International Students

The International Student Advising team at the Global Engagement Office is here to support you throughout your entire journey.

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Latest Update

The information below is a brief overview of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s policy announcements since Jan 22, 2024, and is current at the time of publication.

  • As of Jan 22, 2024, study permit applications from outside Canada require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Some students are exempt from the PAL. Find out how to get a PAL, if you need one.
  • If you are a current student, plan ahead if your documents expire soon and you have travel plans. You would need to get a PAL if you apply for a study permit from outside Canada.
  • As of Feb 15, 2024, graduates of master’s degree programs which are 8 months or longer can apply for a 3-year PGWP if eligible for the PGWP. Graduate certificates and diplomas are not master’s degrees and thus do not qualify.
  • As of March 19, 2024, only spouses of students in master’s degree, doctoral degree or professional degree programs are eligible for a spousal open work permit while pursuing studies.
  • From May 1, 2024, the usual off-campus work policies resumed, allowing eligible students to work up to 20 hours a week off-campus. Off-campus work hours may increase from 20 to 24 hours a week in the fall of 2024, but this has not been finalized by IRCC. Do not work more than 20 hours a week off-campus unless policy changes are officially confirmed. Check the April 29, 2024 notice for more information.
  • As of June 21, 2024, PGWP applicants can no longer apply at the Canada-US border through “flagpoling”. Learn about applying for the PGWP online.
  • On September 18, 2024, IRCC announced several changes for temporary residents, including a further reduction in study permit applications in 2025, language proficiency requirements for the PGWP as of November 1, 2024, and requiring PALs for graduate students in 2025. See the Sep 18, 2024 backgrounder and Sep 18, 2024 news release for more information. More details on the new PGWP eligibility requirements were published on Oct 4, 2024. 

Review the Jan 21, 2024 backgrounderJan 22, 2024 news release and Feb 5, 2024 notice for more details.

Last updated October 4, 2024 at 5:01 PM PDT

FAQ for international students

Find out about immigration, work eligibility, and health insurance.

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GEO’s Settlement Checklist

What to do when you first arrive in British Columbia.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHECKLIST

Before you start at UBC

Once you accept your offer, there are important steps to take.

YOUR UBC CHECKLIST

Your guide to resources while you’re at UBC

Working while studying

Whether you’re hoping to get a part-time job or work after graduation, there are important things to know.

Information for your family

See what you need to prepare if your family is planning to visit or join you.

Taxes

Understand how taxes work in Canada and get a SIN for awards and scholarships, or to work.

Planning ahead

There are important things to consider before you make any major decisions during your degree.

Immigration document support

Step-by-step tutorials

Browse the complete list of tutorials for  instructions on a range of topics, such as applying for or amending your study permit, BC Medical Services Plan, and more.

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Online application reviews

Before applying, review your study permit extension, temporary resident visa, or post-graduation work permit application with an International Student Advisor.

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Get immigration reminders

Add your document expiry dates to the confidential BC Reminder System and get notifications for when you need to extend your documents.

Learn more

If you still have questions

Events & Workshops

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International Student Advising

International Student Advisors are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) who can help support you in your experience as a UBC international student.

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Other UBC support and resources

UBC staff are here for you throughout your studies. See resources and services for help with academics, money, health, and more.

Check out a day in the life of an international student at UBCO