Plan your stay

Provide UFV with all your official documents

Before we can send you an official letter of acceptance, we need to receive all your documents, as outlined in your preliminary letter of acceptance. 

High School: Send official interim high school transcripts if you are still in school. If you have graduated, send official transcripts and proof of your graduation.

Post-secondary: It can take up to eight weeks after we receive your official documents to process transfer credits. Send your post-secondary transcript(s) early to allow us to apply your transfer credits in time to plan your course of study for your first semester. Have your post-secondary transcript(s) sent to UFV Admissions in a sealed university envelope. Transcripts must bear the official institution seal or authorizing signature.

Pay your fees

Pay your fee deposit in full by the deadline, as detailed in your preliminary letter of acceptance, to secure your seat in courses at UFV. Your fees include tuition, ancillary fees to cover the cost of providing student services and activities, and medical insurance, which is mandatory for all people in Canada, including international students

Find out how to pay »

Apply for permits and visas

When your fees are paid and we’ve received and evaluated your documents, you will receive an official letter of acceptance. Once you have this letter, you are ready to go to the nearest Canadian embassy or high commission to get your study permit and visa, if required.

Allow at least 4 to 12 weeks for processing. Check processing time for your country on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

Learn more about permits and visas to come study in Canada »

What happens if I cannot come?

If you’ve been refused a study permit by the Canadian embassy or are unable to attend UFV for medical reasons, you can transfer your fees and defer your studies to the next semester. Or if you prefer, you can receive a full refund, less your $150 application fee and $100 administration fee. You must notify UFV in writing with supporting documents before classes start.

If you choose not to attend for other reasons and want a refund, please review UFV’s refund rules.

Get medical insurance

As an International student, you need to have medical insurance for the whole time you are in Canada. UFV International’s staff will enroll you in a private medical insurance plan until you are eligible for BC's provincial health care plan. 

Learn more about medical insurance in BC, Canada »

Prepare for your trip to Canada

Before you leave your country, read the UFV International Quarantine Handbook. This handbook will help you prepare a self-isolation plan for your first 14 days in Canada. You need to submit this plan before you come to Canada.

The UFV International Student Handbook also provides helpful info about what to pack, immigration, housing, transportation, medical insurance and more.

Learn more about coming to Canada during COVID-19 »

Arrange for quarantine accommodations and long-term housing

You will need to self-isolate off-campus for 14 days after you arrive in Canada. You will find options for safe places to stay on the accommodations page.

If you plan to live in residence after your quarantine, reserve your spot now before space is no longer available. Follow application and payment procedures at UFV residence. 

If you prefer to live in an apartment, suite, or shared house, please see the off-campus housing page for more info.

Book your airport pick-up through UFV

You are not permitted to use public transportation during your 14-day quarantine.

UFV will arrange for a limousine service to pick you up at the airport and take you to your quarantine location.

You can see the full instructions on the transportation page.

Check in & attend orientation

This year, our UFV International staff is ready to welcome you online!

Make sure you check in online once you arrive in Canada. Also plan to attend your live, online International Student Orientation, which takes place the week before classes start.  At International Student Orientation, you will meet international Global Student Associates, make new friends, and learn more about resources and services on campus. Watch your email for more information on coming to Canada, arrival at UFV and orientation.