VIRS FAQs
FAQs
[Students] Can I take courses while at UBC?
No, you cannot register for or audit UBC courses. If you wish to audit or take courses, you must apply to become a Visiting Undergraduate or Graduate student. Upon admission into the visiting undergraduate or graduate student pathway, you will lose your VIRS status, but can still continue with your research activities if agreed upon by your UBC supervisor.
[Students] Will my research activities be shown on a UBC transcript?
Yes, your non-credit and non-tuition bearing course that reflects your academic level at your home institution (e.g., Undergraduate, Masters, or Ph.D.) will appear on the student’s transcript. You may order official transcripts online.
[Students] What type of funding is available to VIRS students?
VIRS students are usually self-funded, sponsored by their home institution, or receive funding from an external source. Your UBC faculty member may agree to provide reimbursement or an award for some of your expenses from UBC, however, this decision is at the discretion of your UBC faculty member who has agreed to act as your host supervisor, as well as the department with which your host supervisor is affiliated.
If you are a UBC professor who would like to provide funding to your VIRS student, contact Go Global to discuss your options.
[Students] If I have been granted a scholarship that exceeds my research period for more than 12 months, can I be admitted for the entire sponsored research period?
We request that you provide a copy of the scholarship document to UBC Go Global along with your VIRS application form. If accepted, your Letter of Acceptance will reflect the actual length of your visit to support your study permit application. However, each VIRS registration is effective for a maximum of one year, therefore you must apply for a renewal of the VIRS registration and pay the renewal fee by the end of the first year of your visit.
[Students] Can I work while I am a VIRS student?
VIRS students may not have an employment relationship with UBC related to their research activity.
As a VIRS student, you are considered full-time for immigration purposes.
You are eligible to work on-campus in jobs not related to your research if you are full-time (see above) and have a valid study permit. You are only eligible to work during the dates you are a VIRS student.
You are not eligible to work off-campus as you are not enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate at UBC.
Make sure you meet the requirements to work in Canada and be sure to apply for a Social Insurance Number before working.
[Students] What happens if I receive an email saying I have "Overdue Fees" on my UBC tuition account?
These fees are most likely your iMED medical insurance fees which you are required to pay by the stated deadline.
VIRS students do not pay tuition, but the iMED fees are charged on the tuition account.
[Students] What are the costs associated with VIRS?
There are two fees: the VIRS Program Fee and IMED Medical Insurance. See the VIRS Fee page for more information.
VIRS students are not charged UBC tuition.
It is your responsibility to make sure that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Vancouver. When applying for a visa or study permit, you may be required to verify your funding to Canadian immigration. The cost of living is high in Vancouver. We recommend budgeting at least $2000 per month for housing, food and local transportation.
See more about planning your budget.
[Students] I have not received my iMED card. What should I do?
Students get their cards at different times but it should arrive by email before you arrive at UBC. If you have paid your iMED fee and you have not received your card before you arrive in Canada, please
- Search "DCIS" in your email
- Check your SPAM/Junk Folder
- Contact imed@david-cummings.com and go.global@ubc.ca. Include your name and UBC student number. We will check your status.
[Students] What does iMED cover?
The iMED program Is basic insurance coverage for your time at UBC. It covers doctors' visits, most emergencies, some medications and other services.
[Students] What kind of medical insurance plan will I have?
You are automatically enrolled in the mandatory iMed temporary health insurance plan. You will be charged for the first three months upon VIRS registration (if your research period is six months or longer) or for the duration of your study period (if your research is less than six months). This fee is separate from and additional to your VIRS program fee. If you need additional coverage, you are responsible for extending coverage.
If your research period is longer than six months, you must apply for the BC Medical Insurance Plan (MSP). You may apply for this plan as soon as you arrive in BC.