Readiness checklist
IRCC Update on Study Permit Requirements
As of January 22, 2024, international undergraduate students outside of Canada applying for a new study permit will now also need a Provincial Attestation Letter from the Province of British Columbia. For more information on study permits, please see the International Student Guide here.
Before arriving at UBC
- Make sure you've completed the Admission and Acceptance procedures and have copies of your Letter of Admission and Provincial Attestation Letter (where applicable).
- Ensure you have the required immigration documents to enter into and study in Canada. We recommend preparing ahead of time so that you are ready to submit your applications as soon as you receive your admission because some may take months to process:
- Find out what documents you need to study in Canada
- Read the Travelling to Canada Guide for international students before making travel plans
- Enroll in and complete the iPrep Canvas course for "Exchange and non-degree seeking students", an online pre-arrival course specifically designed for new exchange and visiting students to learn tips about their immigration applications and health insurance
- Make sure you have your iMED health insurance card from David Cummings Insurance Services. You will receive your iMED card via email, approximately two weeks before your study term begins. Check your junk mail folder periodically to make sure you didn't miss it. Print out the card and keep it with you at all times. Learn more about how to use your iMED insurance.
- Register with the UBC Centre for Accessibility if applicable.
- Attend pre-arrival sessions and sign up for a campus tour. We will provide more information closer to your exchange term.
- Contact Go Global if you are arriving late for your study at UBC. Check the term and other key dates here.
After arriving at UBC
- Get your UBC Student Card and transit Compass Card at the UBC Bookstore. Link your Compass Card to U-pass BC.
- If you arrive late, submit an iMED Date Change Request directly through David Cummings Insurance Services.
- You are legally required to enroll in MSP if you plan to live in the British Columbia (BC) province for six months or longer. Apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC. Read how to apply for BC MSP.
- Attend Go Global’s orientation sessions and a campus tour. We will share more information closer to your exchange term.
- Pay your student fees before the UBC deadline. A student will be put on financial hold if there are outstanding fees.
- Check with your home university to ensure you meet program/scholarship/loan requirements at home. Finalize your courses before the course add/drop deadline.
- If living in a student residence, review your housing contract and pay your housing fees by the deadline.
- Sign up to receive the International Community Update newsletter.