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International Student Guide

The information on this page may change.

Please confirm information with a certified immigration advisor or lawyer.

Contact SFU ISAP

Lates Updates

Last updated May 2, 2025

 This is not a legal document, and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.

Before You Arrive

Immigration Documents

As an international student, there are a number of documents you need to study in Canada. You are responsible for maintaining your immigration status and complying with immigration regulations while you’re in Canada.

Most international students require:

  • Passport
    Canadian immigration documents cannot be issued beyond your passport’s expiry date. Applications could take several months, depending on your home country’s procedures, so apply for a passport or extend it (if needed) as soon as possible.   
  • Study permit
    All international students in programs longer than 6 months need a valid study permit that clearly have SFU’s Designated Learning Institution’s (DLI) number: O18781994282 
  • A travel document
    Either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your country of citizenship. If you apply for a study permit from outside Canada, a TRV or eTA is issued automatically when the application is approved. US citizens and lawful US permanent residents are exempt.
  • Documentation for your family
    If your family is coming with you to Canada, make sure they have the immigration documentation they need.

International students coming from Canadian post-secondary institutions

As of November 8, 2024, you must be enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on your study permit. If you change institutions, you must apply for a study permit extension for your new institution and most students need to receive the new study permit before beginning studies at your new institution. If you are coming to CDM from another post-secondary institution, be sure to apply for a study permit extension with your SFU letter of acceptance as soon as you receive it.

Maintaining your documents

You are responsible for maintaining your immigration status and obeying immigration regulations during your stay in Canada.

Amending your immigration documents

If your study permit, work permit, or temporary resident visa (TRV) have any mistakes (for example, your name or date of birth are incorrect), you must contact IRCC.

If your documents are lost or stolen

  • If your passport is lost or stolen, you must replace it immediately. You must have a new passport before replacing any Canadian permits or applying for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if you had one. 
  • If your study or work permits are lost or stolen, you must request a replacement from IRCC.
    • Follow instructions on the IRCC website and submit your application with proof of payment of the $30 processing fee.
    • Contact International Student Advising to ensure you can continue studying and/or working while your documents are being replaced.

There are important steps to take before you plan your trip. It’s important for you to carefully review the guide and understand the process and requirements before you travel.

Plan for your trip and know what to expect

Know what to expect at the airport or border, follow arrival steps, and ensure your study permit has conditions to work.

Applying for your dependents to join you in Canada

Dependents include:

It is recommended to apply together at the same time as you apply for your initial study permit application from outside Canada. Typically, their study permit, work permit, or visitor record will be issued for the same length as your study permit.

If their passport expires soon, they should extend it well in advance since documents cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of a passport.

Each family member, even infants, will have their own Canadian immigration document. It is important that each family member maintains valid status in Canada by either leaving Canada or applying to extend their stay before their status in Canada ends.

Common-law partners

Canadian immigration policy considers a common-law partner in the same manner as a legal spouse. Common-law partners are people of the same or opposite sex who have lived together continuously in a conjugal, marriage-like relationship for at least one year.

Be sure to attach proof of your common-law relationship as supporting documentation, along with a notarized Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union [IMM 5409] (pdf) form.

Travel documents for your family

Depending on their country of citizenship, each family member may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, or “entry visa”) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which allows them to travel to Canada. US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US are exempt. TRVs and eTAs are travel documents only and do not provide status in Canada.

If your family members apply for a study permit or work permit from outside of Canada, the TRV or eTA is provided automatically. Find out if your family needs a TRV or eTA.

Status in Canada

Depending on your dependents’ situation, they could come to Canada as a visitor, student, or worker.

Visitor status

Visitor documents may include any of the following:

  • A stamp in the passport (rare) 
  • A printed document called a Visitor Record

Whether or not a passport is stamped, visitors can remain in Canada for six months from the date of entry. However, if the officer writes a date under the stamp or issues a Visitor Record, the visitor must leave or extend their stay before the date provided.

Unless your dependents are coming for a short visit, they should request a Visitor Record upon entry to Canada with an expiry date that matches your study permit.

If your dependents enter Canada with you, they will typically be issued Visitor Records for the same length as your study permit.

If your dependents enter Canada without you, they may be admitted as visitors for up to six months. To improve the likelihood that their visitor record is issued for the same length as your study permit, send them copies of your study permit, Temporary Resident Visa (if you have one), passport and a current Letter of Enrollment indicating the expected completion date of your studies for them to present to the Officer on arrival. 

Visitors admitted for six months or less are not eligible for the BC Medical Services Plan, BC’s provincial health insurance plan, and you should purchase private temporary health insurance for the duration of their stay. If your family plans to stay longer than six months, you should apply to extend their stay as soon as possible and before their visitor status expires.

Refer to SFU’s Instruction Guide.

Study permits for your children

A child under the age of 19 in British Columbia is considered a minor child. Minor children applying from outside Canada to accompany a parent who will work or study in Canada for 6 months or longer must apply for a study permit. They do not need to provide a letter of acceptance from an educational institution.

Minor children already in Canada can study without a study permit at the pre-school, primary, or secondary level if at least one parent is authorized to work or study in Canada. In general, having a study permit rather than a visitor record can make the immigration process run more smoothly for accompanying minor children.

You should also bring the following documents for your children:

  • 2 years of your child’s official school records, in English or with a certified English translation
  • Your child’s immunization records since birth
  • Your child’s original birth certificate

Read more information on what a minor child needs to study in Canada if they’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Children usually start elementary school in the year they turn 5 years old. If your child is not yet school aged, they do not require a study permit and should apply for a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, if required. You should request a Visitor Record for them when entering Canada. 

If your child is 19 or older, they will need to apply for their study permit independently. If they meet the definition of a dependent child, you can submit their Visitor Record application together with your study/work permit application.

Work permit for your spouse or partner

A spouse/partner work permit is an open work permit which allows your spouse or common-law partner to work full-time while you study. Your spouse or partner does not need a job offer to apply for the work permit. The spouse/partner work permit will usually be issued for the same length of time as your study or work permit.

Spouses or partners of MDM and TCB students are eligible to apply for an open work permit.

If your spouse or common-law partner already has a spouse/partner open work permit, they can apply to extend their work permit so long as you have a valid study permit, are studying full-time, and are eligible for a PGWP. You can extend your study permit and your spouse/partner’s work permit together in one application.

From outside Canada

They can apply at the same time you apply for your initial study permit in one application, or separately after you’ve arrived in Canada with a copy of your study permit or PGWP. You may refer to this information guide. There are additional requirements you must meet for your spouse or partner to be eligible for a work permit. 

It is important to provide an explanation letter and supporting documents to satisfy the officer that they have ties to their home country and will leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay.

Upon arrival in Canada: for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) holders and US citizens and permanent residents only

They can apply for a work permit at the airport or border crossing when entering Canada if they are TRV-exempt and have an eTA or are a US citizen or lawful permanent resident of the US. If they are from an eTA expansion country they are not eligible to apply for a work permit upon entry to Canada. See full details of who can apply upon entry. They will need to bring all printed documents and forms with them following the ‘from outside Canada’ section above. Visa office specific documents are not required. If the officer approves the application, the work permit will be issued immediately.

After they arrive in Canada

They can apply online from inside Canada if they have valid visitor or student status. They can apply separately with a copy of your study permit or PGWP or at the same time you apply for a study permit extension. Contact International Student Advising for support if you are transitioning to the PGWP and your spouse has a work permit since there are additional requirements.

If they are from a country which requires a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), they will need a valid TRV to travel to Canada.

As of June 21, 2024, PGWP applicants can no longer apply at the Canada-US border through “flagpoling” therefore it is not possible to apply for the PGWP and spousal work permit at the border at the same time.

Health insurance for your dependents

You will need to purchase private temporary health insurance for at least their first 3 months in Canada, such as Guard.me then apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) once they’ve arrived in British Columbia, if eligible. MSP fees are based on whether your dependent has status as a visitor, student, or worker. You might also be eligible to enroll your dependents in the SFU/GSS Health and Dental Plan. Check the dates by which you can add dependents. 

Learn about health insurance for international students.

Extending documents for dependents

When you extend your documents, you will likely need to extend each dependent’s status in Canada as well. You can extend their stay at the same time you extend your study permit.

Be sure to extend the documents for each individual (even infants) before their status in Canada expires. Applications must be submitted before 11:59 pm UTC (not local time) on the date their status expires to remain in Canada under maintained status. 

Follow the links for more information on how to:

Visitors are not eligible to apply for a TRV in Canada, and will need to apply through the visa office serving their country of citizenship.

All international students are required to have basic and extended health insurance for the duration of their studies at CDM, as health care in Canada can cost thousands of dollars per day if you do not have valid health insurance.

You will need 2 kinds of health insurance:

  1. Basic insurance, which covers most medically-required services.
    • Guard.me for your first 4 months in Canada
    • MSP from your 4th month in BC until the expiry of your study permit
  2. Extended health insurance, to cover some fees and services which are not covered by basic insurance.

Accompanying family members are also strongly recommended to have basic and extended health insurance.

Setting up your health insurance

  1. Check your student fees
    You are automatically enrolled in Guard.me and SFU/GSS once you enroll in your courses.
  2. Download and print your guard.me card
    After you register for your courses, your Guard.me card will automatically be sent to you via email. Print it and keep it with you along with a copy of your study permit, if you have one.
  3. Enroll in Guard.me if arriving early
    Your Guard.me plan will start September 1. If you plan to arrive in Vancouver before that date, purchase additional coverage.
  4. Download and print your SFU/GSS Health and Dental Plan card
    Your SFU/GSS Health and Dental Plan card is available online. Print it, add your SFU student ID number, your name and signature, and keep it with you, along with your valid SFU student card.
  5. Apply for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP)
    As soon as you arrive in British Columbia, apply for MSP online for yourself and any family members who came with you.
  6. Received you MSP before the end of your first term?
    Opt out of Guard.me to receive a partial refund.
  7. Extend your MSP, if required
    Each time you extend your study permit or get the Post-Graduation Work Permit, you will need to extend your MSP online to maintain coverage in British Columbia.

Basic health insurance during your first 3 months in Canada

Guard.me

Guard.me is a temporary private health insurance to cover new international students for the first term of study while students are waiting to be eligible for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP), since MSP has a 3-month waiting period. 

Read the full details about what is covered here.

Coverage period

You are eligible for coverage once you enroll in your courses. Coverage will start September 1 and is valid for 4 months. If you arrive earlier than September 1, you should purchase advance coverage.

If you already have MSP, you are eligible to opt-out and receive a full refund. Deadline to opt-out: September 30.

If you receive your MSP before the end of the term, you may be eligible for a partial refund. Details can be found here.

Eligibility and how to apply for BC MSP

You must apply for MSP online for yourself and any family members who come with you as soon as you arrive in BC. Processing your MSP application could take several months. Once processed, you will receive your BC Services Card (formerly known as “BC CareCard”) by mail.

You should register for the BC Fair PharmaCare Plan, which might provide additional coverage for prescription drugs, medical devices, and pharmacy services. Fair PharmaCare registration may be required for prescription coverage through the SFU/GSS Health and Dental plan. As of October 2022, you can register for the BC Fair PharmaCare plan at the same time you apply for MSP. It is also possible to register for Fair PharmaCare separately.

If you will be in BC for 6 months or less, you are not eligible to apply for MSP coverage.

If your family (spouse, partner, and/or dependent children) will be with you in BC for 6 months or more, they may be eligible to enrol with the BC MSP.

Basic health insurance after your first 3 months in Canada

BC MSP program

The British Columbia (BC) Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the BC-government run public health insurance plan. You are required to enrol in MSP if you will be in BC for more than 6 months.

Review the list of medical services that MSP covers.

Your BC MSP will usually end on the same date as your immigration document, such as your study or work permit.

To prevent gaps in health insurance coverage, you must take action and request a temporary extension of your MSP while on maintained status.

After you get your new study or work permit you’ll need to reapply for or extend your MSP.

Coverage period

There is a 3-month waiting period to be eligible for MSP, starting with the balance of your month of arrival in BC, plus the next 2 calendar months. 

As long as you apply upon your arrival in BC, you should be covered from the first day of your 4th month in BC until the expiry of your study permit, unless you leave BC for an extended period.

When you get a new study or work permit, you must extend your MSP online to maintain coverage. If you applied for a new study or work permit but you haven’t received it yet, ensure you request temporary coverage while on maintained status.

Insurance costs

As of January 1, 2020, all international students with study permits must pay a $75 health care coverage fee per month. You will receive a bill from the British Columbia government and must pay the BC government directly. You can pay online and set up online services, such as seeing your balance, setting up paperless invoicing, and autopayments.

If your family is with you in Canada, they will only be charged the health care coverage fee if they also hold study permits. If they hold work permits or are here as visitors, they will not be charged the fee.

These fees are subject to change. Check the MSP website for the most up-to-date information.

Extended health insurance: SFU/GSS Health and Dental Plan

Students are automatically enrolled in the SFU/GSS Health and Dental Plan each year once they enroll in their courses. Extended health insurance covers some fees and services which are not covered by basic health insurance, such as Guard.me and BC MSP. Coverage is from Sept. 1 – Aug. 31. However, there is a Blackout Period for about two months at the beginning of the policy year (approximately September 1 to October 15). During this time, the insurance companies are not able to confirm coverage. They will not process or reimburse any claims. Any expenses incurred during this time can be claimed for after the Blackout Period, so long as the student is eligible for coverage.

Read the full details about what is covered here.

Need assistance in off-setting your plan? Apply here.

Once you have MSP, you might need to register for the BC Fair PharmaCare Plan to enhance your coverage for prescriptions.

Download, print, and fill out your Pay Direct Card, which allows your claim to be processed immediately when you fill a prescription. Consider saving a digital copy of the card on your phone as well.

If your family (spouse, partner, and/or dependent children) will be with you in Canada, you are responsible for adding them to your plan.

If you’re covered by another extended plan

If you have a separate extended health insurance plan which is equivalent to the coverage provided by the SFU/GSS Health and Dental Plan, you may be eligible to opt out of the plan. The BC MSP coverage is not equivalent to the SFU/GSS Health and Dental Plan. If you want to opt out, you must do so within the change of coverage period or within 3 weeks of your registration date, whichever is later.

Can I apply for my study permit with a conditional LOA?

If you are an international student and have not done so already, you should apply for a Study Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as quickly as possible.

An admission letter, even if it includes conditions, can be used to apply for a study permit. Applicants are advised to include an explanation letter which addresses how they plan to meet admission conditions. In most cases it is recommended to apply right away, even with a conditional offer letter.

I’m already in Canada with a work permit, can I study while waiting for approval?

If you are on a work permit or are eligible to apply inside Canada as a visitor then apply for a study permit, you can stay in Canada while your application is in progress, but you cannot start studying until you receive your study permit.

If you have a work permit, you must stop working when it expires. 

What happens if my study permit is rejected?

Please let student services know immediately and contact SFU ISAP

After you Arrive

If you have not already done so, setting up a bank account can help you manage your finances. You should carefully research which bank offers the best account for you as bank fees vary. Some banks might have special student accounts. You should pick a bank with opening hours that work for you and have branches and ATMs in close proximity as additional fees will apply for withdrawals from other banks.

Banking for International students

As an international student, it may be easier to have a Canadian bank account as you might otherwise occur high fees for international transactions. For more information about setting up a bank account visit the SFU international student web site.

*CDM does not recommend any commercial enterprises but provides this list of local services for information only.

Depending on where you are from, you might find Canadian cell phone services more expensive than you are used to. Providers typically charge for incoming calls, whereas in many other countries incoming calls are free and you only pay for outgoing calls. Additionally, a system access fee is often added to your monthly bill and you typically pay extra for services such as voice mail and roaming. Getting a Canadian phone: A newcomer’s guide to understanding Canadian cell phones explains a few important concepts about Canadian mobile phone plans. 

SIM Cards

As long as your phone is unlocked (not restricted to a particular provider), you can use compatible SIM cards if your device is compatible with the mobile network.  If you are buying a new phone here in Canada, ask if the phone is unlocked, otherwise you will be tied to a proprietary SIM card for that phone provider.

Providers

It is worth researching both contract and “pay as you go” plans offered by companies before buying a new phone. Many providers offer back-to-school deals as well. You can check the Wikipedia entry about Canadian mobile phone providers, some of which are listed below:

The big 3 carriers:

Other carriers include:

Please note: you’ll need to show two pieces of identification (ID) before you can get a contract.

Prepaid phone cards

Prepaid phone cards, both virtual and physical, enable you to call for a certain period of time at a set rate per minute. These can be bought online or in phone stores. 

Internet Providers

Students may select internet providers from a number of companies, either as standalone offers or as bundles with other services such as TV, mobile phone or land lines. The usual large telecom companies provide these services as well as various resellers or regional providers that may only be available in certain areas or servicing specific buildings/larger apartment complexes. Students should compare where they may find a good deal and can often benefit from student discounts these companies may provide.

Activities for Spouses and Partners

Here are some ways to get involved in community events and activities that make the transition to life in Vancouver more enjoyable:

  • Sign up for English classes. View the “English As An Additional Language (EAL) Resources” handout.
  • Take advantage of athletics and recreation programs. Most are open to the public for an additional cost.
  • Attend activities at your local community centre or neighbourhood house.
  • Consider volunteering (informally) or apply for a spouse/partner work permit to work or volunteer (formally) either on or off campus.

Community Recreation Centres

The City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation operates 24 community recreation centres open to all residents of the city. They offer a wide variety of programs and facilities.

Vaccinations (also known as Immunizations)

Vaccinations protect people of all ages from harmful bacteria and viruses. Doctors, pharmacists and nurses provide vaccinations at local public and private health facilities. 

Be sure to keep complete records of immunizations for you and your family. A child’s immunization record is usually requested when he or she is registered to enter day care, preschool, kindergarten, school and certain programs in post-secondary institutions.

This schedule, listing vaccines provided free to residents of BC, can help you determine when you or your family needs to be immunized. If you have any questions about immunizations, speak with your health care provider.

Resources for parents

Caring for children far from extended family support systems can be an isolating experience. There are a number of ways to reach out and receive support as a parent:

  • SFU has childcare services on their Burnaby campus.
  • Immigrant Services Society of BC 
  • MOSAIC
  • Pacific Immigrant Resources Society 
  • ChildCareBC
  • Attend a class or activity at a community centre or organization with your child and other parents.
  • Attend a parenting support group provided by a community organization.
  • Connect with other parents in your area by posting notes on community bulletin boards or through online sites like Craigslist. You can also meet other parents through activities you enjoy (such as a hiking or a book club). You can try “Meetup” groups. When meeting strangers from the internet, be sure to meet in public places (at least initially) and consider your safety. 

Single parents can access programs and resources through organizations such as the YWCA.

Applying for documents together as a family

For many IRCC forms, there is an option of filling out only one application for the entire family. For example, accompanying spouses or common-law partners of study permit holders can often apply for open-work permits that last as long as the study permits of their student partners, if the student is studying full-time at the time of application. 

When the study permit holder extends their study permit using the online MyCIC system, applications for new, or extension of, documents of accompanying spouses and all dependents can be made at the same time. There will be a fee for each document requested. For more information, visit the IRCC website. 

Enrolling children in school

In Canada, the school year runs from September to June. There is a 2-week break in December and a 2-week break in March. Children can enter kindergarten as young as age 5. The Vancouver School Board operates the public elementary and secondary schools in Vancouver. These schools offer elective programs in business, visual and graphic arts, choir, orchestra, physical education, drama, and languages. For more information, visit the Vancouver School Board website. 

Many schools offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for their students as part of the regular curriculum. For information about these programs, contact the Immigrant Services Society of BC at 604-684-2561. 

If your study permit is valid for at least one year and you are enrolled at a publicly funded institution such as UBC, your minor children (18 years of age and younger) are eligible to attend elementary and secondary school as if they were Canadian residents. They will not be required to pay international student fees. You should begin the enrolment process for your children as early as possible after your arrival in Vancouver. You will need the following to enroll your child in school:

  • Passport
  • Passport stamp or visitor record indicating the day your child entered Canada
  • Copies of the parents’ study or work permits 

The following documents should be translated into English (if necessary):

  • Immunization documents
  • Birth certificate
  • Copies of school report cards, grades, and evaluations from the past two years 

For more information, visit the Vancouver School Board website or the IRCC website.

What do authorized immigration representatives do?

Authorized representatives advise and act on issues concerning Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Authorized representatives do not have special access to immigration-related programs and services, and no one can guarantee your application will be approved.

There are two types of immigration representatives: paid and unpaid.

Paid representatives

Paid representatives are qualified professionals who are accountable to their regulatory body and required to abide by strict ethical and professional rules designed to protect consumers.

Only the following people may charge a fee or receive any other type of payment to represent or advise you with a Canadian immigration proceeding or application:

Unpaid representatives

Unpaid third parties include family members, friends, and non-profit or religious organizations.

Get help from an authorized representative

SFU ISAP offer a limited range of immigration advice to international students and their immediate family members (spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children) at no cost.

International Student Advisors can help with:

  • Issues related to Canadian visas
  • Study permits
  • Certain work permits such as post-graduation, co-op, and spouse/partner work permits.

International student advisors are here for you. However, in some cases, we may advise you to seek the services of another authorized representative if:

  • Your questions go beyond the scope of our immigration services, including topics like permanent residency.
  • We do not have sufficient expertise or authority to advise competently on topics such as non-Canadian visas, complex inadmissibility, or multiple refusals.

How to find a representative

Unfortunately, International Student Advisors cannot refer you to specific authorized representatives. You can visit the links in the section above for a complete list of authorized representatives.

Not all representatives are knowledgeable about international student issues. When choosing a representative on your own, ask about things like:

  • Experience
  • Knowledge
  • Training
  • References
  • Client testimonials

See IRCC’s tips on choosing an immigration representative.

Contacting a lawyer

The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is funded by the Law Foundation of British Columbia and operated by the Access Pro Bono Society. LRS is available by telephone and online (limited areas). Please visit www.lrsbc.org for more information and for their contact information. The LRS program enables the public to access lawyers and provides the opportunity to have a consultation with a lawyer for up to 15 minutes free of charge.

Find more public programs provided by Access Pro Bono at www.accessprobono.ca.

If you’re not a driver, a BCID card provides peace of mind. It’s a reliable piece of government photo ID with the same security features as a B.C. driver’s licence. It acts as another form of government ID. Apply for one here.

While in the Program

Whether you plan to travel for a few days or a few months, if you’re an international student, there are things to consider before you leave and re-enter Canada. Please contact International Student Advising for support if you have travel plans while on maintained status.

Have your documents in order

You need the right documents to re-enter Canada if you leave, so be sure to check your document expiration dates and renew them if necessary before you travel.

Learn what immigration documents you need to return to Canada and what documents to bring by visiting the Travelling to Canada guide.

In general, it’s best to renew your immigration documents before you leave Canada, if possible. If your immigration document(s) will expire while you are outside Canada, or you’ve applied for an extension of your document(s) before they expired and must leave Canada, contact International Student Advising before travelling for support.

If you’ve applied for a study permit extension before it expired and your application is still being processed, you will lose maintained status when you leave Canada and will not be able to resume studies until your study permit has been issued. Check maintained status to learn more.

Check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s estimated processing times to plan ahead.

Visiting the United States

Entering the United States

Citizens of some countries require a US visa. Citizens of other countries may be required to get an ESTA and/or complete a Form I-94/I-94W. Always check with the US Consulate for the most up-to-date information before beginning your visa application. See the US Department of State website and United States Consulate-General Vancouver for more information. All US immigration questions should be directed to the United States Consulate-General Vancouver.

Reentering Canada after travelling to the United States

If you have a valid study permit or work permit, or hold valid visitor status in Canada, and you leave Canada and visit only the United States, you do not need a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada, provided you return to Canada by the end of the authorized period of your stay in Canada. See the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Part 9, Division 5, Section 190(3)(f).

If you are waiting for your study permit extension application (maintained status) and need to travel to the United States, connect with International Student Advising before traveling.

Work experience can help you prepare for your career, gain exposure to the Canadian workplace, earn extra money, and form a closer connection to the local community.

As an international student, there are several types of work you can do in Canada. Some of them will require applying for a specific work permit.

Permits required to work in Canada

Type of workRequired permits
On-campus workYou don’t need a work permit to work on campus while attending CDM. If you meet the requirements, you can work unlimited hours on-campus based on your study permit. Check your eligibility to work on-campus.
Off-campus workStudents do not need a work permit to work off-campus while attending CDM. If you meet the requirements, you can work off-campus for up to 24 hours a week during academic terms, and unlimited hours during your program’s scheduled breaks. Check your eligibility to work off-campus.
Co-op placement or internshipsMDM students need a co-op work permit to be able to work full-time hours during the internship term/career exploratory course.

Starting your own business

If you’d like to start your own business in British Columbia, please check the BC government’s step-by-step guide. You can also check their resources and help for small businesses and entrepreneurs. CDM also offers a venture stream.

If you are self-employed, be sure to track your hours of work. Be careful not to work more hours than you are authorized to.

Working for an employer outside Canada while you are physically in Canada

Working for an employer located outside Canada while you are in Canada is outside the jurisdiction of IRCC. As per the Canadian immigration regulations, long-distance work (by telephone or Internet) done by a temporary resident, such as a student whose employer is outside Canada and who gets paid from outside Canada, is not considered to be “work” in Canada.

After you receive your new extended study or work permit, extend your SIN.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your SIN will usually expire on the same date as your immigration document, such as your study or work permit.

If you have maintained status, you may continue working with your expired SIN until you receive an answer from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can show your employer proof of your maintained status (for example, an IRCC application payment receipt or letter confirming the submission of an application for extension, available within your MyCIC account). You can also send them employer information.

Useful Resources

Taxes

Citizens of certain countries require a Temporary Resident Visa to visit you during your time at CDM.

Important: Before you invite a friend or family member

When you invite a friend or family member to visit you in Canada, remember: citizens of certain countries require a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada.

If a valid TRV is required, you should send your friend/family member supporting documents. They need to include these documents in their TRV application. People who do not require a TRV may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada and should bring supporting documents with them as well. US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US do not require a TRV or eTA.

Some Canadian visa offices have additional requirements. Go to the IRCC website and select your country/territory from the drop-down menu (located in the “Apply on paper” section). Click “Get documents” and then select “Visa office instructions” (the second link). This will launch a PDF specifying requirements for your visa office. Confirm if additional documents are needed and if the application procedure is different. If applying online:

  • To avoid delays or rejection, they will need to submit the required documents listed on the “Your document checklist” page in their MyCIC account plus any visa office-specific documents with their application.
  • Merge all visa office-specific documents into one file (such as a PDF) and upload the file in the “Client Information” section under “Optional Documents” in the online checklist.

Please note that International Student Advising can only support international students and their spouses, common-law partners, and children.

Suggested supporting documents

  • Copy of applicable documents proving your status in Canada, such as:
    • A study permit, or
    • Post-graduation work permit, or
    • Permanent resident card, or
    • Proof of Canadian citizenship
    • Your document(s) should be valid for the length of your family members’ stay in Canada. If you recently completed your program requirements but do not have a post-graduation work permit, you may send a copy of your study permit and an official letter of completion. If you have applied for a post-graduation work permit online but do not have it yet, send a copy of the Letter of Confirmation that IRCC sends when they receive the application.
  • Copy of your passport
  • Letter of invitation written by you (see template below)
    • Write the letter of invitation yourself. Visit this site for tips. Some visa offices may require that your letter be notarized by a Notary Public. Check online for the specific Canadian visa office requirements. To find a notary, visit the BC Notaries website
  • Copy of your marriage certificate (if you’re inviting your spouse)
  • Additional information about your status in Canada
  • An official SFU Letter of Enrolment (for current students)
  • A letter from your employer confirming your job (for post-graduation work permit holders)
  • Proof of your available funds (if you are paying for their visit)

In addition, your friends/family must provide proof of economic and social ties to their home country. The stronger the ties, the higher the chance of successfully proving they will leave Canada after their visit.

  • Examples of economic ties include bank statements, proof of financial investments, a letter of employment, and/or proof of property ownership, etc.
  • Examples of social ties include evidence that family members back home depend on them for financial/other support, proof that they must return home after their visit to Canada in order to meet their social obligations to their family members or community, etc.

Sample letter of invitation

To better understand how to format your document, view the sample letter of invitation (pdf).

You can only extend your study permit if you are physically inside Canada.

It’s recommended that you apply 5 to 6 months before your current study permit expires, ideally at least 3 to 4 months before your current study permit expires. Check processing times.

If you need to apply more than 6 months in advance for personal reasons, such as upcoming travel plans, contact International Student Advising for support.

Useful Resources:

If your permit expires after IRCC receives your application

If you and your family members applied for your immigration documents (e.g. study permit, or work permit, visitor record, etc.) before they became invalid, then they expire after Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has received your application to extend your status. You will still be considered a temporary resident of Canada until a decision about your application is made. This is known as “maintained status” (formerly known as ‘implied status’).

Staying in Canada with “maintained status”

With maintained status, you may continue studying (and working, if eligible) under the same conditions as long as you remain in Canada. You must take action on your health insurance and request a temporary extension of your Medical Services Plan.

If you leave Canada with “maintained status” 

You cannot resume studies or work until you have received your new study permit. Contact International Student Advising for support.

If your study permit expires and you haven’t applied for an extension

If your permit expires before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives your extension application, you will be “out of status”.

What to do if you are out of status

You must stop studying and working immediately. You are not authorized to attend classes or work while you are out of status.

You must apply for restoration within 90 days of having lost your status. Contact International Student Advising for support and to discuss your options.

If you’ve applied for a new immigration status but it won’t arrive before your current status expires, you may still be able to stay, study, and/or work in Canada during this time. This is called ‘maintained status’ (formerly ‘implied status’).

This could happen when you are:

  • Extending the same status
    If you are extending your immigration status AND have submitted your application before your status expires (for example, you have a study permit and apply to extend your study permit before expiry)
  • Changing your status
    If you hold valid status in Canada, AND are applying for a different type of status (for example, you have a study permit and apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit)

If you do not apply to extend your stay before your status in Canada expires, you must stop studying and working immediately and apply to restore your status, if eligible.

It is very important that you submit your application online before 11:59 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not midnight your local time, the day your status expires to have maintained status. 

If you’re extending your status

You usually have maintained status if:

  1. You are extending your immigration status AND
  2. Submitted your application before your status expires

If you remain in Canada, you may continue studying and/or working in Canada based on the conditions in your original document, until you receive a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC).

If your study permit expires, your other documents tied to your study permit, such as your Medical Services Plan (MSP), Social Insurance Number (SIN), and Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) will likely expire too. Make sure to extend your study permit 3-4 months before it expires.

Leaving Canada with maintained status

If you leave Canada while on maintained status, you may re-enter as long as you meet one of the following:

  • You have a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
  • You are from a TRV-exempt country with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization
  • You are a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the US 
  • You are TRV exempt: you’re from a TRV-required country, have maintained status and are seeking re-entry to Canada following a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon (TRV exemption under R190(3)(f))

After re-entering Canada, you cannot resume study or work until you have received your new study/work permit.

It is strongly recommended that when re-entering Canada at the port of entry (border or airport), you show proof of your extension application. This can be a copy of your application, copy of the fee payment receipt, copy of the letter of confirmation sent by IRCC, etc.

Contact International Student Advising for support if you have travel plans while on maintained status.

If you’re changing status

If you apply to change your immigration status before your status expires, you can remain in Canada until you receive a decision but cannot start your new activity (studying or working) until you have received your study or work permit.

Changing from a work permit or visitor status to a study permit

If you are on a work permit or are eligible to apply inside Canada as a visitor then apply for a study permit, you can stay in Canada while your application is in progress, but you cannot start studying until you receive your study permit.

If you have a work permit, you must stop working when it expires. 

Changing from a study permit to a Post-Graduation Work Permit

If you meet certain criteria, you may immediately begin working full-time while you are waiting for a decision on your PGWP. Furthermore, if you leave and re-enter Canada, you do not lose the ability to work, even if your study permit has expired.

Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Your BC MSP will usually end on the same date as your immigration document, such as your study or work permit.

To prevent gaps in health insurance coverage, you must take action and request a temporary extension of your MSP while on maintained status.

After you get your new study or work permit you’ll need to reapply for or extend your MSP.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your SIN will usually expire on the same date as your immigration document, such as your study or work permit.

If you have maintained status, you may continue working with your expired SIN until you receive an answer from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can show your employer proof of your maintained status (for example, an IRCC application payment receipt or letter confirming the submission of an application for extension, available within your MyCIC account). You can also send them employer information.

After you receive your new extended study or work permit, extend your SIN.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

If you have a TRV, it will usually expire on the same date as your immigration document, such as your study or work permit. 

Once your TRV expires, there is no temporary extension while on maintained status and you cannot use it to travel to Canada after it has expired. 

After your study or work permit application is approved, you can apply for a TRV. 

If you have travel plans while on maintained status, contact International Student Advising to discuss your options.

If your temporary status in Canada (e.g. your study permit) has expired and you did not apply for an extension before the expiry date, you must apply to restore your status within 90 days of the expiry date if you want to stay in Canada. This process is known as restoration of status. See this site for more information on restoration.

Who can apply

You may apply if:

  • You lost your temporary resident status (e.g. as a student) because you remained in Canada longer than the period authorized for your stay, but not longer than 90 days
  • You continue to meet the initial requirements for your stay and have not failed to comply with any other conditions imposed

You may stay in Canada after you apply for restoration, but you are not allowed to study or work in Canada until your application for restoration has been approved.

How to apply

  1. Apply for restoration and an extension of your study permit online
  2. Pay the $150.00 CAD study permit extension fee and the $229.00 CAD restoration fee 
  3. On your application, you must provide full details of all the facts and circumstances

You can only apply for restoration from within Canada.

It is up to IRCC to decide if your student status can be restored. 

Processing times vary, but restoration can take several months. In rare circumstances and for citizens of certain countries, leaving Canada and re-applying for a new permit might be a quicker option than applying for restoration of status. Consult with an International Student Advisor before taking such a step.

For more information, contact IRCC directly or seek the advice of an authorized immigration representative.

You may need time away from studies, whether it be for health reasons, a family emergency. Refer to our taking a Leave of Absence page.

As an international student, you have special things to think about when taking a gap. Taking a gap could negatively impact:

  1. Your current student status in Canada
  2. Your current eligibility to work on and off campus
  3. Your future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Depending on the type of gap and duration, you might be able to keep your current student status and future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

If you are thinking of withdrawing from the program, please consult with an International Student Advisor before taking such a step.

Potential impacts of taking a gap

Taking a gap can potentially impact a multitude of factors. When seeking advice from an International Student Advisor, consider the following:

  • Traveling while on a gap
  • Study permit validity and extension during a gap
  • Medical Services Plan (MSP)
  • SFU/GSS Health and Dental
  • Social Insurance Number
  • Dependents’ status
  • Scholarships/awards or other funding

After you Graduate

Useful Resources:

Useful Resource:

On Jan 14, 2025, IRCC confirmed the policy changes for spousal work permits which are effective Jan 21, 2025. 

For your spouse or common-law partner to be eligible for a spousal work permit while you are applying for/have a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you must be employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or selected TEER 2 or 3 occupations, and have at least 16 months remaining on your work permit at the time of application. Dependent children are no longer eligible for a work permit.

If your common-law partner or spouse has a spousal work permit under the previous rules, it will remain valid until the expiry date. If they are in Canada it could be extended to match your study or work permit if they are applying under the same criteria as their current work permit. 

Contact International Student Advising for support if you are transitioning to the PGWP and your spouse has a work permit since there are additional requirements.