Visiting International Research Students
Notice: Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Updates
Updated 12 January 2026
Since January 2025, IRCC continues to update their website regarding the requirement for Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Most study permit applicants need to include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), including VIRS students who are considered a part of a non-degree granting program.
At the moment, the allocation of PALs for newly admitted UBC Visiting International Research Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels has not been determined. If you are planning for a research stay that is longer than 6 months, please note that under the current circumstances around PAL allocation, it will not be possible to proceed with a study permit application. For further information or guidance, please contact Go Global at virs.okanagan@ubc.ca for advice.
If you have received a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada, you will not need a PAL.
The information above is a brief overview and current at the time of publication. See Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s page for the latest updates.
Review details about the status of the Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL), required for Study Permit applications for Visiting International Research Students. Read more.
UBC is a hub for outstanding researchers from around the world and welcomes Visiting International Research Students (VIRS) to participate in our community of inquiry.
A Visiting International Research Student is an international student conducting research full-time at UBC, under the supervision of a UBC faculty member. The student is either enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or graduate-equivalent program at another university or is a participant in a UBC-recognized (through Go Global) “bridging” program*.
While registered as full-time UBC students, VIRS students cannot enroll in academic courses for credit or formally audit courses.
*The VIRS admission process is ongoing and there are no deadlines. The standard VIRS application submission timeframe is at least 12 weeks before the planned start date of your research. However, due to delays in Canadian immigration document processing times across the globe, we recommend giving yourself more time. Your intended research start date should factor in the time it takes for your immigration documents to be processed, as well as extra lead time for passport requests (if you are coming from a non visa-exempt country). Check processing times for Canadian visas and study permits here, based on your country of citizenship. Read more about eligibility requirements.
*Examples of a “bridging” program: DAAD Rise Worldwide and Mitacs Globalink. Contact us with respect to other programs.
CONTACT US
When emailing us, include the following information in the email:
- Your student number in the subject line
- Your name
If inquiring about study permits, please be sure to include:
- Your citizenship(s)
- All permit and visa expiration dates (if applicable)
- Currently in Canada (YES or NO)
- If you request specific assistance, provide detailed information including applicable documents, such as a rejection letter
VIRS Advisors
VIRS contact email: virs.okanagan@ubc.ca
Global Engagement Office
UNC 227 – 3272 University Way
Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7
