Dear Student, Family, Agents and Institution Partners,

Greetings from Thompson Rivers University. We wish you and yours are in great health. This is our 2^nd update for Fall 2020 semester new international students amid COVID-19. We would like to provide a few updates to prepare you for the Fall 2020 admissions.

TRU now accepts Duolingo

TRU has approved Duolingo as an acceptable English proficiency test for admission and ESL placement purposes at TRU. Applications submitted with Duolingo, before December 31^st, 2020, will be accepted. Duolingo is not yet acceptable for MBA, MEEM, Master of Nursing program admissions at this time.

The Duolingo test is available to everyone, 24/7 365 days a year and no appointment is needed to take the test. Students are able to write the test at home safely in an hour or less and have the results in 2 days or less.

Fall 2020 Admissions

Application Deadline Extended to June 1st

Fall 2020 admission deadline for international students has been extended to June 1^st for most programs. Later applications may be considered if seats are available and study permit processing time allows. TRU may defer applications due to insufficient time for students to arrive.

Proof of English Proficiency
TRU is now accepting Duolingo as an English language test, as an alternative for IELTS and TOEFL, for most programs. TRU may also process and issue conditional offer letters to applicants for open admission programs while students are preparing for English tests. We strongly encourage students to submit all test scores (if available) before August 1st. If students cannot submit test scores prior to arrival, they will have the option to write the TRU English Placement Test. Based on the results, students may need to take additional ESL courses.

Final Grades and Official Transcripts
TRU would prefer to have complete documentation, prior to issuing a Final Letter of Acceptance. However, due to COVID19, TRU will process applications for all open programs with interim program completion certificates, transcripts or degree certificates, or final semester mark sheets. In these cases, students must ensure that they will meet or exceed the minimum requirements for the program applied to, and provide documents at least one week before the start of orientation week. Students who fail to provide these documents as proof that they meet the minimum requirements will not be allowed to attend classes, and their admission may be deferred to the next available intake, or they may be provided with alternative program options.

Payments
The payment deadline for tuition is being extended to June 15^th in most cases, however, we suggest that students pay as soon as possible so their final letter of acceptance can be issued and they can begin their study permit application process.

Fall 2020 Courses Delivery

TRU is planning a fall intake, and applications are currently open for most programs. TRU is working closely with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, as we prepare our plan for the Fall semester. We will also be following the Provincial Health Authority’s guidelines on whether the University should be open for face-to-face classes. As the COVID-19 pandemic is still evolving globally, TRU has not yet confirmed the Fall course delivery model, but we are working towards a model that will support both student’s academic experience and safety. We will keep you notified as and when there is any update on this. Meanwhile, please check tru.ca/covid19 for all COVID-19 related updates.

Immigration Updates

Travel Restrictions Still Apply
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are currently issuing study permits, however, travel restrictions remain in place. If students have received a study permit, please do not make travel plans yet.

Study Permit Applications
IRCC is still accepting and processing electronic study permit applications. Students are encouraged to submit their applications digitally. Students should apply early to avoid delays. Visa processing times may be longer than expected.

Biometrics Deadlines Extended
The deadline for submitting biometrics has been extended from 30 to 90 days.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Students who were studying in Canada and whose classes were moved online for the Spring and Summer semesters due to the emergency won’t be penalized with regard to their PGWP eligibility, including the length of work permit they will be eligible for, provided they have spent at least 50% of their time studying in Canada. There has been no announcement regarding the Fall semester at this time.

If students have questions about the study or post-grad work permits, please visit the IRCC website.

COVID-19 Updates

While BC is experiencing a slowing in the rate of new COVID-19 diagnoses, BC’s health officials have emphasized that the slowdown is due to the collective action of BC citizens and that we must continue to stay the course to protect ourselves and each other. Given the continuously evolving situation, TRU’s faculty and staff will continue to work from home. Classes and campus services (ie. Advising, library, etc.) will continue to be provided virtually.

TRU Q&A Town Hall - May 7, 9:00 am PST

We would also like to invite you to our open Q&A town hall on May 7 at 9:00 am Pacific Standard Time. At this townhall discussion session, we will be happy to answer all your questions.

REGISTER NOW

Take care and stay safe!

Thank you,

International Marketing & Recruitment
Thompson Rivers University