International Students

Tax season is coming! International students can file their taxes with the UTSU’s Tax Clinic, but certain documents and information is needed to help you. See what documents you need here.

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Coming Back to Campus

International students traveling from abroad to Canada for the semester need to follow COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and border policies outlined by the government at the time of the travel. You can 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 are still required to be vaccinated to live in residence

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 Sun Life 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 called Student Care. The plan fee is automatically charged to your fees statement 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.

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:

Information from Student Life at U of T:

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.

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

Allowable Work Hours Per Week: 

  • From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, 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 session), OR
  • Student have been approved for a study permit but haven’t arrived in Canada yet
  • Students must ensure that they submitted an application for this study permit (including extensions) on or before October 7, 2022.
  • Students must have an off-campus work authorization on your study permit.
  • Students must be either in Canada or coming to Canada by December 31, 2023.
  • 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 

Co-Op Work Permit

International students registered in a Co-op Program need a co-op work permit for a work placement either on or off campus. Eligibility criteria:

  • Full time student (except in your last year of study)
  • Letter from your faculty indicating that your employment is a part of your degree program

Health & Wellness Supports

Student Life

University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU)

Coming March 2023 the UTSU in partnership with Health & Wellness will be offering a Peer Support Service to assist students. Follow us on social media.

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.

Important Links