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 are eligible to accompany you to Canada, make sure that they will have the proper immigration documents. Review our detailed instructions.

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i Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced a new temporary public policy which allows eligible foreign workers to study without a study permit. Please visit the IRCC webpage: Public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit for more information.

As of Nov. 8, 2024, if you transfer from FIC or another Canadian post-secondary to SFU, you will need to apply and be approved for an SFU study permit before starting your studies.

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As of June 24, 2025, IRCC has provided further clarification regarding international high school students transitioning to post-secondary studies. Eligible high school students may begin their studies at SFU while their study permit extension application is being processed by IRCC.

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Review our guide for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a SFU study permit from inside Canada. If you are applying for a SFU study permit from outside Canada, this is considered a new study permit application as opposed to a study permit extension. 

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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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SFU International Services for Students (ISS) provides support services for SFU students who identify as refugees or newcomers. SFU also partners with World University Services of Canada (WUSC) to directly sponsor refugee students via the Student Refugee Program (SRP).

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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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Additional resources and supports are available for international students through Faculty of Graduate Studies. Review important deadlines and academic calendar.

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If you are a graduate student, there are additional resources and supports available for international students through Faculty of Graduate Studies.

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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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Apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) if you are a permanent resident or Canadian citizen and have not already done so. Enrolment in BC MSP is mandatory for all residents except for Canadian students moving from another province.

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

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 If you are a refugee and do not yet have BC MSP, apply for Interim Federal Health (IFH) and BC MSP. IFH will provide coverage while you wait for your MSP to take effect.

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If you are a Refugee Claimant and paying international tuition fees to SFU, you will be automatically enrolled in the International Medical Insurance guard.me@SFU plan. The International Medical Insurance fees will be assessed to your SFU student account. Opt-out of Guard.me@SFU if you have BC MSP or equivalent medical insurance plan.

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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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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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All new international undergraduate and graduate students beginning their studies at SFU are invited to our 3-part orientation series to get transition support and make connections.

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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.

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The Global Student Centre (GSC) is the campus hub for international students on campus. The GSC offers an array of social events throughout the semester as well as various support services.

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The Global Student Centre (GSC) is the campus hub for students from different international pathways. The GSC offers an array of social events throughout the semester as well as various support services.

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Plan your trip by reviewing information on what to pack, what to expect in the airport, short-term accommodations, and more.

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Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to discover what documents to bring with you when you enter Canada.

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Applying for BC MSP and Social Insurance Number (SIN), opening up a bank account, and choosing a cell phone plan are some of the settlement tasks you may need to complete. 

Explore important information and resources on various topics tailored for international students to assist you with your settlement tasks.

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The International Student Experience Support is a suite of drop-in services offered by our team of professional staff and trained student advisors at the Global Student Centre. We are here to offer you assistance and guidance on various topics and questions.

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

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Your enrolment 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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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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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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