International Visiting Research Trainee (IVRT)

  You can apply to come to York University as an International Visiting Research Trainee, you must:
  • Be registered full-time students in a degree program at an institution outside of Canada.
  • Be 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 be 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.

EXPLORE

Our strength is in our diversity. Regardless of where you join us from, we have the resources and caring experts to help you succeed as a student.

2024 Timeline

IVRT applications usually take 4-6 weeks to process. It is recommended that you submit the IVRT application 2-3 months prior to your visit to York University to avoid delay.

Eligibility

International Visiting Research Trainees (IVRTs) are:
  • 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 do not fall into the International Visiting Research Trainee (IVRT) category, please click here to see which other visitor category you may fall into. Please note:
  • 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

Requirements

  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.
Submit all completed documents to the Immigration Specialist at York International via ivrt@yorku.ca

Fees

Fees to York University:
  • Mandatory Health Insurance (Approx. $63 per month)
Fees to IRCC:
  • Employer Compliance Fee (paid by the hosting faculty): $230
  • Work Permit Application Fee (paid by the IVRT applicant): $155 + $85 for biometrics, if required.

Funding

 

ENGAGE

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How to Apply

  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

A complete IVRT application includes:
Tips to Avoid Delay:
  • 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 information, including accurate start and end dates, and signatures from the Associate Dean of Research (ADR), obtained with the assistance of the host professor. The IVRT candidate must sign the letter first. Please leave the signature of the Vice Provost, Students blank at the time of application. If you encounter difficulties obtaining the ADR's signature, please reach out to IVRT@yorku.ca for assistance.

Housing

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. 

Immigration

  • 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. 
Upon Arrival in Canada You should connect with York International within 1 week of your arrival to:
  • 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).
 

EXPERIENCE

Our community of changemakers shares a deep commitment to inclusion, community engagement and social and economic justice.

Pre-Arrival Webinars

York International offers a great resource to get you prepared for life in Toronto. Check out our Pre-Arrival Webinars page for tips to get you settled.

UHIP

Upon arrival in Canada, register for health insurance (UHIP) for yourself and your accompanying dependents (if applicable). To register for UHIP, you will need your invitation letter, admission letter, passport and work permit (if applicable). For more information about UHIP, including drop-in hours please click here.

Orientation

Staying Engaged

Stay engaged with us! Make sure to tag us on Instagram @yorkugoglobal so we can share your posts and live vicariously through your academic adventure! Check out some guidelines on social media while you are abroad. If you would like to be interviewed for our new podcast, Boarding Pass, send us a direct message on Instagram.
 

FAQs

Our community of changemakers shares a deep commitment to inclusion, community engagement and social and economic justice.

Work Permit

If Your Visit at York University is Less than 120 Days: You may qualify for the Work Permit Exemption under the Canada’s Global Skills Strategy Policy. Please consult with your local Canadian Visa Office to find out whether you are eligible for the work permit exemption.
  • 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.
If Your Visit at York University is More than 120 Days: You are required to apply for a work permit whether you are paid or not.
  • 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).
Don’t forget to include the employer ID number in your work permit application.

Where do I submit my completed application documents?

Attach all required documents in the Online Application Form.  Contact Immigration Specialist at York International via ivrt@yorku.ca for any concerns.

I am not getting paid at York University. Why am I required to apply for a Work Permit?

According to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada regulations, foreign nationals who are performing activities in the definition of work must apply for a work permit. Please contact your local Canadian visa office or embassy to confirm the necessity for a Work Permit before applying. Please note that entering Canada without proper immigration documentation may result in immediate deportation.

Can I apply for a study permit instead of a work permit?

IVRTs will not be enrolled in any classes during their visit at York U, and therefore a Study Permit would not be applicable.

What type of support does York International provide the International Visiting Research Trainee?

  • 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.

Why do I have to enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)?

Due to liabilities, the University is required to ensure that all non-Canadian students and visitors enroll in an approved insurance plan. The University Health Insurance Plan provides better coverage than most temporary insurance plans.

Can I enroll in an insurance plan other than the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)?

UHIP is mandatory for all IVRTs. To be exempted from UHIP, Sun Life must approve an exemption. For information regarding whether you qualify for a UHIP exemption, please visit here.

How do I obtain a York University student card?

For the IVRT to receive a YU-card, faculty Host/ Supervisor must complete the  request form online for the. Host supervisors should include their department budget number on the form, as there is a $10 charge for the card. Once the YU-card office receives the form, they will input the information and create profiles. Interns and supervisors will be notified when they can visit the card printing facility for a photo and to receive their Guest YU-card. 

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. 

How do I get access to the library, gym, and other on-campus facilities while I am at York?

Once you receive your York ID number, you can obtain your YU Card at 200 William Small Centre. Your YU Card allows you access to various facilities on campus.

Who is my primary contact during my stay in Canada as an IVRT?

You primary contact during your stay at York University is the hosting faculty member who invited you to York University.

IVRT INFORMATION FOR FACULTY

I am interested in bringing in a graduate or PhD student from another country to perform research. What are my options?

If you apply through York International, you can assist the student to come to York University as an International Visiting Research Trainee

Why does the student have to apply through the York International IVRT application process?

York International is the central office at York University for international students, scholars, and visitors and is therefore required to keep track of all incoming international students, scholars, and visitors for possible reporting to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Why do the documents have to be signed by the Associate Dean Research?

The protocols regarding who should sign the related application documents were approved by the Provost Office as part of the creation of IVRT requirements.

Why do I have to use the Letter of Invitation template provided by York International?

Using the template invitation letter helps ensure that all the details about the roles and responsibilities of both the hosting faculty and the IVRT participant are delivered consistently. The protocols regarding the Letter of Invitation were approved by the Provost Office as part of the creation of IVRT requirements.

What is my next step after issuing the invitation letter to the IVRT?

The hosting faculty will need to submit an Offer of Employment and to pay a Compliance fee (CAD$230) to IRCC in order to support the work permit application of the IVRT. The hosting faculty member should contact the designated person in your faculty (as per the table below) who has the access to the IRCC portal for the submission of the Offer of Employment and the Compliance fee.
Faculty Contact
AMPD Loredana Infusini
Education Kate Singh
Environmental Studies Paul Elliott
Glendon Prisca Ng How Tseung
Graduate Studies Kim Mclntyre
Health Shabnam Nifkar
Lassonde School of Engineering Sosan Nasar
LA&PS Aya Javid
LA&PS Research Support Pat Ellis
Osgoode Hall Law School Erika Robinson
Schulich School of Business Matan Zelver
Science Joanne Sequeira
Libraries TBD