High School in Canada

Last Updated: July 22, 2022

This step-by-step guide is for new international undergraduate students coming to SFU from a Canadian high school. This is your go-to place for all the resources and to-do items before and after you start at SFU.

Use the links below to navigate to different sections on this page. Before you begin, download the checklist.

Download Checklist

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AFTER ACCEPTING YOUR OFFER

Step 1. Check and update your study permit.

Extending or Changing Conditions on your Study Permit

You may need to extend your study permit if it will expire soon, and/or you may want to change your study permit conditions so that you can work during your studies. If you are outside of Canada, please visit our COVID-19 Immigration FAQ page for detailed information on your next steps.

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GETTING TO KNOW SFU

Step 2. Know your advising resources to support your time at SFU.

International Services for Students

International Services for Students provides a variety of support, programming and non-academic advising on topics such as Canadian immigration documents (e.g. study permits, visas) and medical insurance, exchange and study abroad.

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Academic Advising

Academic advisors can assist you with everything from specific questions about enrollment and course selection, to complex questions about your future. Review important deadlines and academic calendar.

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PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST TERM

Step 3. Review medical insurance coverage information.

Medical Insurance at SFU

As a new international student at SFU, you will be automatically enrolled in guard.me@SFU for your first term of studies. Students staying in BC for 6 months or longer are required to enrol in the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) under the Medicare Protection Act.

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Opting Out

Check to see if you are eligible to cancel (opt out of) the guard.me@SFU Plan and SFSS Health and Dental Plan.

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Step 4. Find housing and decide where to live.

Housing Resources

Deciding where to live is one of the first things you'll need to do after you've been accepted to SFU, and you may find yourself re-making this decision a few times during your stay in Canada. 

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Avoiding Scams

Educate yourself in identifying potential rental scams, which you may find while looking for off-campus housing. Learn more about common types of fraud and how to prevent them from the Vancouver Police Department website.

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Step 5. Sign up for transition programs.

Get SFU-Ready

We hope you will join us for this live Q&A, where the presenters will provide a brief overview of the selected topics for international students and give you a chance to ask any questions you have.

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Global Connections Program

This is a peer-support program for undergraduate students which provides the opportunity to learn about the culture of SFU while making new friends and exploring what the community has to offer. The program is offered in Fall and Spring.

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TRAVELLING TO CANADA

Step 6. Review the current travel restrictions and resources.

Travelling to Canada: Student Arrival Support

This guide has been prepared to assist any new and returning international students who are currently outside of Canada, and plan to travel to BC to return to studies. It contains instructions on the steps students should follow in order to travel or return to Canada.

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COVID-19 FAQ for International Students

The requirements to enter Canada continue to evolve as the situation with COVID-19 evolves. Please do not make any arrangements to travel to Canada at this time if you do not meet the requirements.

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WHILE AT SFU

Step 7.  Review our resources to ensure you comply with the conditions of your study permit and know the eligibility requirements to work while pursuing your studies. 

Study Permit Requirements

Your enrollment at SFU affects your ability to work, study, and stay in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to actively pursue your studies while at SFU.

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Work Eligibility

Determine your eligibility to work on campus and off campus with your study permit by reviewing the requirements.

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Step 8. Find health and wellbeing support.

Support for International Students

Whether you're looking for assistance with managing school stress, finding housing, understanding documents, or understanding Canadian services, our Transition Case Manager is available for one-to-one support.

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MY SSP (Student Support Program)

With My SSP, all SFU students have access to immediate or ongoing, confidential support - accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world by phone or through the downloadable app.

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