CONTENT ON THIS PAGE
Step 1. Apply for a Study Permit.
Prepare Immigration Documents
Before you begin your studies at SFU, you must apply for your Canadian immigration documents which includes your study permit. Apply early to ensure your application is processed in time. If your family members will accompany you, make sure that they will have the proper immigration documents. Review our detailed instructions.
Learn more >
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.
Learn More >
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Additional resources and supports are available for international students through Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Review important deadlines and academic calendar.
Learn More >
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.
Learn more >
Opting Out
Check to see if you are eligible to cancel (opt out of) the guard.me@SFU Plan and GSS Health and Dental Plan.
Learn more >
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.
Learn More >
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.
Learn More >
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.
Learn more >
Graduate Student Orientation
Make new friends across all our academic disciplines, build a base of support as you enter grad school, and connect with our service units that will support you throughout their graduate career.
Learn More >
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.
Learn More >
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.
Learn More >
Explore Resources by Topic
From how to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to opening a bank account and choosing a cell phone plan, explore important information and resources tailored for students from international pathways.
Learn More >
Community Resources
There are a number of services and resources you can access in the community for international, newcomer, and refugee students by local not-for-profit organizations.
Learn More >
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.
Learn More >
Work Eligibility
Determine your eligibility to work on campus and off campus with your study permit by reviewing the requirements.
Learn More >
Step 9. 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.
Learn more >
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.