Bringing the World to U of T

Planning is required when reaching out to host international colleagues, researchers, expert knowledge holders, students, or visitors to your department, lab, or office. The first reference point should be: www.immigration.utoronto.ca. This website has been created to provide the University of Toronto community with information needed to issue the appropriate invitation to international collaborators, academics, and students. Remember that all international visitors to the University, even those who will not receive pay, must receive the right invitation.

Why is it important to use the right invitation?

If the wrong invitation is used, foreign nationals may:

  • Have their application refused;
  • Be issued the incorrect type of work or study permit;
  • Have their travel documents confiscated; or
  • Be detained or turned back at the border

The University could face heavy penalties for violations, which include:

  • A max $1,000,000 fine per year per infraction;
  • Previously issued work permits being revoked; and
  • A lifetime ban on hiring foreign workers in any capacity (including tenure and teaching stream positions)

University of Toronto Immigration Contacts

The University of Toronto has a team in place to answer your immigration-related questions and assist faculty and staff in navigating therapidly changing immigration protocols and regulations. If you would like to invite, or have been asked to host, a foreign national, please reach out to the appropriate contact below.