Orientation
This information should not be considered legal immigration advice. We have compiled a few important things to know for students looking to study in Canada.
Student Orientation Guide
International students are invited to an online orientation session ahead of the Fall term. Watch your inbox for your orientation date, and read the orientation guide before you arrive.
2025/26 Guide Getting Started
Language proficiency
All classes at InFocus Film School are taught in English. If English is not your primary language, you may be required to provide proof of English proficiency by completing a recognized English language proficiency exam. You may have other options if you haven’t completed an exam, so contact us for more details.
View our English Proficiency Policy
Study permits
International students need a study permit for programs longer than 6 months. Study permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and InFocus may be able to offer resources to help with your application. If visas can be difficult to obtain from your country, we highly recommend working with an accredited immigration consultant or lawyer before you apply.
More information on study permits
Visa requirements
Citizens of certain countries and territories need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada. Find out if you need a TRV. Again, we highly recommend working with an accredited immigration consultant or lawyer before applying for your visa.
If you’re travelling to Canada from a country where you don’t hold citizenship, you may need additional documents. Check with an immigration agent or consular official before you leave.
Arriving in Canada
Before you depart, make sure you have all the documents you need to enter Canada. This list may not be complete, so check with a consular official before you leave.
-
A valid passport
Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Canada. Check the expiry date and leave enough time to renew your travel documents if needed.
-
Your InFocus acceptance letter
You’ll need to present the original acceptance letter you received from InFocus Film School.
-
Proof of financial support
IRCC requires proof of at least $23,448 CAD to cover living expenses for your first year in Canada, in addition to your first year’s tuition and travel costs. See IRCC’s current amounts.
Examples of financial support:
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
- Your bank statements for the past 4 months
- A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
- Proof you paid tuition and housing fees
- A letter from the person giving you money, such as a parent’s or grandparent’s bank statement and letter of financial support
-
Your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
A TRV is a document placed in your passport that allows you to enter Canada. If you’re from a country that requires a visa, you’ll need a TRV in addition to your study permit. Find out if you need a TRV.
- TRV
- Lets you enter Canada
- Study permit
- Lets you study and stay in Canada
You need a valid TRV each time you enter Canada, so keep it up to date if you plan to travel during your studies.
-
Your Port of Entry (POE) letter
This letter shows you’ve been approved for a study permit, and allows border officers to issue it to you when you arrive. Learn more.
Medical Insurance
All international students should have their own medical insurance while studying in Canada. Make sure you’re privately covered for your first three months in British Columbia. After three months living in BC, you can qualify for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Students must have medical insurance while studying at InFocus, or you will not be eligible for services from us.
How insurance works
All international students must have medical insurance for the length of their studies at InFocus. We’ve partnered with guard.me, a Canadian insurance provider offering coverage to international students at affordable rates, estimated at $2.00 CAD per day. Guard.me covers you from the time you leave home (up to seven days before arrival) until a week after your program end date. InFocus does not accept insurance from companies outside of Canada.
Canadian students can stay on their home province’s medical plan. You must notify your provincial health provider that you’ll be away from home studying at a post-secondary school in BC.
Living in BC for 3 months or more
Enrol in MSP as soon as you arrive in Canada. Coverage usually starts three months after your arrival date, and students who have lived in BC for more than three months are eligible.
What to Expect
Attendance requirements
Regular attendance is expected. Many of our programs are built around collaboration, peer feedback and group projects, so your presence and participation make the learning experience better for everyone. Every course has a minimum attendance requirement to make sure students receive enough guidance and instruction to meet the program’s learning objectives.
There are also minimum attendance hours to be eligible for a certificate or diploma. You’ll find these on the Program Outline in your student enrolment contract, under “Completion Requirements”.
For on-campus programs, attendance is taken at the beginning of class and again after the break. Students not present for the attendance call are marked absent. Chronic absence or lateness may result in penalties; see the Attendance Policy for full details.
Keep track of your own attendance and any absences, and let the school know in advance whenever possible. In an emergency, notify the school as soon as you can.
Academic progression requirements
Students are expected to make reasonable academic progress, which means keeping up with in-class work, homework and projects. To stay on track, we encourage you to:
- Complete all class assignments
- Hand in homework and deliverables on schedule
- Participate in group projects
- Maintain regular attendance
- Ask your Instructor or Program Manager for help if you are struggling
Not all courses are offered every term, so failing a course can significantly delay your program completion. Support outside class time can be arranged for students who need extra help.
School policies
InFocus Film School has several policies in place to support the student experience:
- Student Statement of Rights
- Tuition Refund Policy
- English Proficiency Policy
- Accessibility Policy
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Attendance Policy
- Student Code of Conduct
- Discipline & Dismissal Policy
- Dispute Resolution Policy
- Harassment, Violence & Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Critical Incident & Crisis Policy
School amenities
InFocus Film School facilities are clean, modern and have everything you need to get started.
Learning Supports
At InFocus Film School, your success is our focus. Whether you’re crafting your first short film or refining your skills for the big screen, we make sure you have the guidance, tools and time you need to excel. To access learning supports, contact Student Services.
- 01
Access to instructors
Our instructors are experienced industry professionals who are passionate about teaching. Connect with them during class, after class or online to ask questions, get feedback and explore creative ideas.
- 02
One-on-one tutoring
Need extra help with a scene, script or edit? Tutoring gives you focused attention and personalized advice so you can build skills and confidence at your own pace.
- 03
Assisted lab sessions
During lab sessions, our teaching assistants help troubleshoot technical issues, guide you through complex tasks and offer practical tips drawn from real experience.
- 04
After-hours facility access
Creativity doesn’t keep office hours. Our computer labs and campus facilities stay open after hours so you can work on projects, practise techniques and make the most of professional equipment.
- 05
Gear library
Sign out cameras, lighting, audio equipment and other filmmaking tools to work on projects outside of class, and sharpen your skills with professional gear in your own time.
- 06
Accessibility accommodations
If you have a disability or learning difference, we can arrange accommodations so you can participate fully in classes and projects. Our team works with you to understand your needs and provide the right support.
Community Integration Supports
Start your journey in British Columbia, where world-class education meets vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty and inclusive communities. Whether you’re exploring new academic pathways or discovering life in Canada, BC is a place to grow, connect and thrive.
-
Daily life in BC
Practical information for everyday life, from housing and transportation to healthcare, banking and more, so you know what to expect and can settle in with ease.
WelcomeBC: Daily Life -
Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia
Learn about the rich cultures, histories and contributions of the First Peoples of this land. An essential resource for respectful living and learning.
WelcomeBC: Indigenous Peoples in BC -
Canadian culture and systems
Adjusting to a new country takes time. This resource explains workplace norms, government systems and social values in BC and Canada, so you feel more connected to your new home.
WelcomeBC: Culture and Systems -
Services for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees
MOSAIC offers a welcoming, affirming space with support programs, peer connections and legal guidance to help you feel safe, seen and supported as you build a new life in Canada.
MOSAIC BC -
Indigenous students coming to Vancouver
VAFCS supports Indigenous youth and students with cultural programming, community services and a sense of belonging in the heart of Vancouver.
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society
Pathways
Post-Graduation Work Permits
At the moment, InFocus graduates do not earn a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): our programs are not eligible for the PGWP Program. If a PGWP or another way to work in Canada after your studies is part of your plan, we recommend consulting a certified immigration consultant to explore your options.
Yorkville University Pathway A bachelor’s degree in as little as 15 months
Graduates of our Film Production Program are eligible for placement into a
pathway with Yorkville University to earn a Bachelor of Creative Arts in as
little as 15 months.
Learn more 