SFU International Services for Students

Application forms for study permits, work permits and temporary resident visas were updated on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

If you started an online application before May 4, 2013, you will need to download and complete the new application form as old forms will not upload.

Still having difficulty? Connect with an International Student Advisor via email (intl_advising@sfu.ca), phone (778-782-4232) or during drop-in advising (Burnaby: Monday - Friday, 1-4 p.m.).

If applying online for a new Temporary Resident Visa, you are required to complete a 10-15 minute questionnaire via the Come to Canada wizard. Once you complete this questionnaire, you will be provided with a Personal Checklist Code (looks like this: QK4279058731); this code will be needed to start the online application in your MyCIC account.

Some of the questions in the wizard can cause some confusion; below are a few tips:

What would you like to do in Canada? Indicate “Study”
How long are you planning to stay in Canada? For most degree/diploma students, the answer would be “Temporarily – more than 6 months”
What is your current country of residence? Your current country of residence is Canada
What is your current immigration status in Canada? Select “Student”
Which of the following best describes your situation? Select “I have a study permit”

After generating your personal checklist code, you will be provided with a checklist of documents and application forms that you must submit. Ensure than the documents and forms match with what is outlined on our instructional handout.

TIP #1: When in doubt, click on the “?” next to the question for help.

TIP #2: An electronic signature is required at the end of the online application process in order to create a secure internet environment. If you are submitting your application online, your personal details (i.e. Name, Date of birth, Country of birth) must be the same on your MyCIC account, your Come to Canada Wizard answers and your IMM application form.

If applying online for an extension of your study permit, you are required to complete a 10-15 minute questionnaire via the Come to Canada wizard. Once you complete this questionnaire, you will be provided with a Personal Checklist Code (looks like this: QK4279058731); this code will be needed to start the online application in your MyCIC account.

Some of the questions in the wizard can cause some confusion; below are a few tips:

What would you like to do in Canada? Indicate “Study”
How long are you planning to stay in Canada? For most degree/diploma students, the answer would be “Temporarily – more than 6 months”
What is your current country of residence? Your current country of residence is Canada
What is your current immigration status in Canada? Select “Student”

After generating your personal checklist code, you will be provided with a checklist of documents and application forms that you must submit. Ensure than the documents and forms match with what is outlined on our instructional handout.

TIP #1: When in doubt, click on the “?” next to the question for help.

TIP #2: An electronic signature is required at the end of the online application process in order to create a secure internet environment. If you are submitting your application online, your personal details (i.e. Name, Date of birth, Country of birth) must be the same on your MyCIC account, your Come to Canada Wizard answers and your IMM application form.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has announced that the following online services will be unavailable from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Eastern standard time (EST) on Saturday, May 4, 2013:

• • MyCIC
• • Apply online
• • Authorized Paid Representatives Portal
• • Partner Portal
• • Come to Canada Wizard

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Welcome to SFU! We hope the start of the term is going well; below are a few details to help you settle into life at SFU.

Medical Insurance

PRIMARY MEDICAL INSURANCE

All new international students enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or exchange program at SFU are automatically enrolled in a mandatory 4 month primary medical insurance plan starting in their first term at SFU, through guard.me@SFU. This plan provides interim coverage during the waiting period for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). New students staying in Canada for 6 months or longer MUST APPLY for BC MSP.

SECONDARY MEDICAL INSURANCE

New students beginning their studies in the Summer Term are not automatically enrolled in a secondary medical insurance plan (SFSS Health and Dental for undergraduates or GSS Benefit plan for graduates).

You may enroll yourselves during the Summer Change-of-Coverage Period for coverage from May 1 – Aug. 31, 2013 by completing an Enrolment Form and paying the applicable fee. Together, these plans work to help you avoid unexpected health costs.

Please note automatic enrollment occurs during the Fall and Spring terms.

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Whether you are completing this term or will be finishing your requirements soon, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• • Apply for your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) early especially if you are planning on gaining skilled work experience in Canada to possibly apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class.
• • You MUST apply within 90 days of the issuance of your final grades on SIS (completing your program requirements) while your study permit is valid.
• • You may apply online from within Canada, and remain in Canada (provided you have valid status) until you receive your permit in the mail.
• • If you plan to pursue another program, please keep in mind that you may apply for the PGWP once in your lifetime, regardless of the number of credentials you complete.
• • Apply for an off-campus work permit before the end of your final term at SFU if you would like to begin your post-graduation work after completing your program requirements.

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Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recently announced several changes that will impact the re-opening of the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) on May 4, 2013

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The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training in collaboration with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recently announced that the BC PNP’s International Post-Graduates Pilot Project has been extended until July 31, 2013. The short-term extension will allow the BC PNP to complete a review of the pilot project and assess outcomes. Applications under this pilot project may be submitted until this date.

For eligibility requirements, applications forms and more details, click here.

For information on permanent residency, please review our instructional handout.

This is a gentle reminder to check the expiry dates of your immigration documents- Study Permits, Work Permits, Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) etc…

Please review the Resources and Instructional Handouts or speak to an International Student Advisor if your immigration document is expiring soon.

Did/do you hold an off-campus work permit or received verification from your previous institution for an off-campus work permit? If yes, you MUST request a “transfer of eligibility verification” through MyCIC account.

Failure to complete the online transfer will result in you being reported ineligible by your former institution as you are no longer registered there.