Instruction Guides
On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced several measures to further reform the International Student Program. The announcement includes a requirement of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for new graduate students in 2025 and a language proficiency requirement for post-graduation work permit starting November 1, 2024.
For more information, review IRCC’s Sep 18 New Release and Speaking Notes. We have also updated our News and Updates page and will continue to make updates when additional details are announced by IRCC.
Due to ongoing regulatory changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the information and handouts below may be updated frequently as information is released. Check this page often for up to date information.
Refer to the IRCC website, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program website, as well as SFU's international student news website outlining recent updates.
Please Note: The above information is only applicable to current international students at SFU. While we do our best to ensure that information provided is accurate and current, please be aware that these are not legal documents and all information provided is subject to change at any time. Please refer to the individual guides above to see when the information was last updated.
For updated policies and legal information, it is your sole responsibility to refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or other official direct sources, as applicable. If you have any questions or concerns, please check with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
Information for Families
Employment and Work Permits
- Working On and Off Campus
- Co-op/SFU-Approved Internship Work Permit
- Instruction Guide: Co-op Work Permit Applications
- Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Instruction Guide: Post-Graduation Work Permit Applications
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Information Session for SFU Students (March 11, 2022)
- Application Timeline: Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: New Requirements Diagram (November 2024)
- Letter of Explanation
- Self-employment, entrepreneurship, and starting a business as an international student in British Columbia
- Social Insurance Number
- Protecting Your Social Insurance Number
- Social Insurance Number - Information for Newcomers