This page is for VIRS students applying for a study permit for their research studies at UBC.
Before proceeding:
- Check the duration of your VIRS research studies.
- Students engaged in research activities for six months or less do not need a study permit and can complete their research studies under visitor status. However, a travel document such as a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization will likely be required, depending on citizenship. Review the documents you need to study in Canada.
- Students engaged in research activities for longer than six months require a study permit, unless exempt from the requirement for a study permit. If you are coming to UBC for longer than six months, please see the notice above.
- Start early!
- Check estimated processing times for your immigration documents on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, and apply for the documents you need for your VIRS program well in advance.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced:
- New study permit applications as of Jan. 22, 2024 will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the provincial government unless exempt (details here).
- If you originally came to Canada as an exchange or visiting student to study for six months or less, you do not need a study permit. However, you cannot study beyond the initial six-month period. Once you are in Canada, if you need to extend your time to study, you must apply for a study permit from within Canada. You cannot continue to study until your study permit is approved (see this page for more information).
- For this reason, we encourage students who plan to extend their VIRS research study period beyond six months, to discuss their study dates with their VIRS supervisor as soon as possible, apply to extend their VIRS stay through Go Global and submit a study permit extension request soon after their arrival at UBC.
- As of Jan. 1, 2024, the minimum cost-of-living financial requirement has increased from $10,000 to $20,635 for 2024. See this page on requirements of the proof of financial support.
Review the Jan. 21, 2024 backgrounder and Jan. 22, 2024 news release for more details.
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information can change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
Page last updated April 2024