International Visiting Research Trainee (IVRT)

• Registered full-time students in a degree program at an institution outside of Canada.
• Visiting York for a limited time period, usually between one and twelve months.
• Spend this period of time performing research under the guidance of a York University hosting Faculty member.
• Not registered or registering in courses or enrolled in a program for credit at York University nor pursuing a joint or dual degree in which one of the partners is York University.

• If you are being invited by a faculty member from the York University Glendon campus, please kindly click here and follow the application process for visiting scholar at Glendon.
• If you are applying for Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarship program, please contact: Ashley Laracy, Associate Director, Global Learning, York International at alaracy@yorku.ca

1. International Visiting Research Trainee Form
2. Letter of Invitation to be completed by inviting faculty
3. Proof of Full Time Enrolment - letter issued by your home institution confirming your enrollment. This letter should be issued in either English or French, printed on official letterhead, and dated within the last six months.
4. Proof of English Proficiency – letter issued by your home institution confirming that your English ability is sufficient for your visit to York University. This letter should be issued in either English or French, printed on official letterhead, and dated within the last six months. An official language test (i.e. TOEFL or IELTS) result is also acceptable.

• Mandatory Health Insurance (Approx. $63 per month)

• Employer Compliance Fee (paid by the hosting faculty): $230
• Work Permit Application Fee (paid by the IVRT applicant): $155 + $85 for biometrics, if required.

1. Contact a Faculty member who is willing to host and supervise you during your visit as an IVRT to York University.
2. Obtain a signed IVRT invitation letter from the inviting Faculty member.
3. Submit a completed IVRT application to York International via email to ivrt@yorku.ca

• IVRT Application Form
• Proof of full time enrolment from home institution
• Proof of English proficiency from home institution,
• IVRT Invitation Letter from the inviting faculty (please use the template provided).

• Documents issued from home institution in other language should be translated in English.
• The IVRT application and invitation letter must be completed with ALL required signatures including that of the Associate Dean of Research, the hosting faculty member, etc. Please leave the Signature of the Vice Provost, Students blank at the time of the application.

While on-campus housing at York University may be available, it could be limited and in high demand. Please reach out to York U's housing services for assistance. International students (IVRTs) are advised to explore off-campus housing options if necessary. 

Finding suitable off-campus accommodation poses challenges for all students, with international students facing additional hurdles due to their unfamiliarity with the city. Typically, areas like "Downtown" and "Midtown" are favored by York students for their proximity to the Yonge-University subway line and abundance of student-friendly amenities. You can use an interactive map of Toronto's neighborhoods to familiarize yourself with each area's characteristics. 

For a selection of off-campus housing options catering to York University students, refer to York's Off-Campus Housing page. If you prefer a central urban setting, consider residences like Neill Wycik Co-operative, Tartu College, and Campus Co-op. 

It's crucial to understand your rights and obligations as a renter in Ontario. Typically, signing a 12-month lease is standard practice, which may not align with your international student schedule. The Ontario Government’s Landlord and Tenant Board website offers essential information on rental rights and obligations. 

While most landlords are reputable, there are risks of encountering fraudulent ones, particularly for international students. Familiarize yourself with common rental scams to avoid falling victim. 

York University cannot guarantee the suitability of off-campus housing and advises caution when leasing non-York accommodations. It's highly recommended to visit the neighborhood during both day and evening hours, meet the landlord, and inspect the property before committing to a lease. This diligence ensures informed decisions regarding factors like safety, accessibility, lighting, and maintenance. 

• IVRTs arriving in Canada without valid immigration documentation may NOT be allowed to enter the country.
• Work Permit requirement may vary depending on the IVRT's professional background and qualification. Please consult with your local Canadian Visa Office/Embassy/High Commission for details. If you are required a work permit, you should start the preparation of the work permit application at least 3 months prior to your visit to York University.
• Submitting a work permit application does not guarantee issuance of a work permit. The Canadian Visa office/Embassy/High Commission overseas is the only authority that makes decision on the application. 

• Obtain your official York admission letter (if it has not been emailed to you).
• Register for health insurance for yourself and your accompanying dependents (if applicable). To register for health insurance, you will need your invitation letter, admission letter, passport and work permit (if applicable).

• If you are exempted from applying for a work permit, please ensure that you obtain a valid Visitor Visa or eTA for your visit to Canada.
• If you have to apply for a work permit, please review the section below for information of work permit application.

• Steps for the inviting faculty - Offer of Employment & Employer's Compliance Fee to IRCC before you can apply for your work permit, your inviting faculty at York U (the employer) must submit an Offer of Employment and pay a compliance fee CAD$230 via the electronic portal via the IRCC website, and receive an employer ID number upon completion. You will have to include this number into your work permit application. For each faculty at York, there is a designated administrative support person for this task. Please click the IVRT Faculty Contacts for the designated contact person for each faculty. Your inviting faculty member can connect with the designated person directly for submission of the offer of employment and compliance fee.
• Steps for IVRT - Work Permit Application - Apply for a work permit at your local Canadian visa office/embassy or Visa Application Center (VAC).

• York International provides assistance and answers questions that you may have about coming to York University as an International Visiting Research Trainee.
• York International connects with hosting faculty members and faculty executives to facilitate the IVRT application.
• York International connects with hosting faculty members and faculty executives to provide assistance in IVRT’s work permit application.
• York International contacts IRCC for updated immigration requirements for IVRTs.
• York International administers enrolment in the University Health Insurance Plan.

YU Card Services necessitate the inclusion of the HOST in the atlas to validate their department affiliation. In cases where the HOST isn't listed, confirmation from a designated individual within the department is required to authorize YU card requests. The form mandates the entry of the department’s cost center. 

Once a member of the YU cards team verifies the request through the Mach Form, they manually establish a profile for the IVRT requiring a card. Subsequently, the IVRT will receive instructions to visit the YU CARD office. There, staff members verify identification, capture a photo, and issue the card accordingly.