How to apply

1. Make sure VIRS is the appropriate program for you.  
2. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Check that your research start date is realistic, especially if you need to obtain immigration documents for travel.

4. Download and complete the required application documents. Collect all required signatures.
   • Attach a VIRS Approval Form to your application. (Scanned copies are OK.) Save the Approval Form in PDF or JPEG format.
     • VIRS students can only be admitted for up to one year maximum in the initial application. For extension beyond a year, see guidelines in "Withdrawing or extending your VIRS registration" in our FAQ section.
   • Are you interested in the Joint Doctoral Research Student (JDRS) designation and eligible? Complete the Joint Doctoral Research Scholar (JDRS) Request Form (PDF) to apply. Save the Approval Form in PDF or JPEG format.

Since it could take up to two months for application review, submit as soon as possible! The VIRS application processing time will depend on the overall number of applications Go Global receives. We are not able to rush or expedite letters of acceptance based on your individual situation. Thank you for your patience in this process.

1. Create an account through the VIRS Student Application Portal. Use an email address you check regularly and plan to use throughout the application process. We will send email you important updates about your VIRS application through this email address. Make sure @ubc.ca emails are on your safe list. 
2. After you create an account, check your email for instructions on how to begin the application.  
3. Fill out the application and upload the necessary documents: the VIRS Approval Form and the JDRS Request Form (if applicable). Use the same email address in the application that you used to create your account. 
4. Submit your application. 

1. Check your email again for your new UBC student number. 
2. Pay your VIRS program fee ($423.25) online.  
   a. Select “VIRS Program Fee” (CAD423.25) > select “Add to cart” > provide your name, email (the same one you used to submit your VIRS application) and your UBC student number > select “Check out” > enter your email address again > provide your payment details.
3. We aim to have your UBC acceptance letter ready within 1-2 months of receiving your VIRS program fee, depending on the volume of applications.

1. Verify your personal information (for example, legal name, date of birth, permanent address, etc.) is correct on your student application in the Go Global Student Application Portal and on the VIRS Letter of Acceptance. If the information needs to be updated, you MUST notify Go Global within five business days of the email notification about your admission and prior to accepting your offer of admission.
2. Accept your UBC admission offer in the Applicant Service Centre. Your acceptance to UBC is only confirmed after you accept your admission offer. You have three weeks from the date of your acceptance letter to accept your offer.  
3. Create your Campus Wide Login (CWL) account using your UBC student number. 
4. Apply for the appropriate immigration document using your letter of acceptance. Do not delay this step if you need immigration documents. Documents can include a study permit and/or Temporary Resident Visa, or Electronic Travel Authorization, if applicable.
   1. Students engaged in research for six (6) months or less can complete their research under visitor status with a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, depending on citizenship.
   2. Students engaged in research for longer than six (6) months require a study permit. 
      Please note there have been changes made to the study permit application process. To see the most recent updates and to determine what immigration document to obtain, please see this page. Check estimated processing times for various immigration document applications on the Government of Canada website. ​​​​​​
5. Pay your iMED fees through the Student Service Centre. Log into your account using your CWL (see step 3 above).  

Students admitted through VIRS will be registered as full-time students at UBC for the duration of their research period. Admitted students will have permission to engage in research education, but cannot register for academic courses.  

Having trouble logging back into your VIRS application? Try:

1. Logging in directly to the VIRS application using your existing email address (the same email address you used to create your account) for your username.
2. If you are unable to log in, click “Forgot your password?” to create a new password.
3. If you are still experiencing difficulties, contact us.