University of British Columbia

Visiting your child at UBC means flying into Vancouver (YVR); the Point Grey campus is a Canada Line ride plus a frequent express bus (99 B-Line / R4). Plan the Canada visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from YVR to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a Canada visitor visa (a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) - they are not eligible for the eTA that visa-exempt travellers use. It is filed online through the IRCC Secure Account (form IMM 5257), with biometrics required. Most TRVs are issued as multiple-entry visas valid up to 10 years (or until the passport expires), each visit up to 6 months.

• Processing only starts AFTER biometrics are given - add 1-2 weeks and book the biometrics appointment early.
• *Official IRCC times are dynamic; third-party trackers often cite 6-10 weeks, so apply at least 3 months ahead - Fall admits should submit by mid-May.
• A complete, well-documented file (strong home ties, travel history, clear funds and purpose) is the single best way to avoid delays and refusals.
• Super Visa (5-year stays) is only for parents of Canadian citizens or PRs - students are neither, so the standard visitor visa is the route for now.

Just admitted to UBC? Here's your arrival checklist.

Arrival checklist

• Book your flight into Vancouver (YVR) early for the best August/September fares.
• Canada Line to downtown, then the 99 B-Line or R4 RapidBus out to UBC.
• Sort first-week housing before you land; Vancouver's market is tight.
• Carry your study permit letter, proof of funds and acceptance letter in your cabin bag.

Vancouver is, with Toronto, the priciest Canadian student city - about CAD 1,700-2,500 a month all-in sharing and cooking, driven by some of the highest rents in the country. The big upside: most BC post-secondary students get the U-Pass BC, giving near-unlimited TransLink bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus travel bundled into student fees.

Monthly cost of living in Vancouver (a student estimate)

That's roughly C$20,000-30,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

Vancouver rents are steep, so sharing is the norm; Surrey, Burnaby and along the SkyTrain are cheaper than the west side.

• Most BC post-secondary students get the U-Pass BC bundled into fees - huge transit savings.
• Surrey and Burnaby along the SkyTrain cut rent sharply versus the west side.
• Winters are mild but very wet - budget for rain gear, not snow gear.

Working part-time

On a study permit you can work off-campus up to 24 hours/week during academic terms (a permanent limit as of 2025) and full-time during scheduled breaks if you are full-time before and after. On-campus work has no set hourly cap. After graduating from an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - master's graduates can qualify for up to three years. Stay within the work limit: over-working can cost your status and PGWP eligibility.

Safety & student support

Vancouver and its UBC and SFU areas are generally safe by Canadian standards; use normal awareness at night.

• UBC and SFU runs campus safety services (walk-home programs, alerts) - save the campus safety number.
• The campus and main student areas are busy and well-populated.
• Use normal city awareness in the Downtown Eastside and on transit late at night.

Indian community & food

Metro Vancouver - especially Surrey - has one of the largest Punjabi and South Asian communities in Canada, so desi groceries and food are abundant.

Indian grocery stores

• Fruiticana - the big BC-grown South Asian chain - has many Metro Vancouver locations for produce, spices and staples.
• Surrey's Punjabi Market area (around 128 St / 96 Ave) is packed with desi grocers and sweet shops.
• Asian Food Centre and local markets across Surrey and Burnaby for a full shop.

Student community

• UBC and SFU have large Indian and South Asian student associations with major Diwali, Holi and Vaisakhi events.
• Surrey hosts one of the world's largest Vaisakhi parades; gurdwaras and temples are plentiful.

• Abundant Indian and Punjabi restaurants across Surrey, Vancouver and Burnaby.

Cost & living figures for Vancouver last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.