SFU International Services for Students

The Spring 2012 CIC presentation is now available on the International Services for Students website. 

The Fall 2011 CIC presentation is now available on the International Services for Students website. 

Note that information provided in the presentation is subject to change; always check www.cic.gc.ca for the most up-to-date information 

For details on the various categories offered through the BC Provincial Nominee Program, please visit: http://www.welcomebc.ca/wbc/immigration/come/work/about/index.page
You may also get information from the BC PNP office over the telephone at 604-775-2227, via email to pnpinfo@gov.bc.ca or in-person (Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.)    

Please provide us with feedback via a survey on the session (even if you did not attend) as we continuously strive to improve our sessions to meet student’s needs.

International Student Advisors are also available throughout your time at the University to provide you with the most updated information and assist you with planning for post-graduation options. For general information on the different categories of Permanent Residency and eligibility requirements, please meet with an International Student Advisor during drop-in advising hours (Monday – Friday, 1 – 4pm, MBC 1200).

Citizenship and Immigration Canada made an announcement today of its immediate plans to cut the backlog and wait time for family members, specifically parents and grandparents, who would be seeking sponsorship under the Family Sponsorship category of Permanent Residence.

“Wait times for Family Class sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents now exceed seven years, and without taking action, those times will continue to grow, and that is unacceptable,” said Minister [Jason] Kenney [Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister]. “Action must be taken to cut the backlog, reduce the wait times, and ensure that the parents and grandparents program is sustainable over the long run.”

These steps are outlined in today’s news release, found at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2011/2011-11-04.asp

On November 2nd, Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced that Canada intends to accept up to 1000 international PhD students per year as Permanent Residents through the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Starting November 5, 2011, many international PhD students will be eligible to submit applications for processing as federal skilled workers. To be eligible, they must have completed at least two years of study toward the attainment of a PhD and remain in good academic standing at a provincially recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada.

Those who have recently graduated from a Canadian PhD program will also be eligible to apply, provided they do so within 12 months of their graduation.

For further information on eligibility criteria, please refer to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp

Paul Davidson, President of the Association of University and Colleges of Canada welcomed the announcement, stating that “This initiative will provide Canadian universities with one more competitive edge in attracting and retaining top international talent to pursue their doctoral studies in Canada.”

For more information

The Spring 2011 CIC presentation is now available on the SFU International website at: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Note that information provided in the presentation is subject to change; always check http://www.cic.gc.ca/ for the most up-to-date information 

For details on the various categories offered through the BC Provincial Nominee Program, please visit the BC PNP website.

You may also get information from the BC PNP office over the telephone at 604-775-2227, via email to pnpinfo@gov.bc.ca or in-person (Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.)    

International Student Advisors are also available throughout your time at the University to provide you with the most updated information and assist you with planning for post-graduation options. For general information on the different categories of Permanent Residency and eligibility requirements, please meet with an International Student Advisor during drop-in advising hours (Monday – Friday, 1 – 4pm, MBC 1200).