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The University of British Columbia
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- The University of British Columbia
- UBC Human Resources
Full-time UBC faculty members (tenure/track) who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada are expected to apply for and obtain a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) in order to maintain their employment in Canada.
Foreign faculty members apply for permanent residency under the Skilled Worker category. Information on permanent residency and the application process can be found on the following Citizenship & Immigration Canada’s (CIC) webpages:
Individuals appointed to tenure or tenure-track positions may apply for a permanent resident visa through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). By applying through the PNP permanent residency will be obtained in a shorter period of time (typically under 1 year) than if an individual applies directly to CIC. Immediate family members are also included in the PNP application. In order to apply, a faculty member’s academic unit must nominate their faculty member – PNP will not accept applications from individuals. Helpful information regarding the PNP process is found on the CIC website.
Please note that in addition to CIC’s processing fees there is a PNP application fee of $550 that the individual is responsible for paying.
All nominations are coordinated through Faculty Relations(UBCV) or Human Resources (UBCO). For more information on this process please contact the appropriate Assistant Manager in Faculty Relations or UBCO HR at faculty.inquiries@ubc.ca. Faculty Relations or HR will forward the necessary documentation and checklists to the faculty member and will coordinate the application with the PNP office.
Individuals holding tenure or tenure-track positions who opt not to apply via the PNP, or individuals who hold term positions at UBC, are responsible for applying for permanent residency on their own. If a member has been employed in Canada for a period of 1 year or more they can apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
If a faculty member has concerns regarding the permanent resident application process, they may wish to consider retaining an immigration lawyer/consultant. Faculty Relations can provide a referral upon request. Please note that it is the responsibility of the individual for all costs associated with this consultation. If a member’s Department is going to assist them financially, they should approach the Department in advance.
Once permanent resident status has been granted the faculty member will need to provide a copy of the front and rear of the permanent resident card and new Social Insurance Card (SIN) to Faculty Relations (UBCV) or Human Resources (UBCO). If applicable, copies of the permanent resident card for dependents and/or a spouse should be forwarded to the Benefits Desk in Payroll to ensure the continuation of MSP coverage.
Permanent residents who have lived in Canada for more than three years may apply for citizenship. Information on citizenship can be found as follows:
