibility requirements for study permit holders please visit the IRCC website. 

Note that if you are holding a valid study permit and are transferring to SFU from another Canadian post-secondary institution, you are required to notify IRCC by completing the online designated learning institution (DLI) transfer.  For instructions on how to complete this process please visit the IRCC website.  

^{Updated April 9, 2021 — Return to top}

I am transferring to SFU from another post-secondary institution in Canada and my study permit was approved based on my previous institution. What do I need to do to update it?

The steps you need to take will depend on where you are, and whether you are holding a valid study permit or a study permit approval letter. Please follow the instructions below:

^{Updated May 3, 2021  — Return to top}

I am an international student who attended high school in Canada and will join SFU in an upcoming term. Should I apply for a new study permit?

If you are joining SFU from a Canadian high school, you are not required to apply for a new study permit, provided that your current study permit remains valid. However, if your study permit will expire soon, please ensure that you submit an application to extend your study permit within Canada before its expiry date. As long as you apply to extend your study permit before it expires, you can continue to remain in Canada and start your studies at SFU under maintained status (formerly known as implied status) while waiting for a decision to be made on your application. 

If you plan to work on or off campus during your studies at SFU, you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit to have the proper work authorization imposed. You can’t start working until your study permit has been issued with the appropriate work authorization and you must meet other eligibility requirements.

Keep in mind that you can only extend your study permit from inside Canada. If you are outside Canada and will not return until after your current study permit expires, you will need to apply for a new (initial) study permit and wait for approval before travelling to Canada.

^{Updated June 2, 2021   — Return to top}

Where can I find information on processing times for immigration applications (e.g. study permit, temporary resident visa, work permit)?

You can find information about estimated processing times on the IRCC website. However, due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, many of the posted processing times are no longer accurate. If there is a delay in submitting the necessary documents to finalize your application, there may be an increase in the processing time.

According to IRCC, students outside Canada who submitted a complete study permit application by May 15, 2021 should have received a final decision by August 6, 2021. However, processing delays may still occur if you were unable to submit a complete application due to COVID-19 restrictions such as reduced services at visa application centres (VACs) or other providers.

Applications submitted after May 15 will be processed as quickly as possible, but may or may not receive a final decision before the Fall term begins.

^{Updated August 19, 2021 — Return to top}

I need to give biometrics as part of my study permit extension application but have not been able to do so. What should I do?

Under normal circumstances you are required to provide biometrics if you have not done so for an application to come to Canada in the past 10 years (unless exempted). Please note that this is still required if you are applying outside Canada. For more information visit the IRCC website. You can also use IRCC's Check Status Tool to see if you already have valid biometrics on file. 

Please ensure that you submit an application to extend your study permit before your current study permit expires. If you do this you will be able to remain in Canada and continue studying under maintained status (formerly known as implied status) until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your application, even if your study permit expires while you await processing.

^{Updated February 28, 2023 — Return to top}

Can I go to the border to apply for my study permit at the port of entry?

You may apply for a study permit upon your arrival at a Canadian Port of Entry (e.g. your airport of arrival or land crossing into Canada) if you are:

• a citizen or permanent resident of the United States,
• a resident of Greenland, or
• a resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon

Please ensure that you will have all the supporting documents required to apply for a study permit at the port of entry. Please note that there is no guarantee of approval as the border services officer will make the final decision and determine if you will be eligible to enter Canada as a student. For more information about applying for a study permit at the port of entry, visit IRCC's website.

^{Updated October 22, 2020 — Return to top}

What if I still have follow-up questions?

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact an International Student Advisor for assistance. To find ways to connect with an advisor, please click here.

^{Updated July 28, 2022 — Return to top}

Will my ability to enter or return to Canada be impacted by the current travel restrictions?

To manage the outbreak of COVID-19, Canada has implemented travel restrictions to stop non-essential travel to Canada by most foreign nationals, with a few exemptions.  For more information about the travel restrictions and exemptions, please visit IRCC’s website.

TRAVEL EXEMPTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

As an international student, you must meet the following requirements to travel to Canada (until January 14, 2022):

1. Must be attending a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan (e.g. SFU), AND
2. One of the following must apply to you:
   • you hold a valid study permit, or
   • you have a valid letter of introduction from IRCC showing that your study permit application was approved (note: an approval-in-principle is not sufficient for travel)

International students who meet the above requirements will normally be considered to be travelling for a non-optional/non-discretionary purpose. If you are entering Canada for any reason other than studies, your travel won't be considered non-discretionary and you may not be allowed to enter, unless you are eligible for another exemption to the travel restrictions (such as the exemption allowing travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated to enter for discretionary purposes).

A Border Services Officer will make the final decision on whether you are eligible to enter Canada. 

Starting January 15, 2022, international students will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada. For more information, see What are the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada? Do I need to be vaccinated before I can travel?.

Please do not make plans to travel to Canada until you are sure you meet all requirements for entry, including final approval of your study permit application or a valid study permit, and a valid temporary resident visa or eTA if required.

Please see "What documents should I carry when I travel to Canada?" for guidance on how to demonstrate eligibility to enter Canada.

Depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the current travel restrictions may be extended and/or changed. Due to the fluidity of the pandemic, we strongly recommend that you closely monitor these in preparation for travel to Canada.

^{Updated November 23, 2021 — Return to top}

As the rules around travel and entry to Canada continue to evolve and may change without notice, please refer to the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information on travel requirements.

Upcoming changes to entry requirements for Canada were announced on September 26, 2022 and will come into effect on October 1, 2022. This announcement can be reviewed on the Government of Canada website.

Current requirements 

Starting January 15, 2022, most international students 18 years and older, as well as workers and visitors, will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for the purpose of travel to Canada.

For details on these upcoming requirements, including limited exceptions, see the Backgrounder from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Travellers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and who meet specific criteria are exempt from certain quarantine and post-arrival testing requirements (unless randomly selected). 

As an international student, if you are entering Canada to study at an approved institution (including SFU) and are holding a valid study permit or valid letter of introduction showing approval of your study permit application, your travel is considered essential (non-discretionary).

Fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific entry requirements may enter Canada for a discretionary (non-essential) reason. Visit the Government of Canada website for detailed information on the requirements to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.

^{Updated September 26, 2022 — Return to top}

If I meet the travel exemptions and plan to come to Canada, what should I do to prepare for my arrival? 

Starting January 15, 2022, travellers are eligible to enter or return to Canada if they qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler with only limited exceptions.

JUMP TO SECTION

• Submit your information to the Canadian Government via ArriveCAN
• Pre-register for COVID-19 arrivals testing (optional)
• Learn about available supports at SFU
• Non-medical masks or face coverings during travel
• Review additional information

SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT VIA ARRIVECAN

You must use the ArriveCAN mobile app or sign in on a computer to enter your proof of vaccination, quarantine and travel information.

• Proof of vaccination and travel documents can be saved in your ArriveCAN traveller profile before any planned travel
• ArriveCAN is always free

To be ready for your trip, create your free ArriveCAN account

To get an ArriveCAN receipt, submit your travel and quarantine plan information within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada.

For more instructions on how to submit your ArriveCAN information, please go to this IRCC webpage.

In addition, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is now providing travellers the option to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada through ArriveCAN.

Submitting your declaration in advance will save you time when you arrive at the airport. The Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional feature built into ArriveCAN. All travellers arriving in Canada must continue to use ArriveCAN to submit mandatory travel and health information.

PRE-REGISTER FOR COVID-19 ARRIVAL TESTING, IF REQUIRED

Upon your entry to Canada by air or at a land border crossing, the border services officer may notify you that you have been randomly selected for a mandatory arrival test.

As a fully vaccinated traveller, you can travel to your destination, including on connecting flights, without waiting for your arrival test results (if selected for testing).

Since you may be required to get tested before exiting the airport,  IRCC recommends that you register in advance with the testing provider for the airport you will arrive at to speed through the process.

For more information on arrival test exemptions, complete list of test providers, and how to complete your arrival test, please refer to this IRCC webpage.

LEARN ABOUT AVAILABLE SUPPORTS AT SFU

For detailed information about the available supports at SFU for students including information about arrival preparation, accommodation, and meals, please review our Student Arrival Support page. 

For all official COVID-19 related updates at SFU including safety plan, safety measures, FAQs, list of campus services and more, visit our Return to Campus page.

NON-MEDICAL MASKS OR FACE COVERINGS DURING TRAVEL

All international air travelers must use non-medical masks or face coverings to cover their mouth and nose during federally regulated travel. 

In the province of British Columbia, wearing masks in public indoor settings is no longer required by public health. Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required.  

REVIEW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information on SFU's COVID-19 readiness plans and protocols, please review the following resources:

• Student Arrival Support
• International Services for Students FAQ's: COVID-19 FAQ for International Students
• SFU Residence and Housing: General information during COVID-19 for residents
• Student Support and Resources
• SFU Community Resources: Frequently Asked Questions
• SFU Communicable Disease Plan

^{Updated August 9, 2022 — Return to top}

Upcoming changes to entry requirements for Canada were announced on September 26, 2022 and will come into effect on October 1, 2022. This announcement can be reviewed on the Government of Canada website.

Currently fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific criteria may be exempt from the requirement to quarantine for 14 days. Please visit the Government of Canada website for detailed information on eligibility criteria for this exemption, including a list of acceptable vaccines.

As requirements may change without notice, please refer to the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information.

^{Updated September 26, 2022 — Return to top}

Jump to section

At the port of entry

A border services officer (BSO) will assess your eligibility to enter Canada under the current travel restrictions and make a final decision on whether to allow entry. They will also let you know whether you have been randomly selected for COVID-19 arrival test.

• Click here for information about current border procedures
• Click here for details on port-of-entry immigration procedures for international students
• Information regarding additional COVID-19 travel planning for arrival at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) can be found on the YVR website. 

For more information about what to expect at the Canadian port of entry (airport or land border crossing), please visit the CBSA website. You can also find some general arrival information on our International Student Advising and Programs website.

Submitting information via ArriveCAN after arrival 

If a BSO confirms that you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, you may still be subject to random testing on arrival. However, you won’t need to report your results through ArriveCAN. Follow the instructions given to you by the border services officer.

For more information about what to do next, please refer to the scenarios listed in this IRCC webpage.

Completing your post-arrival COVID-19 test

Upon your entry to Canada by air or at a land border crossing, the BSO may notify you that you have been randomly selected for a mandatory arrival test.

As a fully vaccinated traveller, you can travel to your destination, including on connecting flights, without waiting for your arrival test results (if selected for testing).

Since you may be required to get tested before exiting the airport, IRCC recommends that you register in advance with the testing provider for the airport you will arrive at to speed through the process.

For more information on arrival test exemptions, complete list of test providers, and how to complete your arrival test, please refer to this IRCC webpage.

Accessing Available Supports at SFU

For detailed information about the available supports at SFU for students including information about arrival preparation, accommodation, and meals, please review our Student Arrival Support page. 

For all official COVID-19 related updates at SFU including safety plan, safety measures, FAQs, list of campus services and more, visit our Return to Campus page.

^{Updated July 26, 2022 — Return to top}

What documents should I carry when I travel to Canada?

Upcoming changes to entry requirements for Canada were announced on September 26, 2022 and will come into effect on October 1, 2022. This announcement can be reviewed on the Government of Canada website.

General information can be found on the IRCC website. You should always carry your SFU Letter of Acceptance and/or Confirmation of Enrollment letter for entry to Canada.

All international students must carry supporting documents to demonstrate that they meet the travel exemptions and their purpose of travel is non-optional. These documents include but are not limited to:

• a valid study permit, or a Letter of Introduction confirming that your study permit has been approved by IRCC (an Approval-in-Principle/stage 1 approval of your study permit is not sufficient for travel) 
• new students: a valid Letter of Acceptance (offer letter) from SFU and a current confirmation of enrollment letter from SFU (available once you have enrolled in classes for an upcoming term)
• current/returning students: a current confirmation of enrollment letter from SFU
• proof of funds available to support you in Canada
• proof of a valid immigration medical examination, if required
• ArriveCAN receipt
• proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, if applicable

Please note that the documents you use for travel should be as current as possible. For example, your Confirmation of Enrollment letter should be for the current or upcoming term -- not for a past term.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may require a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) in addition to your study permit in order to travel to Canada. For more information, please visit the IRCC website. 

You may contact the Border Information Service for more information about travel restrictions and exemptions for international students. 

Be prepared to demonstrate that you are exempt from the travel restrictions both at the airport in your departure country and when entering Canada.

For more information about what to expect at the Canadian port of entry (airport or land border crossing), please visit the CBSA website. You can also find some general arrival information on our International Student Advising and Programs website.

^{Updated September 26, 2022 — Return to top}

Do I need a support letter from SFU to travel to Canada?

Under the current travel restrictions, a travel support letter from SFU is not required to enter Canada. However, you should be prepared to demonstrate your enrollment at SFU to show you meet the requirements for entry as an international student. Your official Confirmation of Enrollment letter from goSFU (showing your enrollment in classes for the current or upcoming term) is sufficient for this purpose.

For more information on documents required for travel, please see What documents should I carry when I travel to Canada?

If the airline you are travelling with requires additional documents to allow you to board your flight toCanada, please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for advice.

_{Updated August 5, 2021 — Return to top}

Can my family members travel with me to Canada? 

CURRENT REQUIREMENTS (THROUGH JANUARY 14, 2022)

Immediate family members (e.g. spouse/common-law partner, dependent children) may be able to come with you to Canada, provided that they have the proper immigration documents and a non-discretionary travel purpose. Generally speaking, family members who are seeking to accompany and support you during your studies in Canada will be considered as travelling for a non-discretionary purpose. For more information on how your accompanying family members may travel to Canada, please visit IRCC's website. 

Depending on their country of citizenship, your family members may also require a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. 

Most non-essential travel to Canada (such as travel for the purpose of tourism or a short-term visit) is not permitted under the current travel restrictions.

Fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific criteria are permitted to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) travel. Entry to Canada remains prohibited for all other foreign nationals, unless they are already exempt from the current travel restrictions and are travelling for an essential purpose.

VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY STARTING JANUARY 15, 2022

Starting January 15, most international students, workers, and visitors, will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for the purpose of travel to Canada.

For details on these upcoming requirements and limited exceptions (including exemptions for accompanying children under the age of 18), see the Backgrounder from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

For more information, visit the Government of Canada website for COVID-19 vaccinated travellers.

_{Updated November 23, 2021 — Return to top}

What about transportation services from the airport?

If you were randomly selected for on-arrival testing and you test positive, you must quarantine for 10 days and monitor your symptoms for 14 days upon arrival. You must go directly to your self-isolation location.

There are multiple transportation options that you can use to get to your accommodation. Use private transportation to get to your place of quarantine, if possible. Visit SFU’s Leaving the Airport page for more information about your transportation options.

Note that travelers displaying symptoms of COVID-19 after arriving in Canada are not permitted to use public transportation (bus, train, taxi, or ride-sharing service) to travel to their place of isolation. If you have symptoms that may be due to COVID-19, you are only allowed to take private transportation (e.g. a personal vehicle) to get to your place of isolation. More information can be found on the IRCC website.

^{Updated April 25, 2022 — Return to top}

Please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website for guidance.

Please note that as of January 15, 2022, your vaccination status will impact your ability to enter Canada. For more information about the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada, see What are the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada? Do I need to be vaccinated before I can travel?

^{Updated December 8, 2021 — Return to top}

Everyone in British Columbia is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine regardless of their immigration status. For more information, visit the Immunize BC website.

For details on vaccination for students arriving from outside BC, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

Please note that as of January 15, 2022, your vaccination status will impact your ability to enter Canada. For more information about the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada, see What are the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada? Do I need to be vaccinated before I can travel?

^{Updated November 23, 2021 — Return to top}

By order of the Public Health Officer, proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services and businesses in British Columbia. Starting September 13, you must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. By October 24, you must be fully vaccinated. For more details on this requirement, visit the Government of BC's website.

For information on obtaining a BC Vaccine Card if you were vaccinated for COVID-19 outside Canada, see How do I get the BC Vaccine Card if I was vaccinated in another country? on the SFU Student Support and Resources website.

^{Updated September 3, 2021 — Return to top}

Starting June 20, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. (EDT), vaccination will no longer be required to board a plane or train in Canada.

You still must wear a mask throughout your journey.

This applies only to travel within Canada and flights or trains leaving Canada.

• Keep in mind that starting January 15, 2022, most travellers (including international students 18 years of age and older) who are entering Canada from another country, continue to be required to be fully vaccinated in order to enter Canada. Therefore, you must continue to follow all entry requirements, including for cruise ships.

We will continue to update this page as more details are made available. In the meantime, we recommend that you monitor the above links for updates, and plan your travel accordingly.

Read the full announcement here.

^{Updated June 15, 2022 — Return to top}

I am a current SFU international student who is outside of Canada.  Can I still travel to Canada?

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has implemented a set of travel restrictions.  You may be able to return to Canada if you meet one of the exemptions to the travel restrictions. 

For more information, please see:

• Will my upcoming travel to Canada be impacted by the current travel restrictions? 
• What documents should I carry when I travel to Canada?

Note that depending on your country of citizenship you may require a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) in addition to your study or work permit in order to travel to Canada. For more information please visit the IRCC website.

The most up-to-date information concerning travel restrictions to Canada can be found on the Government of Canada website.

^{Updated July 28, 2020 — Return to top}

I am a current SFU student in Canada and my study permit is expiring soon.  Can I still apply to extend my study permit from inside Canada?

If you are remaining in Canada you must maintain valid immigration status at all times. You are required to submit an application to extend your study permit before it expires in order to remain in Canada as a student and continue studying at SFU. As long as you apply to extend your study permit before it expires you can remain in Canada and continue studying (and working, if eligible) under maintained status (formerly known as implied status) until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your application, even if your study permit expires while you await processing.

^{Updated February 28, 2023 — Return to top}

I am a current SFU student who is studying remotely from outside Canada and my study permit will expire soon.  Can I apply to extend it from outside Canada?

Extension of a study permit is an in-Canada process only, so it is not possible to extend your study permit from outside Canada. Instead, if you will not return to Canada before your study permit expires you must apply for a new (initial) study permit which will be processed by the visa office responsible for your region. Click here for information on the study permit application process outside Canada.

As a current student, you should include your current Confirmation of Enrollment letter from goSFU as a supporting document for your study permit application.

^{Updated March 5, 2021 — Return to top}

I need to extend my study permit but my passport is about to expire and I can't obtain a new one in time. What should I do?

You must submit an application to extend your study permit before it expires in order to maintain valid legal status in Canada, even if this means applying with a passport that is also about to expire. Although your study permit cannot be extended beyond your passport expiry date, submitting an extension application within Canada will allow you to benefit from maintained status (formerly known as implied status) while you await processing, which means you can remain in Canada and continue studying (and working, if eligible) until you receive a decision. It may take a few months to process your study permit extension application, which will give you some extra time to obtain a new passport in the interim.

If you are submitting your extension application with a passport that is about to expire, you should include:

• an explanation detailing the following:
  • why you have not been able to renew your passport
  • when you are expecting to receive it (if known)
  • state your intention to provide a copy of the new passport to IRCC when you receive it, and ask that the processing officer contact you in the event you have not submitted your new passport by the time your extension application is being processed
• any documents that could serve as evidence of your inability to renew your passport at this time (such as correspondence you have received from your home country regarding suspension of services, embassy closures etc.)

When you receive your new passport, immediately submit it to IRCC via their web form and request that it be attached to your study permit extension application.

^{Updated April 9, 2021 — Return to top}

I am a current SFU student in Canada and my study permit has already expired. What should I do?

If you applied to extend your study permit before it expired

As long as you applied to extend your study permit before it expired you can remain in Canada and continue studying (and working, if eligible) under maintained status (formerly known as implied status) until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your application, even if your study permit has expired while you await processing.

If you did not apply to extend your study permit before it expired

If your study permit has expired or become invalid and you did not apply to extend it before the expiry date, you must apply to restore your status in Canada. Normally an application for restoration must be submitted within 90 days after you lost legal status; however, under IRCC's temporary public policy in response to COVID-19, individuals whose status expired after January 30, 2020 are not subject to this 90-day limit and can apply for restoration until August 31, 2021. Despite this, if your study permit has expired and you wish to remain in Canada we recommend that you apply for restoration as soon as possible. 

To apply for restoration, you must pay an additional fee and provide an explanation. You are also not permitted to study or work in Canada until the application is approved. Please review our website for information on the process.

^{Updated February 28, 2023 — Return to top}

As a study permit holder, can I enroll part time or take the term off? If so, will that impact my study permit, work eligibility, and/or my eligibility for a post-graduation work permit?

Although IRCC introduced flexibility on enrollment requirements for on-/off-campus work eligibility as well as post-graduation work permit eligibility for students who were forced to drop to part-time enrollment or take time off in Spring or Summer 2020, they have not extended this flexibility beyond Summer 2020. As of Fall 2020, the enrollment requirements for study permit compliance, on- and off-campus work eligibility, and post-graduation work permit eligibility have returned to normal.

Please see our Enrollment Requirements for International Students website for information on the immigration implications of different enrollment decisions, including:

• The impacts of studying part time
• The impacts of taking a term off
• Regularly scheduled breaks

^{Updated July 8, 2021 — Return to top}

Does COVID-19 impact my eligibility to work in Canada?

In order to work on or off campus in Canada you will need to ensure that you meet IRCC’s requirements for working on and/or off campus.

• For Spring and Summer 2020, IRCC announced flexibility on the work eligibility rules for international students who were eligible to work on or off campus but were forced to drop to part-time studies or take a break in studies due to COVID-19. Click here for archived information on SFU students' work eligibility in Spring and Summer 2020.
• For Fall 2020 onward, the work eligibility requirements for study permit holders have returned to normal. Therefore, students who enroll part time or take a break in studies in an academic term (Fall and Spring for undergraduate students; all terms for graduate students) are not eligible to work on or off campus in Canada. Part-time enrollment or a term off in a required term may also impact your eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. See our Enrollment Requirements website for more information.

To pursue an SFU Co-op work term or SFU-approved internship, you will require a valid co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.  

• In response to COVID-19, IRCC has announced a temporary measure allowing students who are in Canada and have applied for a co-op work permit to begin their co-op or internship work placement using the on- or off-campus work authorization provided by their study permit, provided they meet the eligibility requirements to work on and/or off campus. Visit the IRCC website for details.

^{Updated October 11, 2022  — Return to top}

Since SFU is delivering courses online, will taking distance learning courses online adversely impact my eligibility for the post-graduation work permit?

Most courses in Spring 2023 will be offered in person with some classes being remote. Please assess your own academic considerations such as limited availability for remote classes, time zone differences and/or your own adaptability to remote learning environment.

As of August 25, 2022, IRCC has announced that distance learning measures have been extended to August 31, 2023. 

The following measures will be applicable for students whose programs start from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023:

1. No more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
2. Studies completed online from outside Canada starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.

Read the full IRCC announcement here.

^{Updated December 14, 2022 — Return to top}

I have submitted an application within Canada. How can I reach IRCC with questions?

IRCC's Client Support Centre has resumed regular hours of operation, although call volumes are high and technical difficulties may occur, which could make reaching an agent more challenging than usual. You may still access pre-recorded information and check application status using the automated phone services via the Client Support Centre. 

Tips when contacting the IRCC Client Support Centre by phone

• Navigate through the automated system by pressing 3-4-1-0 to speak to an agent
• Agents are available 8am-4pm local time. Calling early in the morning may help to reduce wait times
• You may need to make several consecutive attempts in order to be placed in the queue to speak with an agent -- if the lines are very busy you might not be placed in the queue on your first try
• Once you are in the queue, be prepared to wait on hold for some time
• Take detailed notes of the conversation, including the name and agent number of the person you speak with and the advice you receive, for your records

^{Updated September 16, 2020 — Return to top}

My SIN is already expired and my study permit has just been extended. How can I apply to renew my SIN? 

You must have a valid study permit or work permit to apply for a SIN. For more information about how to apply for a SIN, please visit the Service Canada website. You can also refer to the SIN handout on our Instruction Guides page for guidance.

Please note that you may continue to work with an expired SIN while holding maintained status (e.g. you applied to extend your study permit or work permit prior to its expiry date and you are waiting for a decision from IRCC on your application).

^{Updated April 9, 2021 — Return to top}

I am a current international student who has been accepted into SFU Co-op but I'm outside Canada right now. Can I apply for a co-op work permit from outside Canada?

If you are outside Canada and need to apply for a co-op work permit, please contact an International Student Advisor to discuss your options. Depending on your individual circumstances and plans, you might need to wait until you have returned and apply from within Canada, or apply for a new study permit and co-op work permit from outside Canada, or there may be other options to consider. An International Student Advisor can help you make an informed decision on how to proceed.

^{Updated September 25, 2020 — Return to top}

Can I go to the border (flagpole) to apply for a work permit (e.g. co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit)?

In general, we strongly advise against applying for a work permit at the port of entry via flagpoling. If you would like to further discuss your options on how to apply for a work permit, please contact an International Student Advisor.

^{Updated April 19 2021 — Return to top}