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Step 1. Check and update your study permit.
Extending or Changing Conditions on your Study Permit
You may need to extend your study permit if it will expire soon, and/or you may want to change your study permit conditions so that you can work during your studies. If you are outside of Canada, check out our Frequently Asked Questions to know more about Travelling to Canada.
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International Services for Students
International Services for Students provides a variety of support, programming and non-academic advising on topics such as Canadian immigration documents (e.g. study permits, visas) and medical insurance, exchange and study abroad.
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Academic Advising
Academic advisors can assist you with everything from specific questions about enrollment and course selection, to complex questions about your future. Review important deadlines and academic calendar.
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Medical Insurance at SFU
As a new international student at SFU, you will be automatically enrolled in guard.me@SFU for your first term of studies. Students staying in BC for 6 months or longer are required to enrol in the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) under the Medicare Protection Act.
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Opting Out
Check to see if you are eligible to cancel (opt out of) the guard.me@SFU Plan and SFSS Health and Dental Plan.
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Step 4. Find housing and decide where to live.
Housing Resources
Deciding where to live is one of the first things you'll need to do after you've been accepted to SFU, and you may find yourself re-making this decision a few times during your stay in Canada.
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Avoiding Scams
Educate yourself in identifying potential rental scams, which you may find while looking for off-campus housing. Learn more about common types of fraud and how to prevent them from the Vancouver Police Department website.
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Step 5. Sign up for orientation and transition programs.
Get SFU-Ready: International Student Orientation
Sign up for the International Student Orientation events where you can engage with the SFU community and discuss topics that are important for your transition to SFU.
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Global Student Centre Events
The Global Student Centre (GSC) is the campus hub for creating intercultural connections and sharing your international student experience. The GSC offers an array of social events throughout the semester, including welcome events for new students. Check out and sign up for these events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to know more about travelling, studying, and working in Canada, as well as your enrollment requirements.
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Trip Planning
Plan your trip by reviewing useful information and resources about travelling to Canada.
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Enrolment Requirements
Your enrolment at SFU affects your ability to work, study, and stay in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to actively pursue your studies while at SFU.
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Support Services for International Students
Access various support services available for international students, from transition support to academic writing and careeer advice.
These support services are accessible whenever you need it, at any point in your academic journey at SFU.
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Work Eligibility
Determine your eligibility to work on campus and off campus with your study permit by reviewing the requirements.
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Step 8. Find health and wellbeing support.
Access a Transition Case Manager
Whether you're looking for assistance with managing school stress, finding housing, understanding documents, or understanding Canadian services, our Transition Case Manager is available for one-to-one support.
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MY SSP (Student Support Program)
With My SSP, all SFU students have access to immediate or ongoing, confidential support - accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world by phone or through the downloadable app.