After You’re Accepted

Learn more about how to prepare for your Okanagan Global Summer Program stay once you’ve been accepted.

Visa and Travel Documentation

Besides your passport, you may also need to apply for additional travel documentation to enter Canada. Find out which document is required for you at the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Entry requirements to Canada may depend on your home country. Visit the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to learn more about requirements.

Depending on your situation, you will need one of the following:

  • A visitor visa (temporary resident visa)
  • An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Please note that a student visa is not required for this program because it is shorter than six months

Visitor Visa

The processing time for a Canadian visitor visa application may take longer than you expect. It is crucial that you apply as soon as possible, and then make your visitor visa application at once after you have received your Okanagan Global Summer Program Acceptance Letter. Find out the current visitor visa processing times here. It will depend on the country of where you are applying from, not the country of your citizenship.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

If you are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, you can apply for one here. While an eTA would usually be approved within a few minutes, you are still advised to make the application as soon as possible as you could be asked to submit additional documents for reviewing and this would significantly extend the processing time.

flights and arrival

Students are responsible for planning their travel arrangements to Kelowna, British Columbia. We advise booking your flights well in advance to minimize any potential issues. 

  • Please note that flights should be booked with Kelowna International Airport (YLW) as your destination. 

Please confirm your flight details with our program team so we can arrange transport from the airport to UBC Okanagan. 

Health Insurance

Health insurance is provided to all students participating in the Okanagan Global Summer Program. Find additional information about your coverage or learn how you can extend your coverage based on your particular travel needs.

Extending your stay

If you plan to arrive in Canada early or stay later than the Okanagan Global Summer Program course dates, you must purchase additional health insurance to ensure you have health care coverage for the time you’re not in the program.