Learn how faculty can participate in the VSR program. Discover benefits, responsibilities and steps to support a successful research visit.
Are you a graduate student interested in VSR? Discover resources.
The VSR program provides consistent status and reduces institutional risk while ensuring students have access to essential tools and supports.
Supervisors often assist prospective VSRs during the admission process. Students will need to upload the following as part of their application:
Sharing this list with your prospective VSR early helps ensure the student can prepare the necessary materials and avoid delays.
Student Safety - Insurance coverage through Workers Compensation Board of Alberta (WCB).
Key steps and considerations for supervisors when supporting prospective Visiting Scholars, including timelines, immigration requirements and planning guidance to ensure a smooth admission process.
Inviting a VSR: When confirming your interest in bringing a visiting research student to UCalgary, please use our official letter template. The student will be asked to upload this as part of their VSR admission application.
Supervisors should not send students any other letter of invitation or admission at this point, as there is a risk of rejection by IRCC if the student attempts to use it to apply for a visa.
Start the admission process at least 4 months before the intended start date to support both university and immigration processing.
VSRs should not book travel until admission and immigration authorization are received. Notify your graduate program staff of any changes to start or end dates.
Supervisors will receive a letter from FGS outlining next steps for immigration approval. Once those steps are complete, an authorized UCalgary immigration consultant will contact the VSR.
Visitors must not initiate a visa application before speaking with an authorized UCalgary immigration consultant.