International Students
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Toronto and welcome to the UTSU! We are your student body and helping hand, offering our programs and services that support over 22,000 international undergraduate students from 164 countries currently studying at U of T. We can assist you in finding resources on campus and offer a number of opportunities for you to participate and get involved.
We look forward to seeing you either virtually or in person in the coming months. If you have any questions, you can connect with one of our Community Resource Specialists who would be pleased to assist you.
Coming Back to Campus
International students traveling from abroad to Canada must visit the Office of the Vice Provost, Students website for more information on how to return to campus.
Vaccination Requirements
The University has paused the requirement to be fully vaccinated to be on campus but strongly encourages students to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. Please note this requirement may be reinstated on short notice should public health conditions or guidance change.
Students may still be required to be vaccinated to live in on-campus residence. Please check with your residence to confirm vaccination requirements.
Health Insurance
University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
International students are automatically enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) (mandatory) that covers the cost of eligible health services each year. Degree-earning international students are enrolled for the 12 month period of the current academic year, September 1 to August 31. Exchange students or visiting international students are enrolled in UHIP only for the duration of the period for which they are attending U of T.
Students can get a UHIP card online and must show their printed UHIP card when visiting any health care services.
UHIP fees are found on your invoice statement on ACORN. Prior to proceeding with certain treatments, students can determine their coverage with both UHIP and Cowan Insurance.
Students must also confirm with the clinic or health care service provider if they approve UHIP coverage prior to their appointment.
Note: International students who are studying remotely outside of Ontario or Canada should visit UHIP – U of T Student Life to learn more.
UTSU Health and Dental Plan
Full-time international undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the UTSU’s Health and Dental plan, administered by Studentcare. The plan fee is automatically charged to your fees statement (invoice) found on ACORN. This plan provides partial coverage for additional health services which are not covered by UHIP such as prescription medication, physiotherapy, dental care, vision care and psychotherapy.
Note: Inbound exchange students are not covered by a supplemental health insurance plan such as the UTSU plan. Please check with your institution to confirm if you will have travel coverage while on exchange in Canada.
Immigration Guidelines
International students reside in Canada as temporary residents and are responsible for maintaining their immigration status and complying with immigration regulations throughout their stay. In preparation for coming to Canada, especially during COVID-19, all students should visit the Government of Canada International Student website to get the most updated information.
Pre-Arrival Documents
To enter Canada, all international students need a valid Passport, Study Permit, travel document (either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)), proof of confirmation of enrolment at UofT, and proof of sufficient funding for studies in Canada. Students should apply for the above required documents when they receive their UofT acceptance letter.
To learn about the requirements to apply for a Study Permit see link below. Upon arrival in Canada, students must show the Study Permit Approval Letter to the Canadian immigration officer at the port of entry. This letter is obtained from the Canadian Visa Application Centre in the country that students are applying from. The Canadian immigration officer at the port of entry will provide the student with a Study Permit hard copy which must be kept by the student for future reference and travels.
Government of Canada Links:
- Study Permit – information on how to apply for a Canadian Study Permit
- Canadian Immigration Requirements – information about which travel document (TRV or eTA) you need to travel to Canada
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – information about eTA, application process, cost
- Visa Application Portal – information about how to apply for the TRV
- Canadian Visa Application Centre – information about the nearest centre in various countries
Information from Student Life at U of T:
Documents needed for Study Permits
You need these documents to apply for a study permit:
-proof of acceptance
-an attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study NEW: January 22, 2024
-proof of identity
-proof of financial support
You may also need:
-a letter of explanation
-a medical exam
-a custodian declaration (minors only), or
-other documents
For more information on this topic, visit IRCC’s website.
Student Permit Inquiries
Students should visit the IRCC website for details on how to extend their study permits. The expiration of the study permit is located in the right corner of the permit.
International Students Studying Remotely
Due to COVID-19, students can start their program outside of Canada. Students are still required to apply for the study permit, temporary resident visa (TRV), or electronic travel authorization (eTA) when the Canadian Visa Application Centre in their country of residence reopens. In the case there are issues with receiving a study permit, students studying remotely should continue with their online classes while working with immigration.
If you have any questions, please contact your Registrar’s Office or the CIE Immigration Advisor for assistance.
International Students Leaving Canada
International students are advised to review their study permit and other immigration documents before they leave Canada. To re-enter Canada, international students need all the entry documents and must follow quarantine procedures required by the government of Canada.
International students should speak with the CIE’s international student immigration advisors about their specific circumstances.
Maintaining Student Status in Canada
Students should contact their Registrar’s Office to connect with the Academic Advisor or the CIE Immigration Advisor if they have questions about how to maintain their student status.
Working While Studying in Canada
International students with a valid study permit may be eligible to work in Canada with some conditions.
To work in Canada, international students need a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) prior to starting their employment. Apply online or by mail.
Working On Campus
Eligibility Criteria:
- Full time student
- Valid study permit
- Valid SIN
Allowable Work Hours Per Week: No restrictions
Employer:
- University: library, bookstore, department, registrar’s office, athletic centre, residence
- Private business: Restaurants providing services to university students within campus boundaries
Working During Regularly Scheduled Breaks
Regardless of the number of courses taken by a student during a scheduled break, international students can work off campus full-time if they meet certain conditions. Learn more about the eligibility here.
Co-Op Work Permit
International students registered in a Co-op Program may be required to apply for a co-op work permit for a work placement either on or off campus.
Eligibility criteria:
- Valid study permit
- Required to work in order to complete your study program in Canada
- The co-op placement or internship totals 50% or less of the study program
- Letter from your faculty indicating that your employment is a part of your degree program
Note: Depending on the date the IRCC received your study permit application, you may not need to apply for a co-op work permit. See this page for more information.
Working Off Campus
Eligibility Criteria:
- Full time student (exception: students can be studying part-time in the last term of the final year of study)
- Valid study permit indicating eligibility to work off campus
- Valid SIN
- Must have started studies at U of T
- Program of study is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
See this page for more information.
Allowable Work Hours Per Week:
If the IRCC has received your study permit application (or extension) on or before October 7, 2022:
- From November 15, 2022, until April 30, 2024, students can work more than 20 hours per week off campus while class is in session if:
- Student is a study permit holder and studying at a DLI full-time (or part-time during their final academic semester), OR
- The study permit has expired, but the student has maintained their status and is studying at a DLI full time (or part time if it’s their final academic semester), OR
- Student has been approved for a study permit but hasn’t arrived in Canada yet.
- Students must have an off-campus work authorization on the study permit.
- Students must be either in Canada or re-entered Canada by April 30, 2024.
If the IRCC has received your study permit application (or extension) between October 8, 2022 and December 7, 2023:
- From January 1, 2024, until April 30, 2024, students can work more than 20 hours per week off campus while class is in session if:
- Student is a study permit holder and studying at a DLI full-time (or part-time during their final academic semester), OR
- The study permit has expired, but the student has maintained their status and is studying at a DLI full time (or part time if it’s their final academic semester), OR
- Student has been approved for a study permit but hasn’t arrived in Canada yet.
- Students must have an off-campus work authorization on the study permit.
- Students must be either in Canada or re-entered Canada by April 30, 2024.
See this page for more information.
Other notes:
- Students can work full time hours during scheduled U of T breaks (e.g. winter/summer holidays, spring break)
- Students can work on campus in addition to working a maximum of 20 hours per week off campus
Employer:
- Private business outside campus boundaries
Health & Wellness Supports
University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU)
The UTSU, in partnership with Health & Wellness, offers a Peer Support Service to assist students. Visit this page for more information.
Centre for International Experience (CIE)
Admissions, Fee Deadlines, Transfer Credits
Students should contact their Registrar’s Office with any questions about admissions requirements, fee deadlines, and transfer credits to U of T from other institutions.