Immigration
Studying in Canada
What is the minimum course load required for full-time status at SFU?
Each institution determines the minimum course load required for full-time enrolment status. At SFU, students are considered full-time for immigration purposes in a given term, if they are in the following scenarios:
Undergraduate Students (including post-baccalaureate programs)
- You are considered a full-time student for immigration purposes if you are enrolled in a minimum of 9 units in a given term.
- Note: A full course load for undergraduate students at 51猎奇入口is generally 15 units per term.
Graduate Students
You are considered full-time if you are:
- enrolled in鈥�per term fee鈥�program, or
- enrolled in鈥痑 thesis, project, capstone course or field exams, or
- enrolled in 6 or more units per term in鈥痑 per unit fee program.
Formal Exchange Program Students
Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a full-time鈥疐ormal Exchange Program (FEP) or Field School鈥�(outbound exchange and field school).
Co-op Students
Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a鈥�full-time co-operative education placement (Co-op), approved internship or 辫谤补肠迟颈肠耻尘鈥�as per program requirements.
Visiting International Research Students
Visiting International Graduate Research Students enrolled in Grad 800 ().
Students Approved for a Reduced Course Load
If you registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning and approved for a reduced course load (less than 9 units) you are considered a full-time student for the term(s) covered by your approval.
Note: Please download a confirmation of enrolment (COE) and unofficial transcript for the term(s) covered by your approval. If it does not indicate your enrolment status that is equivalent to a full-time courseload, please contact an International Student Advisor鈥痜or support.
The information on this page has been reviewed by International Student Advisors and was last updated on March 26, 2026.