Go Global Office of Global Engagement

How to apply

IMPORTANT NOTE

If you are an eligible student, get started and submit your VIRS application as early as possible: at least 12 weeks before the planned start date of your research. It could take up to a month for us to review VIRS applications and for you to receive your acceptance letter. After receiving your letter, you will then need to apply for relevant immigration documents: Canadian visa and/or study permit. 

Before applying
  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.

How do I know if my start date is realistic? 

Check processing times for immigration documents based on your country of citizenship, then factor processing times into your start date. * For example, if you are applying in July for a September start and the listed processing time is 12 weeks, your research start date is not realistic. 

*Please note that there is currently a delay in processing times across the world and it is likely you need to give yourself even more time than what is posted. 

  1. Download and complete the required application documents. Collect all required signatures.

Ready to apply? 

Since it could take up to one month 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.

How to apply

  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. 

After you’ve submitted   

  1. Check your email again for your new UBC student number. 
  2. Pay your VIRS program fee ($415) online.  
    a. Select “VIRS Program Fee” (CAD415) > 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 one month of receiving your VIRS program fee.
Next: I have my letter of acceptance. Now What?
  1. 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.  
  2. Create your Campus Wide Login (CWL) account using your UBC student number. 
  3. 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.  
  4. Please note there have been changes made to the study permit application process. To see the most recent updates, please see this page. When the updated study permit application steps for VIRS become available, they will be available on the same page. In the meantime, check processing times for various immigration document applications on the Government of Canada website. 
    • Students engaged in research for six months or longer require a study permit. 
    • Students engaged in research for less than six months can complete their research under visitor status with a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, depending on citizenship. 
  5. Pay your iMED fees through the Student Service Centre. Log into your account using your CWL (see step 2 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.  

Application troubleshooting

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.

If you need to change the start or end dates of your research, complete this Delayed Arrival Online Form to ensure your acceptance letter is accurate and that you have appropriate insurance coverage. 

If you are not sure when your new research start and end dates will be, please select: "I am not sure when my new arrival date will be" in the form above. 

    Fees and Additional Information
    Resources for coming to UBC
    Questions

    For more information about the VIRS program, email the VIRS advisor at go.global@ubc.ca.