Thank you for your interest in the IEP Bridging Program at York University. This page outlines the application process, eligibility criteria and required documentation for both the Foundation and the Certificate Programs.
Application Process
Before you begin the application process, it is important to understand the program structure and ensure you're eligible. Your immigration status, educational and professional background will be assessed to determine which program and/or stream you will be invited to apply to.
Step 1: Attend an Information Session
Before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) form we strongly encourage all prospective applicants to attend an Information Session. These sessions provide detailed information about the program structure, application steps and required documentation, and give you an opportunity to ask questions and clarify details for the application process.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
To be considered for the IEP 2026 Admission, you need to meet the eligibility requirement of at least one program: Foundation Program and/or Certificate program.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
You will be required to upload supporting documents when you submit the EOI form.
Please refer to the required document checklist for full details.
Step 4: Expression of Interest
Submit the EOI form. Based on the information provided in your EOI form, qualified candidates will be invited to apply for University admission. Only these invited applicants may then proceed to complete the formal university application and then both the applications and documentation provided will be assessed and candidates selected - when accepted you will receive a form offer from the University in the Summer.
You must upload all supporting documents required to allow the admission committee to assess your experience and eligibility.
Step 5: Apply to York University
If you are identified as eligible to apply, you will be invited to complete a University Application Form.
Eligible applicants will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via email. This invitation includes instructions for the next steps. Invited applicants will apply to York University as a Visiting Student using the Undergraduate Application Form.
Required Document Checklist
Please scan and upload both the front and back of the document (e.g. a copy of your Ontario driver’s license, Ontario Health Card, Bill, or Official letter showing proof of a current Ontario address, etc.).
Proof is required showing your immigration status eligibility.
Please scan the front and back of the document (e.g. photocopy of Permanent Resident Card, Landed Immigrant documents, Proof of Canadian Citizenship.)
In this section, you are asked to enter Legal Status Document Unique Identifier. This Identifier is different depending on what your document is, below are some examples of documents presented:
PR Card
On your PR Card this ID number is the 8-digit ID No. 0000-0000 or the 10-digit ID No. 00-0000-0000 in front of your card.
Notice of Decision
On A Notice of Decision document the legal status identifier is the ID/UCI beside your date of birth.
Record of Landing
On a Record of Landing, you will find the number in the remarks; section on the bottom right. Your Record of Landing number starts with a W; followed by nine numbers. (Example: W 000 000 000).
Confirmation of Permanent Resident
On a Confirmation of Permanent Residence document you will find the number in the top right corner of the document. Your Confirmation of PR number starts with a "T" followed by nine numbers. (Example: T100000000).
Temporary Resident/Minister’s Permit
On a Temporary resident/Minister’s Permit numbers always start with the letter M followed by 9 digits.
If you are a Palestinian fleeing the conflict in Palestine Gaza/West Bank, provide a Visitor record, open work permit, study permit or temporary resident permit referencing the code “MOME2023” in the remarks section. Please visit the Government of Canada website for more details.
Refugee Protection Claimant Document
If you are a refugee claimant with a work permit, you are not eligible for the IRCC funded Foundation program but may be eligible to apply for the Certificate Program, in your application provide a copy of your open work permit, which will need to be eligible for the length of the program.
If you are a Ukrainian with CUAET status, you are not eligible for the IRCC funded Foundation program but may be eligible to apply for the Certificate Program. In your application please provide Proof of Ukrainian CUAET temporary resident status either show:
A status document with text stating “CUAET - AVUCU” or “CUAET / AVUCU” directly on the work permit or temporary resident permit status document. *This will appear in either the “Conditions” or the “Remarks/Observations” section of the document.
OR
I) Proof you are a Ukrainian national OR the dependent* of a Ukrainian temporary resident, such as a:
- Ukrainian passport, or
- Document demonstrating you are the dependent to a Ukrainian temporary resident
*Dependent is defined as a spouse or common-law partner; their dependent child; the dependent child of their spouse/common-law partner; a dependent child of their dependent child. The dependent can be of any nationality.
AND II) a temporary resident status document*, such as:
- Work Permit
- Study Permit
- Visitor Record
If you have questions or do not have the required documentation, contact us for advice at IEP@yorku.ca or upload what you have available, we will contact you when reviewing the application if we require additional documentation.
Our program funder requires all candidates to submit a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Assessment issued in the last 24 months, you must have ideally achieved a CLB level 7+.
Note: Permanent Residents, Landed Immigrants, and Convention Refugees are eligible for a free CLB language assessment through the YMCA, Achēv, Welcome Centres and other settlement agencies that provide the service.
CLB score is required
CLBPT assessment which assesses all 4 skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking is required to finalize the assessment of your application. On the form, you will be asked to enter your score for each of these areas. If you do not have a CLB PT assessment you should book an appointment as soon as possible, please contact any of the service providers below:
- YMCA: Language Assessment and Referral Services ( language.test@ymcagta.org or 416-925-5462), or
- Achēv Language Services, or
- Visit the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks for a complete list of locations offering assessments.
Interim Language Score Proof - while awaiting your CLBPT Test Appointment
If you do not have a CLBPT test score and are unable to write your test before the application deadline, while you are waiting for your CLBPT appointment, we accept other interim proof of CLB English Language proficiency, including:
- Online Self-Assessments - CLB-OSA, select English skills online, which will assess your reading and listening skills only. There is no need to book an appointment. On the application form you are asked to enter scores for all 4 skills. You can leave 2 skills blank if you are uploading this assessment.
- A past CLBPT test score.
- A letter from your most recent English language instructor noting your CLB level.
- IELTS score with a copy of an Online Self-Assessments (CLB-OSA).
You can contact IEP@yorku.ca if you have questions regarding CLB Score and tests.
Upload copies of your Bachelor's degree certificate and Bachelor’s transcripts as one document. Providing these documents now helps us determine if you are eligible and ready to proceed with a university application.
You can also include in the document the following if they are available:
- Credential assessment, for example WES assessment.
- Regulated professional body assessment as one document
Note: Transcripts should include the list of all courses in your bachelor’s degree with a list of grades and noting your degree was complete, or a copy of your degree certificate.
Document Translation
All documents must be clear and in English. If your documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by an official translation. Translation services can be obtained through COSTI: Translation Services or a certified translator listed in the Directory | ATIO.
Include ALL jobs both in Canada and before immigration, even if they do not directly relate to your area of expertise. Please make sure your resume is as detailed as possible, and it highlights the following:
Professional Work Experience
- Job Title
- Dates Employed
- Company Name
- Company Location (City, Country)
Example: 2017-19 Communications Coordinator (Full Time-Contract, Bombay, India)
Educational Experience
- Degree/Certificate Obtained
- Area of Specialization
- Dates of Study
- Name of Educational Institution
- Location of Educational Institution (City, Country)
Example: Bachelor of Arts in Management, 1995-98, York University (Toronto, Canada)
Your personal statement should be between 250-400 words and be written in full sentence and paragraph format.
Guidelines:
- What are your career objectives in Canada and how does your experience match your objectives?
- Describe how you think the York University bridging program will help you settle in Canada and how will it help you to meet your career plan objectives.
- What has been your experience in searching for a professional position here in Canada? Have you faced any barriers and share specifically, which employers, professional associations and/or members of your profession in Canada have you spoken with and what has been their feedback on your next steps.
Questions?
For questions about the application process or documentation requirements please contact IEP@yorku.ca. Please note that due to high volume of emails, it might take us up to 3 business days to respond to your inquiry.