All new international undergraduate and graduate students beginning their studies at SFU this Fall 2026 are invited to our multi-part orientation series to get transition support and make connections.
Learn more about each session and event below:
Y Pre-Arrival Virtual Sessions:
- Study Permit & Travel Tips
- Housing Info Session
- Medical Insurance for International Students
- International Student Panel (for undergraduate students only)
Y Post-Arrival In-Person Sessions:
Pre-Arrival Virtual Sessions
Study Permit & Travel Tips
Attend this live virtual info session to learn about timely topics to prepare for your time at SFU, and get your questions answered. Session topics include:
- Immigration documents (study permits/visas) and travel requirements
- Enrollment requirements and work eligibility (as they relate to study permit conditions and work eligibility only)
- Deferral process
- Admissions and deadlines
i Please Note: For course planning advice, please contact your academic department.
UNDERGRADUATE
Study Permit & Travel Tips
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 AM (PT)
Where: Zoom (details will be sent to registrants via email)
GRADUATE
Study Permit & Travel Tips
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 AM (PT)
Where: Zoom (details will be sent to registrants via email)
UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE
Housing Info Session
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 10 AM (PT)
Where: Zoom (details will be sent to registrants via email)
Medical Insurance for International Students
Attend this live virtual info session to learn about timely topics to prepare for your time at SFU, and get your questions answered. Session topics include:
- Medical insurance and supports (guard.me@SFU, BC MSP, Studentcare Health and Dental Plan)
- Campus medical and mental health resources
- Wellbeing tips
UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE
Medical Insurance for International Students
Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 10 AM (PT)
Where: Zoom (details will be sent to registrants via email)
International Student Panel
Attend this live virtual session to get tips from current international undergraduate students to make the most of your time at SFU. Student panelists represent international undergraduate experiences from various faculties. Session topics include:
- Student transition experiences
- Student life and social activities
- Academic expectations and SFU resources
UNDERGRADUATE
International Student Panel
Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 6 - 7:30 PM (PT)
Where: Zoom (details will be sent to registrants via email)
Post-Arrival In-Person Events
Social Insurance Number Clinics: Get Your SIN on Campus
Service Canada is coming to SFU Surrey and Burnaby locations to help you obtain your Social Insurance Number (SIN) on campus. A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number that the Canadian government requires for taxation purposes. You must have a valid SIN in order to be paid for any work you do in Canada.
UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE
Social Insurance Number Help Desk
SFU Surrey
- Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM (PT)
- Where: Mezzanine, Surrey Centre Building
SFU Burnaby
- Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 (tentative)
- Time: 10 AM – 3 PM (PT)
- Where: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
International Student Welcome Socials
SFU Surrey
- Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM (PT)
- Where: Mezzanine, Surrey Centre Building
SFU Burnaby
- Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
- Time: 12:30 – 3 PM (PT)
- Where: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
Zoom & Technical Requirements:
To attend our virtual sessions, you must have access to internet, and a working computer. Registered participants will be provided with a link in advance via email to access the online space. Our live virtual sessions will be offered via the online platform Zoom. Learn more about SFU Zoom features, tools, and privacy.
Accessibility:
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to participate. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact us at intl_advising@sfu.ca.
Case-specific Enquiries:
For any case-specific enquiries regarding your immigration documents and travelling to Canada, please do not hesitate to get in touch with an International Student Advisor.
Have you checked out our Welcome Guides? These resources offer a step-by-step checklist for new international students preparing to begin their studies at SFU.
? Have questions?
If you have questions about International Student Orientation Series, please email us at intl_advising@sfu.ca.