BorderPass for VIU applicants

BorderPass is an online immigration platform that guides international students through the Canadian study permit application process. Through BorderPass, students can access immigration lawyers, legal services and support with preparing, reviewing and submitting their study permit application.

Effective October 1, 2026, all new VIU international students who require an initial study permit must use BorderPass to prepare and submit their study permit application.

Study permit applications require careful preparation, and incomplete or incorrect information can result in delays or refusals.

BorderPass guides you through the application process and reviews your application before submission. VIU requires new international students to use BorderPass for their initial study permit application so that students have access to professional immigration support throughout the process.

Yes. Effective October 1, 2026, all new VIU international students who require an initial study permit must use BorderPass when applying for their study permit.

The requirement applies to the initial study permit application associated with your admission to VIU.

Using BorderPass for a study permit extension or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application is not mandatory, although these services are also available through BorderPass.

VIU sends your acceptance documentation required for your study permit application and your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if applicable, directly to BorderPass. These documents are not available for separate download.

You will need to create your BorderPass account and use BorderPass to access the required VIU documentation and proceed with your initial study permit application.

Yes. The BorderPass requirement still applies if you already have your own immigration lawyer or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)

Your authorized immigration representative can continue to assist you with your application while using the BorderPass process.

Visit the VIU BorderPass portal and provide the required information to create your account: VIU BorderPass portal

Once your account has been created, BorderPass will guide you through the next steps for preparing your study permit application.

VIU provides eligible students with a BorderPass subscription at no additional cost for the first year of their program at VIU.

Your subscription includes premium BorderPass services, support with your study permit application and access to Canadian immigration lawyers.

You are still responsible for fees charged by the Government of Canada, including study permit application and biometrics fees, if applicable.

There are no additional fees charged by VIU for the BorderPass services included with your VIU BorderPass subscription.

You are responsible for applicable fees charged by the Government of Canada, including study permit processing and biometrics fees.

If you request immigration services outside those included with your VIU BorderPass subscription, please confirm any applicable fees directly with BorderPass before proceeding.

BorderPass will guide you through the application process and let you know which documents and information are required.

Required immigration documents issued by VIU, including your acceptance documentation and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if applicable, will be sent directly to your BorderPass account.

You will also need to provide other personal and supporting documents required for your study permit application. BorderPass will guide you through these requirements.

VIU sends the acceptance documentation required for your study permit application and your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if applicable, directly to BorderPass.

These documents are provided through the BorderPass process rather than being available for separate download for the purpose of your initial study permit application.

VIU communicates with students through their MyVIU email address, so we recommend using your MyVIU email address when creating your BorderPass account.

If you have already created a BorderPass account using your personal email address, you do not need to create a new account. BorderPass allows you to add a second email address from your Personal Information page. Please add your MyVIU email address to your existing account so that both your personal and MyVIU email addresses are registered.

No. Using BorderPass does not guarantee that your study permit application will be approved.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes the final decision on all study permit applications.

BorderPass provides professional immigration guidance and application support to help you prepare and submit a complete application.

No you cannot apply for your initial study permit without using BorderPass. Effective October 1, 2026, VIU requires all new international students who require an initial study permit to use BorderPass for their study permit application.

VIU sends the required acceptance documentation and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if applicable, directly to BorderPass as part of this process.

Yes. BorderPass can also assist you with a study permit extension.

Using BorderPass for a study permit extension is not mandatory; however, VIU strongly recommends using the service so that you have access to immigration guidance and application support.

The BorderPass subscription fee for this service is not covered by VIU and must be paid by the student.

Yes. BorderPass can assist eligible students with their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application.

Using BorderPass for a PGWP application is not mandatory. However, because a PGWP is generally a one-time opportunity and there are important eligibility requirements and application deadlines, VIU strongly recommends using BorderPass for immigration guidance and application support.

The BorderPass subscription fee for this service is not covered by VIU and must be paid by the student.

If you have questions about using the BorderPass platform or your immigration application, please contact BorderPass through your BorderPass account.

For questions related to your VIU admission, acceptance documentation or other university matters, please contact your admissions officer at Vancouver Island University.

Yes. BorderPass can assist your spouse and dependent family members with their permit applications.

While you can apply for your study permit through BorderPass, your family members can submit their own permit applications directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If your family members choose to use BorderPass for assistance with their applications, additional BorderPass service fees and applicable IRCC fees will apply. The exact fees depend on the type of application and will be provided before submission.