International students: Immigration and Health Insurance FAQ

I am starting my program between September 2022 and August 2024. Could I start my program online from outside Canada? Will I be eligible for the PGWP?

Under normal circumstances, international students must complete at least 50% of their program in-class inside Canada . IRCC has created a transition period for online studies due to the pandemic for students starting a program between September 2022 and August 2024.

If online options are available in your program, you can begin your program online from outside of Canada, even if your study permit application has not been processed yet, since you are not required to have a study permit for the purposes of studying online outside Canada.

However, if you intend to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after you complete your studies, in order for your online courses completed outside of Canada to count towards the PGWP, you must have one of the following before your courses start:

• You submitted your study permit application online before starting your program (see question above), and your study permit is approved in the future, or
• You received a Letter of Introduction (study permit approval), or
• You have a valid study permit

If you have one of the above, you can complete up to 50% of your program online from outside Canada between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2024, without impacting your eligibility or the length of your PGWP. Online courses completed outside Canada after August 31, 2024, will be deducted from the length of your PGWP.

If you began online studies before IRCC received your study permit application, your studies will only count towards the length of your PGWP after your application was received.

If you applied for a study permit before your program started but it was refused, your studies will count towards the PGWP starting from your first study permit application if you reapply for a study permit and IRCC receives your application before your program ends and it is later approved.

You must continue to meet the other PGWP requirements, such as maintaining full-time enrolment, even while outside of Canada.

See IRCC’s PGWP page, and the PGWP page for officers for more details.

See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students.

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What if I can’t travel to Canada by the start of term?

You may be experiencing delays with your study permit or TRV application (learn how to follow up on your application), or you may have other reasons why you are unable to travel to Canada at this time.

Need to explore your next option(s)?

• If you take courses online, consider taking enough courses to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To maintain eligibility for a PGWP you must study full-time for immigration purposes, even if you are outside of Canada. IRCC created temporary COVID-19 policies allowing online courses completed outside Canada to count towards the length of a PGWP, if you meet the requirements. IRCC extended this temporary policy’s end date from December 31, 2023, to August 31, 2024. The policies are different depending on when you started your program (see below): 
  • You started or will start your program between September 2022 and August 2024.
  • Your program was in-progress in March 2020 or you started your program between March 2020 to August 2022
• Connect with an Academic & Career Advisor (or, for graduate students, your program advisor, or graduate program staff) to ask about your possibility of arriving late, online options, starting another term, or deferring.
  • If your application is still processing, send IRCC a webform with your updated letter of acceptance with your deferred start date and request that your study permit is issued for your future start date. If your application is processed based on your previous letter of acceptance, you might need to extend your study permit in the future, which you should apply for 3-4 months before your study permit expires from inside Canada. 
  • If you defer, you can still use the Letter of Introduction from IRCC to obtain your study permit in the future, so long as it is still valid and you applied with a UBC letter of acceptance.
• There is no guarantee that your application will be approved or processed in time to start in your intended term. If you are thinking of withdrawing from courses, make sure to do so before the add/drop deadlines. If you need to withdraw from all courses:
  • If this is not your first term at UBC, you might be eligible for a leave. Learn about taking time away from studies.
  • If you are an undergraduate student and this is your first term at UBC and you remain registered in Winter Term 2 (January to April) but not in Winter Term 1 (September to December) by the last day to drop courses without a W, you would be considered to have deferred enrolment for immigration purposes. You would not need and would not be eligible for a leave. If in your first term in your program you withdraw from all courses after the course change dates with a W, you might qualify for the Academic Leave Policy. The leave would start on the day you withdraw.
  • If you are a graduate student starting a new program at UBC and you withdraw before the add/drop deadline, your program will be considered to start on your new deferred start date. You do not need to request a leave of absence.
  • If you are in Canada and defer your studies before your program begins, contact International Student Advising for support.
• If you are a new student and withdraw before the add/drop deadline, your iMED fees will be automatically removed. If you re-enroll in the future, your iMED fee will be added again. If you are an undergraduate student and withdraw from Term 1 courses, but remain enrolled in Term 2, your iMED fees will be automatically adjusted to January.
• If you have questions about tuition refunds, contact Student Records & Financial Services. For information about refunds of student fees, check the academic calendar.
• Arrange for housing wherever you will live during your study gap and change any housing arrangements you made for your UBC studies. If you have on-campus housing, contact UBC Housing to ask about your options. If you booked an on-campus self-isolation plan, contact UBC Conferences & Accommodation
• If you are registered in Jump Start orientation and will not be able to make it, please email jumpstart.ok@ubc.ca to let them know.
• If you can’t study this term, how can you invest your time to help yourself, family or friends? Can you study a special interest such as a new language or a life skill such as public speaking? Can you gain workplace experience by working or volunteering? Can you help care for your family? Can you make a difference in your community? Can you promote a cause that matters to you?
• Review the taking time away from studies page and keep supporting documents, such as your flight tickets leaving and returning to Canada or a letter confirming your internship or volunteer experience.

You should not travel to Canada before your study permit has been approved, even if you have valid Electronic Travel Authorization or Temporary Resident Visa. You may experience difficulties travelling without a study permit, may not be allowed to enter Canada.

Before making travel plans, carefully review the Travelling to Canada Guide.

You cannot begin studies until you have obtained your study permit (an approval is not sufficient – it is not a study permit) and you cannot work until you have a study permit, have begun full-time studies, and meet all other requirements to work in Canada.

I need to provide biometrics. How does this impact my application?

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF CANADA

Biometrics (your fingerprints and photo) have been required for study permit applications since 2018. If you applied for a study permit before 2018 you may not have provided them in the past and will need to provide them if applying for a study permit or work permit from outside Canada – this is different from providing your fingerprints at the airport kiosk. If you are not sure, you can confirm if you have valid biometrics.

You must provide your biometrics within 30 days of when you have received your Biometrics Instruction Letter and should book an appointment as soon as possible.

Some Visa Application Centres (VACs) outside of Canada and Application Support Centers (ASCs) in the US are temporarily closed or an appointment may not be available within 30 days. As of April 12, 2021, applications are no longer being automatically extended if documents are missing.

If you are not able to provide biometrics in time, write a letter of explanation to request more time and provide proof of the reason you cannot provide biometrics, such as a PDF or screenshot of the VAC page indicating it is closed or a screenshot of your appointment confirmation, then combine these together into one PDF and submit them in your online IRCC account by the deadline (or send a webform if you do not have a request in your online portal).

Keep checking the Government of Canada’s updates on biometrics on office closures. Schedule your biometrics appointment as soon as offices return to normal operations.

Since applications are typically not processed until biometrics have been provided, the delay in providing biometrics may cause increased processing times. We are confident that Immigration is aware of these delays and will process study permits as quickly as possible.

If you travel after submitting your immigration application and a VAC near you is open, contact them to confirm if you can provide biometrics there. IRCC advises not to travel to another country solely for the purposes of providing biometrics.

IF YOU ARE IN CANADA

IRCC has temporarily suspended the biometrics requirement for temporary residents who apply from inside of Canada. This applies to both new and previously submitted applications in progress for:

• Study permit, work permit, and Visitor Record extensions
• Temporary Resident Visas
• New study permits, work permits, or Visitor Records
• Restoration of student, worker or visitor status
• Temporary Resident Permits

If you are submitting a new application, you do not need to pay the biometrics fee, even if the system is telling you to.

If you have already submitted an application that is in progress and paid for the biometrics fee, you do not need to submit biometrics, even if you got a letter telling you to. Your application will be processed and your biometrics fee will be automatically refunded when your application is finalized. You do not need to take any action steps.

Find updates and information on biometrics collection.

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I need to complete my medical exam. How does this impact my application?

Contact your nearest panel physician’s office to confirm they are still performing medical exams. You may not be able to complete an up-front medical exam at this time.

If you submitted an immigration application and received a request for a medical exam, you must provide a medical exam within 30 days of receiving the request. As of April 12, 2021, you will no longer get an automatic extension of the deadline.

If the panel physician’s office near you is closed or you are unable to get an appointment within 30 days, write a letter of explanation to request more time and combine this with proof of the reason you cannot complete the medical exam, such as a copy of your future appointment confirmation, into one PDF and submit them online in your IRCC account by the deadline (or send a webform if you do not have a request in your online portal).

Since applications are typically not processed until medical exams have been completed, the delay in your medical exam appointment may cause an increase in processing times. Please schedule your medical exam appointment when your nearest panel physician returns to normal operations. We are confident that Immigration will account for these delays and will process study permits as quickly as possible.

If you travel after submitting your immigration application, you can complete a medical exam in any country regardless of where you applied. Do not travel to another country solely for the purposes of completing a medical exam.

If you completed a medical exam for an application, such as a new study permit, from outside of Canada as a new or returning student, a Temporary Resident Visa, or Post-Graduation Work Permit, note that medical exams are only valid for 12 months from the date you took the exam and should be valid at the time you travel to Canada. If you will travel to Canada more than 12 months after you took your medical exam for your application, you should complete a new medical exam before travelling to Canada.

If you are a current student outside of Canada with a valid study permit and have lived in a designated country for more than 6 months in the past year, you must complete a medical exam before travelling to Canada, as well as apply to change conditions to work in jobs which require a medical exam, if required. If IRCC or a CBSA officer specifically requests that you complete a medical exam it is important that you submit a copy of your e-medical by the deadline provided.

If you are applying for a new study or work permit from inside Canada and you have completed a medical exam in the past 5 years, you might be eligible for the temporary medical exam policy in place until October 5, 2024.

Find out more about medical exams for your immigration application. 

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I started my program between March 2020 and August 2022. If my classes have moved online due to COVID-19, could I have started my program online from outside Canada? Will I be eligible for the PGWP?

However, if you intend to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after you complete your studies, in order for your online courses completed outside of Canada to count towards the PGWP, you must have one of the following before your courses start:

• You submitted your study permit application online before starting your program, or
• You received a Letter of Introduction (study permit approval), or
• You have a valid study permit

If you had one of the above, or applied for a study permit before December 31, 2023, online courses completed outside of Canada before December 31, 2023 can count towards the length of your PGWP and you can complete up to 100% of your studies outside Canada. You must continue to meet the other PGWP requirements, such as maintaining full-time enrolment, even while outside of Canada.

If you began online studies before IRCC received your study permit application, your studies will only count towards the length of your PGWP after your application was received.

If you meet the above criteria and you are in a program that will end before December 31, 2022, you can complete 100% of your program online outside of Canada and be eligible for the PGWP.

Online courses completed outside of Canada after December 31, 2023 will be deducted from the length of your program, based on the current policies. For programs undertaken and ongoing between March 2020 and December 31, 2022, you are not required to complete 50% of the program in Canada.

Furthermore, you could combine your program completed online with another PGWP-eligible program and request a longer work permit, so long as:

• your program was in progress or started between March 2020 and summer 2022 and
• you complete the second program within 2 years of finishing your first program.

If you will complete your program online from outside of Canada and are eligible for a pgwp

See options to apply for a PGWP inside or outside of Canada.

If you are inside Canada

If your classes were moved online due to COVID-19, as a temporary measure, online courses can count towards the length of your PGWP until December 31, 2023, even if you complete more than 50% of your program online. Make sure to keep a valid study permit at all times. IRCC recommends that you take in-person courses when they are available.

See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students. 

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My study permit will expire soon, but my program is not finished. What should I do? 

IF YOU ARE IN CANADA

You can apply to extend your study permit online as usual. You must submit your study permit extension application before your study permit becomes invalid.

When you apply for a study permit extension in Canada, after you’ve received your new study permit, you must submit a separate application for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if required, since it is not issued automatically when you apply for a study permit in Canada. In general, if you will be abroad when your current TRV expires, it is best to get your new TRV before leaving Canada so that you can return with your new documents.

If you will leave Canada after you apply for study permit extension

You may use the Canadian mailing address of a trusted friend in your application. It must be a friend who does not live in UBC student housing since your mail will be returned to sender. Once your study permit is received, ask them to send you a digital copy and mail the original to you.

If you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and it expires before you plan to return, you can apply for a TRV online from outside of Canada with a digital copy of your study permit. Review our step-by-step TRV tutorial, then review the TRV from outside of Canada guide since your application will be slightly different. Be sure to upload any additional documents required by your visa office in the ‘Client Information’ section — select your country under the ‘apply on paper’ section then see the visa office instructions PDF. Make sure to write a letter of explanation and make it clear that you are applying for a TRV in order to return to Canada to continue to study. Note that processing times for a TRV outside of Canada may be very long and could delay your return to Canada.

If you have already or will apply for a TRV or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) from outside of Canada, you must complete a few additional steps.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF CANADA

You can apply online for a new study permit from outside of Canada.  As of January 22, 2024, applications outside Canada require an attestation letter – master’s, PhD students and post-graduate programs are exempt. Review our step-by-step initial study permit tutorial for applications from outside of Canada. If you have not applied yet, it’s important to submit a complete study permit application as soon as possible.

For the ‘letter of acceptance’ document request, you should include a current letter of enrolment – see the ‘letter of enrolment’ section of our study permit extension tutorial for details. In addition, you should include your initial letter of acceptance from when you were first accepted to UBC and combine these in one PDF, with the current letter of enrolment as the first page. Furthermore, you should order a PDF transcript and include it in your ‘client information’ section. You will need to provide proof of funds for one year of tuition fees plus a minimum of $10,000 for living expenses (more if you have dependents).

If you have not previously provided biometrics, you will need to provide them when applying from outside of Canada (see question above). If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), it will be issued automatically after your study permit application has been approved.

If you plan to return to Canada, if you are currently enrolled and meet the requirements to travel you could return to Canada before your study permit and Temporary Resident Visa expire then apply for a study permit extension from inside of Canada before your study permit becomes invalid (see the ‘if you are in Canada’ section above).

If you have finished your studies, you could apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit from inside or outside of Canada (see FAQ on options inside or outside Canada). 

If you have been in a designated country for more than 6 months, intend to work in certain jobs, or are a medical student, you will require a medical exam for your study permit application, whether you apply from outside or inside of Canada. Be sure to add a section to your letter of explanation to request conditions allowing you to work in these jobs, if applicable.

Check the Travelling to Canada Guide to learn what you need to return to Canada.

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Can I study in Canada without a study permit as a visitor or worker? 

If your course or program is 100% online and is not part of an in-class program, you are not eligible for a study permit and do not require one regardless of whether you are in Canada. Programs normally offered 100% online are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Whether or not you can study in Canada without a study permit depends on the total length of your studies.

Some students are study permit exempt.

STUDIES 6 MONTHS OR LESS

You can study in Canada without a study permit if both of the following apply to you:

• Your entire program of studies will be completed within 6 months or less (such as one term exchange students), and
• Will be completed within the period of your stay authorized upon entry to Canada (for example, within your first 6 month visitor period)

You must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to travel to Canada as a visitor. Travel may be possible even if you applied for a study permit and a decision is not reached on your application before you travel and you will study for less than 6 months.

If you will study for less than 6 months but you want to work, you may consider applying for a study permit, which allows you to work in Canada if you meet the requirements. Having a study permit also makes it easier to extend your stay if you might extend your studies.

STUDIES LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS

If you are planning to study for longer than 6 months (such as two term exchange students), you must have a study permit before you can begin your program in Canada, even if your first course is less than 6 months.

If you are outside Canada

You should apply for a study permit as soon as possible. You should not travel until your study permit is approved, and cannot use the 6 month study permit exemption since you will study longer than 6 months.

US citizens, US permanent residents, and residents of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon can apply for a study permit at the airport or border when you enter Canada.

If you are in Canada

You must apply for and receive your study permit before you can begin studies, and cannot use the 6 month study permit exemption since you will study longer than 6 months.

Only some people are eligible to apply for a study permit inside Canada.

If you are eligible to apply inside Canada

You can follow the same process as a study permit extension.

Even if you are eligible to apply for a study permit inside Canada, you cannot begin studies until you have received your study permit. You will need to apply for a study permit several months in advance to account for current estimated processing times and receive your study permit in time for studies.

If you are not eligible to apply inside Canada

You must apply for a study permit outside Canada online or by paper through the visa office which serves your country of citizenship. You cannot start studying with a Letter of Introduction (study permit approval) and will need to leave and re-enter Canada to obtain your study permit—contact International Student Advising for support.

You must not study until your study permit is issued. Also note that applications submitted through the outside of Canada process do not give you status in Canada, and you must always ensure you have valid status in Canada, such as applying to extend your stay as a visitor before your status ends.

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I am in Canada as a worker. Am I eligible to study without a study permit under the temporary policy?

Under normal circumstances, work permit holders must have a study permit to study in Canada for more than 6 months, and must have a study permit for studies under 6 months if you have extended or changed your status since arriving in Canada.

IRCC has created  a temporary public policy which applies to some workers who held a valid work permit on June 7, 2023, or who applied for a work permit extension on or before June 7, 2023, and are authorized to work. If eligible, you can study without a study permit until whichever comes first:

• The work permit you held on June 7, 2023, expires
• The work permit extension you applied for on or before June 7, 2023 expires (or when your work permit application is refused)
• June 27, 2026

You must apply for a study permit:

• If you want to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after studies
• To continue studying after you are no longer eligible for the temporary policy
• If your work permit application is refused and you want to study

If you are thinking of  applying for permanent residency in the future, note that if you study full-time, your work experience will not count towards eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class  and you cannot earn Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System points.

See the news release, public policy page, temporary public policy for details.

International Student Advisors cannot advise on permanent residency or work permits unrelated to international students. Learn how to find a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer.

If you are not eligible for the temporary policy, learn about studying without a study permit.

I received a request from IRCC to provide another document for my application. What should I do?

If you receive a request from IRCC to provide additional documents after you have submitted your application, it is very important to upload the document by the deadline as well as make sure to follow the steps to successfully submit them to IRCC.

PROOF OF TUITION PAYMENT

Summer 2024 courses: If you have registered and paid for tuition for summer 2024, get proof of payment from your Student Services Centre (SSC) by selecting “Tuition History” under Finances.

Winter 2024/25 courses: If you have registered and paid for tuition, download your proof of tuition payment in Workday. Click “View Statements” under the Finances app to see your payment history. Follow our step-by-step tutorials for navigating Workday.

If you are unable to register yet, please contact International Student Advising for support.

UPDATED LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

If you receive a request for an updated letter of acceptance, contact Global Engagement Office and send a copy of the request you’ve received.

If you are enrolled in Summer 2024 classes, download a current letter of enrollment from your Student Services Centre (SSC) by selecting “Proof of Enrolment Letters” under Grades and Records. If you are enrolled in Winter 2024/25 courses, download your Confirmation of Enrolment letter in Workday under UBC Official Documents in the Academics app. Then, combine your updated letter of acceptance and letter of enrollment into one PDF and upload them together.

MEDICAL EXAM

See the FAQ on medical exams.

BIOMETRICS

See the FAQ on biometrics.

Contact Global Engagement Office if you receive a different type of request or have any questions.

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I have applied for a co-op work permit but I have not received it yet. Can I start working?

If are eligible to work on or off campus and you applied for a co-op work permit and are waiting for it to be processed, you can start your program-required work (co-op, internship, or practicum) with your on- or off-campus work eligibility from your study permit. This was a temporary policy during COVID-19 which is now ongoing. Be sure to check the section on our co-op work permit page for details before starting work.

See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students.

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I want to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). What are my options?

There are different processes and application forms depending on if you apply through the inside Canada process or the outside Canada process.

IF YOU ARE IN CANADA

You can apply for a PGWP online. You must apply within 90 days of your Letter of Completion first becoming available, or before your study permit expires – whichever comes first. See our PGWP page for important information on timing to apply, eligibility to work before and after applying, and more.

After you’ve received your PGWP, you must submit a separate application for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if you are from a visa-required country and your TRV expired or will expire soon, since it is not issued automatically when you apply for a work permit in Canada. However, if your TRV is still valid, you can use it until the expiry date. In general, if you will be abroad when your current TRV expires, it is best to get your new TRV before leaving Canada so that you can return with your new documents.

If you will leave Canada after you apply for PGWP

You may use the Canadian mailing address of a trusted friend in your application. It must be a friend who does not live in UBC student housing since your mail will be returned to sender. Once your work permit is received, ask a friend to send you a digital copy and mail the original to you. If you apply while inside Canada, note that your work permit start date will typically be the same day it is approved and mailed to the address included on the application form. Learn about returning to Canada after applying for the PGWP.

If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, you can continue to use your TRV you received as a student until it expires. If your TRV expires before you plan to return, you can apply for a TRV online from outside of Canada with a digital copy of your work permit. Review our step-by-step TRV tutorial, then review the TRV from outside of Canada guide since your application will be slightly different. Be sure to upload any additional documents required by your visa office in the ‘Client Information’ section—select your country under the “apply on paper” section then see the visa office instructions PDF.  Note that processing times for a TRV outside of Canada may be very long and could delay your return to Canada.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF CANADA

You can apply for a PGWP online from outside of Canada within 180 days after your letter of completion first became available, even if:

• Your study permit is no longer valid
• You received a Letter of Introduction for a study permit and have not travelled to Canada to get your study permit

If your study permit expired before your letter of completion first became available, you would need to apply within 180 days of your study permit expiring.

Review our step-by-step PGWP tutorial, then review the IRCC work permit outside of Canada guide since your application will be slightly different. Be sure to include any additional documents required by your visa office in the ‘Client Information’ section—select how you will apply then select your country to see the visa office instructions PDF. If you have not previously provided biometrics, you will need to provide them when applying from outside of Canada (see question above).  If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), it will be issued automatically after your application has been approved.

If you have been in a designated country for more than 6 months, or intend to work in certain jobs, you will require a medical exam for your PGWP application. Be sure to add a section to your letter of explanation to request conditions allowing you to work in these jobs, if applicable.

After you receive your PGWP approval (letter of introduction), your letter will indicate the date by which you need to travel to Canada, which is typically the length of the PGWP for which you are eligible. Once you travel to Canada and present your letter of introduction for your work permit to the officer on arrival in Canada, your work permit should be issued for the full length of PGWP for which you are eligible.

If you have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or are a US citizen, you can apply for a work permit at the Canadian border or airport when you return to Canada. You will need to bring all original documents and an outside of Canada application with you to apply upon arrival. If you are from an eTA expansion country, unfortunately you would not be able to apply on entry to Canada, and could apply online through either the outside Canada or inside Canada process, if eligible.

My Post Graduation Work Permit has or is about to expire. Am I eligible for an extension due to COVID-19?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is usually only available to you once in a lifetime.

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, a temporary policy allowed students to apply for another open work permit until July 27, 2021.

As of August 2022, former international students who have a PGWP expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, qualify for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months. You are also eligible to work during an interim work period until May 31, 2023, even if you have left Canada, however, you must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization or Temporary Resident Visa to return. Ensure your contact information with IRCC is up to date and renew your passport if it will expire soon.

Review the notice, temporary policy, and instructions for officers for more information and details on how to apply.

On December 7, 2023, IRCC announced that these temporary policies will not be extended further.

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I was enrolled in my PGWP-eligible program in March 2020 or began my program between March 2020 and August 2022 and my courses moved online due to COVID-19. Will this affect my eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)?

Under normal circumstances, to be eligible for the PGWP, students must complete at least 50% of the program in-class in Canada. Online courses completed outside Canada do not count towards the length of the PGWP.

Due to the pandemic, IRCC created temporary policies allowing students to complete up to 100% of the program online outside Canada between March 2020 and August 31, 2022.

Courses delivered online due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to August 31, 2024 will count towards the length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you have been enrolled in a program that is eligible for the PGWP that was in progress in March 2020 and:

• You study in Canada and you hold a valid study permit, or
• You study in Canada and you held a study permit, applied to extend it, and are under maintained status, or
• You study outside of Canada and you hold a valid study permit, or
• You study outside of Canada and submit a study permit application prior to beginning your program and it is eventually approved.

You must continue to meet the other PGWP requirements, such as maintaining full-time enrolment, even while outside of Canada.

Online courses completed outside Canada after August 31, 2024, will be deducted from the length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit.

IF YOU ARE INSIDE CANADA

If your classes were moved online due to COVID-19, as a temporary measure, your courses can count towards the length of your PGWP until August 31, 2024, even if you complete more than 50% of your program online. Make sure to keep a valid study permit at all times (see question above). IRCC highly recommends that you take in-person courses when they are available.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF CANADA

You can study online outside of Canada, even if your study permit has expired or your application for a new study permit inside or outside Canada has not yet been approved, since immigration regulations requiring a valid study permit are only for studies undertaken within Canada. As such you are not required to have a valid study permit for the purposes of studying online outside Canada. However, if you intend to apply for a PGWP, you must fall into one of the above bulleted categories in order for those online courses completed outside Canada to count towards the PGWP.

If you began online studies before IRCC received your study permit application, your studies will only count towards the length of your PGWP after your application was received.

If you applied for a study permit before your program started but it was refused, your studies will count towards the PGWP starting from your first study permit application if you reapply for a study permit and IRCC receives your application before your program ends and it is later approved.

If your study permit will expire while you are outside of Canada, consider applying for a new study permit. See what to do in the question above if your study permit will expire soon.

See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students.

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If I had to drop to part-time studies or take a break due to COVID-19 in Winter Term 2 2019 (January – April, 2020), how will this impact me?

As an exception, if you were full-time for immigration purposes during winter term 2, and had to drop to part-time studies or take a break in studies due to COVID-19, you can work in Canada unlimited hours on campus and up to 20 hours per week off campus, if eligible. This applies regardless of whether you have a UBC-approved leave of absence.

You must still hold a valid study permit or have applied to extend it before the old study permit expires.

Normally, as an international student, you must maintain full-time status in each term to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).  However, if you are a current student and could not meet this requirement due to COVID-19, Immigration will take this into consideration and this will not affect your PGWP eligibility. At the time you apply for PGWP and your program was not available online during COVID-19, please contact an Academic Advisor or graduate program staff to request a letter, then contact Global Engagement Office for support with your application.

GRADUATE STUDENTS, DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING OR LAW STUDENTS

If you have a UBC-approved leave of absence, you can remain in Canada for 150 days after:

• The day your leave was approved, or
• The first day of classes of the term in which your leave started, whichever comes last.

Before the 150 day period is over, you will probably need to:

• Resume studies,
• Leave Canada, or
• Apply for visitor status

See the latest IRCC updates on international students’ eligibility to work on- and off-campus.

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If I had to drop to part-time studies or take a break due to COVID-19 in the summer session 2020 (May – August, 2020), how will this impact me?

You could remain in Canada so long as you hold a valid study permit or applied to extend it before the old study permit expired.

Normally, as an international student, you must maintain full-time status in each term to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, if you are a current student and could not meet this requirement due to COVID-19, Immigration will take this into consideration and this will not affect your PGWP eligibility. At the time you apply for PGWP and your program was not available online during COVID-19, please contact an Academic Advisor or graduate program staff to request a letter, then contact International Programs and Services for support with your application

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

You can work full-time during summer if:

• You studied full time for immigration purposes at the start of winter term 2, and
• You had to drop to part-time studies or take a break in studies in winter term 2 due to COVID-19, and
• You will return to full-time studies in winter term 1.

GRADUATE STUDENTS OR DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING AND LAW STUDENTS

Summer session is not considered a scheduled break for you. As an exception, if you have to take a break in studies due to COVID-19 in the summer session, you can work the same amount as during a full time semester, which is unlimited hours on campus and up to 20 hours per week off campus. This applies regardless of whether your leave is formally authorized by UBC.

If you have a UBC-approved leave of absence, you can remain in Canada for 150 days after:

• The day your leave was approved, or
• The first day of classes of the term in which your leave started, whichever comes last.

Before the 150-day period is over, you will probably need to:

• Resume studies,
• Leave Canada, or
• Apply for visitor status

See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students.

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If I had to drop to part-time studies or take a break due to COVID-19 in Winter Session 2020 (September 2020– April 2021) or Summer Session 2021 (May – August 2021), how will this impact me?

Dropping to part-time or taking a break from studies in Winter Session 2020 or Summer 2021 could affect:

• Your student status in Canada at the time
• Your eligibility to work on and off campus at the time
• Your future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit

This applies to you even if you were studying online, outside of Canada.

Learn about the immigration impacts of withdrawing from courses.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

If you were not enrolled in any courses, you probably needed to:

• Leave Canada, or
• Apply for visitor status

GRADUATE STUDENTS OR DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING AND LAW STUDENTS

If you had a UBC-approved leave of absence, you could remain in Canada for 150 days after:

• The day your leave was approved, or
• The first day of classes of the term in which your leave started, whichever came last.

Before the 150-day period is over, you will probably need to:

• • Resume studies,
  • Leave Canada, or
  • Apply for visitor status

See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students.

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If I need to drop to part-time studies or take time away from studies in Winter Session 2021 (September 2021 to April 2022) or later, how will this impact me? Can I take a leave of absence?

Dropping to part-time or taking a break from studies after the 2020 Summer Session could affect:

• Your current student status in Canada
• Your current eligibility to work on and off campus
• Your future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit

GRADUATE STUDENTS

If you are a graduate student, see information on taking a graduate leave of absence.

If you are a graduate student or Diploma in Accounting student, see taking time away from studies.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Part-time studies

If you would like to study part-time for immigration purposes (less than 9 credits in a winter term) this would impact your current work eligibility and future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Learn about the immigration impacts of withdrawing from courses.

Taking a break from studies

Beginning in the 2021 Winter Session, UBC offers a procedure to allow continuing UBC international undergraduate students to take time away from studies and still be considered to be actively pursuing studies, maintaining the conditions of your study permit and maintaining eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for leaves up to 150 days. If you want to prove to IRCC that you were on authorized leave, you must request the leave and receive a letter from UBC confirming that you are authorized to take the leave.

If Winter Term 1 was your first term in your program and you dropped all courses by the last day to drop courses without a W, and you were registered in Term 2, you would be considered to have deferred enrolment for immigration purposes. You would not need and would not be eligible for a leave in Term 1.

If in your first term in your program you withdrew from all courses after the course change dates without a W, you might qualify for the Academic Leave Policy. The leave would start on the day you withdraw.

If it is not your first term in your program and you dropped all courses:

• by the last day to drop courses without a W, your leave would start on the first day of classes for that term, or
• with a W, your leave would start on the day you withdrew from all courses.

After the last date to withdraw from a course with a W, you will not be able to withdraw from your courses yourself and so will not be eligible for an authorized leave letter for that term. If you are granted an academic concession and are withdrawn from all courses that term(s), you may be eligible for a leave letter. See an advisor for more details.

If you have a letter documenting your undergraduate leave, you can remain in Canada for 150 days after the date on which the letter indicates your leave began.

Leaves longer than 150 days affect your Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility and status in Canada. If you are not returning to studies before the 150 day period is over, you will probably need to:

• Leave Canada, or
• Apply for visitor status

If you are in Canada, note that you cannot use your study permit or co-op work permit to work in Canada while on leave, and are not eligible to work during the scheduled breaks immediately preceding or following your leave. You will not be eligible to work until you resume full-time studies and meet all requirements to work in Canada. There may also be other non-immigration impacts of taking time away from studies.

Your authorized leave letter will say when your leave began. You can remain in Canada for 150 days after that date. Leaves longer than 150 days affect your Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility and status in Canada.

If you take a break from studies in the Winter Session 2022 (September 2022 to April 2023) onwards

As of June 2022, authorized leave for undergraduate students is available on an ongoing basis. Check taking time away from studies for more information since there are some changes from the above policy for students who took a gap in Winter Session 2021.

Under the International Undergraduate Leave Procedure, you can request a leave letter by the following August 31 after your gap. For example, if you took a gap in Winter Term 1 2022, you can request the leave letter until August 31, 2023.

Contact information for programs:

I.K.B. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: fass.students.ubco@ubc.ca

I.K.B. Faculty of Science: fos.students.ubco@ubc.ca

Faculty of Management: fom.bmgt@ubc.ca

School of Engineering: soe.advising@ubc.ca

Faculty of Health and Social Development

• Nursing: manuela.reekie@ubc.ca
• Bachelor of Human Kinetics: tanya.forneris@ubc.ca

Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies: fccs.ubco@ubc.ca

When Should I Apply for an Authorized Leave?

1. If you withdraw from all courses on or before the last day to drop courses without a W, the leave would start on the first day of classes in September (Term 1) or January (Term 2).
2. If you withdraw from all courses after the last day to drop courses without a W, a W will appear on your transcript and the leave would start on the day you withdraw.
3. Be sure to withdraw from courses on time. Then you can apply for an authorized leave at any time.

If you are in Canada, note that you cannot use your study permit or co-op work permit to work in Canada while on leave.

I work in essential services – can I work more than 20 hours per week?

At this time you can work no more than 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions using your study permit.

Until August 31, 2020, as a temporary measure you could work off-campus more than 20 hours per week if you worked in ‘essential services’, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.

To be eligible, you must:

• Have a valid study permit (or have maintained status), and
• Be registered full-time in the summer session, and
• Be in a regular academic session, and
• Be in a degree, diploma or certificate program or on exchange and
• Work in essential services

See the latest IRCC updates on the impact of COVID-19 for international students.

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Can international students work more than 20 hours a week off-campus under the temporary policies?

Under normal circumstances, international students can work off-campus up to 20 hours a week during academic terms, and full-time during scheduled breaks, if eligible. This applies to students in degree, diploma, certificate or exchange programs.

In recognition of international students’ contribution to the labour market, IRCC announced two temporary policies which allow some international students who are eligible to work off-campus to work more than 20 hours a week.

The first temporary policy started on November 15, 2022 and was initially going to end on December 31, 2023, but has been extended to April 30, 2024. This applies to some students who applied for a study permit on or before October 7, 2022. Students who are eligible could work off-campus more than 20 hours a week from November 15, 2022, until whichever comes first:

• The study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires
• The study permit you held on October 7, 2022 expires (if you did not have a study permit application in progress on October 7, 2022)
• April 30, 2024 
• You are no longer eligible to work, such as you are no longer enrolled full-time or you finish your studies and get your letter of completion

The second temporary policy starts on January 1, 2024 until April 30, 2024. This applies to some students who applied for a study permit between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023. Students who are eligible could work off-campus more than 20 hours a week from January 1, 2024, until whichever comes first:

• The study permit you applied for between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023, expires
• April 30, 2024
• You are no longer eligible to work, such as you are no longer enrolled full-time or you finish your studies and get your letter of completion

Your eligibility for the temporary policies depend on when you applied for your study permit (initial or extension), and when your study permit expires —review the scenarios below for details.

If you are eligible for the temporary off-campus work policy above, you are also exempt from needing a co-op work permit for the co-op placements, practicums or internships taking place during this period—review the scenarios below for details.

You can check when IRCC received your study permit application by logging into your online IRCC account and checking the PDF confirmation IRCC automatically sent confirming the date they received your application. Note that application times are based on being received by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) 11:59pm, not local time zones.

As is the case for all work in Canada, you must make sure you maintain eligibility requirements to work on and off campus.  Learn how your enrollment impacts immigration, including work eligibility. You must stop working immediately if any of the following is true: 

• You finish your studies and receive your letter of completion.
• You withdraw from courses and are no longer enrolled full-time.
• Your study permit expired and you did not apply to extend it.
• You work in a job that requires a medical exam but don’t have the right conditions.

Consider carefully before increasing your work hours. As the IRCC news release states, “Study permit holders are still expected to balance their study and work commitments, as those who stop studying or reduce course loads to only study part-time are not eligible to work off-campus.”

Be sure to track your off-campus work hours, such as saving your pay slips and work schedules, in case you are asked to provide proof in the future. In future immigration applications, if you worked more than 20 hours a week during this temporary policy period, include a section in your letter of explanation referring to the policy.

Take advantage of the many resources offered by the Academic and Career Development Center, such as guidance with resumes and interviews, workshops, and CareersOnline job postings.

If you applied for a study permit (initial or extension) on or before Oct 7, 2022 and that permit expires AFTER April 30, 2024

• You can benefit from the full duration of the first temporary off-campus work policy from November 15, 2022, to April 30, 2024, so long as you maintain eligibility to work off-campus.
• Keep in mind you must stop working if you finish your studies and receive your letter of completion, withdraw from courses and are no longer enrolled full-time, or your study permit expired and you did not apply to extend it before it expired.  

IF YOU HAVE A CO-OP, INTERNSHIP, OR PRACTICUM

You can also benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit if your program-required work takes place between November 15, 2022, and April 30, 2024.

If your program-required work ends after April  30, 2024, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit for program-required work taking place from May 1, 2024, onwards. We recommend that you apply for your co-op work permit (or study permit extension and co-op work permit, if your study permit will expire soon) when you get your co-op letter so that you can receive your co-op work permit before program-required work taking place in May 2024 or later.

For example, if the study permit you held on October 7, 2022, expires on July 31, 2025, you can benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from November 15, 2022, to April  30, 2024. You will need a valid co-op work permit for program-required work starting from May 1, 2024, onwards.

 If you applied for a study permit (initial or extension) on or BEFORE October 7, 2022, that study permit expires between October 8, 2022, and  December 31, 2023, and you extended your study permit BEFORE December 7, 2023

You can benefit from the first temporary off-campus work policy from November 15, 2022, until the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires

If your study permit expires between October 8, 2022 and December 31, 2023, you cannot work off-campus more than 20 hours a week starting from when  the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires until December 31, 2023.

If you applied for a study permit extension between Oct 8, 2022, and Dec 7, 2023, you could be eligible for the second temporary off-campus work policy from January 1, 2024, until whichever comes first:

• The study permit you applied for between Oct 7, 2022, and Dec 7, 2023, expires
• April 30, 2024 
• You are no longer eligible to work, such as you are no longer enrolled full-time or finish your studies and get your letter of completion

For clarity, you would not be eligible to work off-campus more than 20 hours a week between when the study permit you applied for on or before Oct 7, 2022, expired, and Jan 1, 2024.

For example, if you applied for a study permit on May 15, 2022, and that study permit expired on August 31, 2023, you could benefit from the first temporary policy from November 15, 2022, until August 31, 2023. If you extended your study permit and it now expires on August 31, 2024, you won’t be able to benefit from the first temporary off-campus work policy between September 1, 2023, until it ends on December 31, 2023. Since you applied for your study permit extension between Oct 8, 2022, and Dec 7, 2023, you could work more than 20 hours a week off-campus under the second temporary policy from Jan 1, 2024 until April 30, 2024.

Note that you may still be eligible to work off-campus more than 20 hours a week during scheduled breaks, such as winter break, so long as you are enrolled full-time for immigration purposes in Winter Term 1, and will be enrolled full-time in Winter Term 2. 

IF YOU HAVE A CO-OP, INTERNSHIP, OR PRACTICUM

You can only benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit when you were or are eligible for the first and/or second temporary policies to work off-campus., so long as you maintain eligibility to work off-campus.

You must have received your co-op work permit or be able to work while you are waiting for your co-op work permit before working in a program-required position: 

• Between October 8, 2022 and December 31, 2023: starting from the day after the study permit you applied for on or before October 7 2022 expires  
• Between Jan 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024: starting from the day after the study permit you applied for between Oct 8, 2022, and Dec 7, 2023, expires or May 1, 2024 – whichever comes first. 

We recommend that you apply for your study permit extension and co-op work permit about 5 months before your study permit expires so that you can hopefully receive your co-op work permit before starting or resuming program-required work taking place after you are no longer eligible for the temporary policies, depending on processing times.

For example, if you applied for a study permit extension on May  15, 2022, and that study permit expires on August 31, 2023, you could benefit from the first temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from November 15, 2022, until August 31, 2023. If you extended your study permit and it now expires August 31, 2024, you could benefit from the second temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from January 1, 2024, to April 30, 2024, as well. You will need a valid co-op work permit or to be able to work while you are waiting for your co-op work permit before starting program-required work between September 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and May 1, 2024, onwards. 

If you applied for your study permit (initial or extension) on or before Oct 7, 2022, then you extend your study permit AFTER Dec 7, 2023

You can benefit from the first temporary off-campus work policy from November 15, 2022, until whichever comes first: 

• the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires
• April 30, 2024 
• You are no longer eligible to work, such as you are no longer enrolled full-time or finish your studies and get your letter of completion

Unfortunately, you cannot benefit from the second temporary off-campus work policy from January 1-April 30, 2024, since you applied for a study permit extension after December 7, 2023. 

For example, if you applied for a study permit on May 15, 2022, that study permit expires on December 19, 2023, and you applied to extend your study permit on December 10, 2023, you could benefit from the first temporary policy from Nov 15, 2022,  to Dec 19, 2023, then would have to stop working more than 20 hours a week off-campus as of Dec 20, 2023, and would not be eligible for the second temporary policy. 

Note that you may still be eligible to work off-campus more than 20 hours a week during scheduled breaks, such as winter break, so long as you are enrolled full-time for immigration purposes in Winter Term 1, and will be enrolled full-time in Winter Term 2. 

IF YOU HAVE A CO-OP, INTERNSHIP, OR PRACTICUM

You can only benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit until the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires, so long as you maintain eligibility to work off-campus.

If you need longer to finish your program-required work, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit along with your study permit extension. Starting from the day after the study permit you applied for on or before October 7, 2022, expires, you must have received your co-op work permit or be able to work while you are waiting for your co-op work permit before working in a program-required position. We recommend that you apply for your study permit extension and co-op work permit about 5 months before your study permit expires so that you can hopefully receive your co-op work permit before starting or resuming program-required work taking place after the study permit you applied for on or before October 7 expires, depending on processing times.

For example, if you applied for a study permit on May 15, 2022, that study permit expires on December 19, 2023, and you extended your study permit on Dec 10, 2023, you could benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit from November 15, 2022, until December 19, 2023. You will need a valid co-op work permit or to be able to work while you are waiting for your co-op work permit before starting program-required work as of December 20, 2023 onwards.

 If you applied for your initial (first) study permit BETWEEN October 8, 2022, and Dec 7, 2023

Unfortunately, you are not eligible for the first off-campus work temporary policy (Nov 15, 2022-Apr 30, 2024) since you applied for a study permit after October 7, 2022.

However, you would be eligible for the second off-campus work temporary policy starting from January 1, 2024 until whichever comes first: 

• The study permit you applied for between Oct 8, 2022 and Dec 7, 2023, expires
• April 30, 2024 
• You are no longer eligible to work, such as you are no longer enrolled full-time or finish your studies and get your letter of completion

If you meet the requirements to work in Canada, you can work on campus unlimited hours as well as work off-campus up to 20 hours a week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.

For example, if you applied for your study permit on November 5, 2022, and it expires March 31, 2024, you would not be eligible to work off-campus more than 20 hours a week between November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023, but could work off-campus more than 20 hours a week from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024.

Note that you may still be eligible to work off-campus more than 20 hours a week during scheduled breaks, such as winter break, so long as you are enrolled full-time for immigration purposes in Winter Term 1, and will be enrolled full-time in Winter Term 2. 

IF YOU HAVE A CO-OP, INTERNSHIP, OR PRACTICUM

You cannot benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit between November 15, 2022 and December 31, 2023, and needed to be eligible to work while waiting for your co-op work permit or have a valid co-op work permit.

 You can benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit between January 1, 2024, until April 30, 2024, or when your study permit you applied for between Oct 8, 2022 and Dec 7, 2023, expires – whichever comes first. 

We recommend that you apply for your co-op work permit (or study permit extension and co-op work permit, if your study permit will expire soon) as soon as you get your co-op letter so that you can receive your co-op work permit before your start date.

For example, if you applied for your study permit on November 5, 2022, and it expires March 31, 2024, you would not be eligible for the temporary exemption from a co-op work permit between November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023, but could be eligible for the temporary exemption from a co-op work permit from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024.

 If you apply for your initial (first) study permit AFTER December 7, 2023,

Unfortunately, you are not eligible for either temporary off-campus work policies.

If you meet the requirements to work in Canada, you can work on campus unlimited hours as well as work off-campus up to 20 hours a week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.

IF YOU HAVE A CO-OP, INTERNSHIP OR PRACTICUM

You cannot benefit from the temporary exemption from the co-op work permit and will need to apply for a co-op work permit.

If you applied for a co-op work permit and are still waiting for it to be processed, learn about working while you are waiting for your co-op permit. We recommend that you apply for your co-op work permit (or study permit extension and co-op work permit, if your study permit will expire soon) as soon as you get your co-op letter so that you can receive your co-op work permit before your start date.

Check the October 7 2022 news release, extension of the first temporary policy, second temporary policy, and alert on IRCC’s page for details.

Can international students and PGWP holders get the COVID-19 vaccine? Am I required to be vaccinated to travel to Canada?

Review the latest information on restrictions in BC.

You can pick up a free rapid antigen test kit in BC if you need one.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, check the BC Centre for Disease Control website for guidance.

TRAVELING TO CANADA

As of October 1, 2022, travellers are no longer required to be vaccinated to travel to Canada.

Review the Travelling to Canada Guide for details on COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements.

UBC CAMPUS REQUIREMENTS

All members of the UBC community are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. Learn more about UBC’s approach on UBC’s health guidance and vaccines page.

If you live in UBC student residence, learn about COVID-19 residence rules.

IF YOU ARE NOT VACCINATED

Everyone 5 years and older is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine in BC free of charge, even if you are not enrolled in the Medical Services Plan and do not have a BC Personal Health Number (PHN). However, you are encouraged to get a PHN to use the online vaccination booking system. To do so, you can call 1-833-838-2323 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week. Translators are available.

Limited personal information will be collected, such as your name, date of birth, and address. You do not need to provide proof of a Social Insurance Number or proof of immigration status.

Visit the BC government website to learn when and how you can get vaccinated.

If you were vaccinated outside of BC

If you received your first or both COVID-19 vaccination doses outside of BC (inside or outside of Canada) before travelling to BC, bring a vaccination record indicating which vaccine you received and when it was administered.

The BC government recommends that you:

1. Register with the Get vaccinated provincial registration system
   • If you do not have a Personal Health Number (PHN), call 1 833 838 2323 from 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week, to get a PHN. Translators are available.
2. Submit proof of an official vaccination record for one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be entered into the Provincial Immunization Registry. This can take 4-7 days.

See BCCDC guidance on if it is recommended to get an additional COVID-19 vaccination in BC.  A doctor will determine the appropriate dose.

If you bring a vaccine dose with you, a doctor will determine if it can be administered in BC.

If you need a second dose or booster, after completing the above steps, you will receive an invitation to book your second dose or booster once your record has been updated and you are eligible.

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I am a current student and will be outside Canada due to COVID-19. How is my health insurance affected?

Ensure you have adequate health insurance wherever you are.

BC MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN (MSP)

If you will be outside Canada for less than six months, you have the option to keep or cancel MSP.

If you will be outside of Canada for more than six months in a calendar year, contact BC MSP to confirm your eligibility. You might need to cancel your MSP coverage, or you might be given the option to keep MSP.

If you’re eligible and you decide to keep MSP, you do not have to reapply nor will you have a three-month waiting period when you return.

If you cancel MSP, you have to reapply when you return to BC. You will need to get private health insurance such as the Global Campus Health Plan before you return to Canada to cover you during the MSP three-month waiting period.

Before purchasing temporary private health insurance, make sure that you will have adequate coverage as some private health insurance companies are no longer covering COVID-19 testing and treatment expenses.

UBCSUO HEALTH AND DENTAL PLAN

If you are in your country of origin, you are not covered under the UBCSUO Extended Health Plan please check with the UBCSUO for opt-out options.

If purchasing private temporary health insurance, make sure you have adequate coverage as some private health insurance companies are no longer covering COVID-19 testing and treatment expenses. Ensure you have adequate health insurance wherever you are.

Visit the UBCSUO website for the latest update on the impact of COVID-19 on your health and dental plan.

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I will be studying online from outside of Canada. Can I opt-out of health insurance and other student fees?

If you have questions about coverage outside of Canada or eligibility to opt-out of the UBCSUO Health & Dental Plan, contact Studentcare. The timeframes to apply were:

• May 6, 2022 to May 20, 2022 for coverage from May 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022.

For questions on opting-out of the above student fees, please contact office@ubcsuo.ca

If you began your program in Winter Session 2020 to Summer Session 2021, the iMED fee was due at the same time as your first term’s tuition fees. You were able to use your iMED coverage until July 31, 2022. If you will not study in Canada for the full duration of your program of studies, you could qualify to opt-out from iMED. If you started in Winter Session 2021, contact David Cummings Insurance Services for options. See the following iMED information for details.

If you are a current student who has MSP, see the MSP FAQ for information on your options.

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Can I work or be paid for a scholarship, award, teaching, or research assistantship, if I am outside of Canada?

Canadian immigration laws only apply to those inside of Canada. However, there may be obstacles to employing or paying you outside of Canada, such as WorkSafe BC requirements, taxation, needing a valid Social Insurance Number, or other complexities.

Please contact your supervisor or employer to learn about potential impacts.

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I am under financial distress. Can UBC help?

If you are experiencing financial distress related to COVID-19 (or any other situation), contact Student Services to speak to a representative.

If you have booked a UBC Self-Isolation Package, subsidized rates are available to students who indicate they are facing financial hardship.

If you are required to quarantine upon entry to Canada to begin or continue your studies, you may be eligible for the UBC Quarantine Bursary.

See emergency funding for more information.

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Will I be able to access course materials if they are not permitted in my home country?

Equity and academic freedom are two fundamental values of our UBC culture. Moreover, UBC is not subject to foreign censorship laws. Every effort is and will be made to ensure that UBC students living abroad are provided access to the same materials and digital learning spaces as domestic students. As long as students use institutionally-provisioned learning tools and applications (such as Canvas, UBC email and other such systems), students can expect to exercise their academic freedom whether they are in Canada or abroad.

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