Objectives
The Visiting Faculty Program at KPU aims to:
- Foster reciprocal academic exchange and innovation in teaching
- Build international partnerships and joint initiatives
- Contribute to global learning and faculty development at KPU
- Strengthen intercultural engagement and global competencies
Visiting Faculty should not be confused with Visiting Scholars, who primarily engage in research-focused visits. Information relevant to Visiting Scholars, including guidelines and application processes, is posted on the Office of Research Services website.
Bringing Visiting Faculty to KPU
KPU departments interested in hosting Visiting Faculty should coordinate with the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) to ensure alignment with institutional goals and proper procedures.
Host Responsibilities Include:
- Drafting a work plan outlining teaching, lectures, or academic collaboration
- Providing workspace and necessary KPU access (email, ID, library, etc.)
- Introducing the faculty member to colleagues and support staff
- Facilitating participation in classes, seminars, or faculty development
- Ensuring a summary report is submitted at the end of the visit
For assistance, contact our Global Partnerships Team at global.partnerships@kpu.ca
Application Requirements
Prospective Visiting Faculty must submit the following:
- Cover letter with purpose, proposed dates, and resource needs
- CV or resume
- Work plan detailing teaching/collaboration goals
- Letter of support from their home institution
- Proof of funding or financial capacity
- Passport copy
Applications should be submitted at least four months in advance. The KPU host must include a letter confirming their willingness to support the visit.
Review and Invitation Process
Applications are reviewed by the Dean’s Office with support from the Office of Global Engagement. Approved visitors will receive a formal invitation letter outlining:
- Full legal name (as per passport)
- Passport number and date of birth
- Visit dates
- Scope of work (teaching, lectures, collaboration)
- Source of funding
Invitation Letter Template can be found here.
Work Permit & Immigration Requirements
All Visiting Faculty are responsible for meeting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements for their visit to Canada. KPU does not provide immigration, visa, or legal advice and cannot submit applications on behalf of Visiting Faculty.
General Guidelines
A work permit is required if the Visiting Faculty:
- Will engage in teaching or classroom-related activities
- Will stay in Canada for more than 120 days
- Will interact with vulnerable populations
- Does not qualify for an IRCC exemption
Important: KPU does not support teaching roles for Visiting Faculty, and will not process work permits for short-term visits.
KPU Does Support:
- Guest lectures or workshops (if pre-approved by Dean & faculty)
- Academic collaboration and faculty development
- Classroom observation or shadowing
- Short-term, unpaid visits with clear academic goals
Work Permit Exemptions (IRCC Eligibility)
In some cases, Visiting Faculty may be eligible to visit without a work permit, if they fall under one of IRCC’s exemptions:
| Exemption Type | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Guest Speaker | Up to 5 days; single lecture or seminar only |
| Thesis Examiner / Program Evaluator | Evaluation work only; must be short-term |
| 15-Day or 30-Day High-Skilled Work | Once every 6 or 12 months, for academic professionals (NOC 4011); work must be high-skilled, short-term, and teaching is not recommended |
| 120-Day Researcher Exemption (rarely applies to Visiting Faculty) | Research only (no teaching); must apply from outside Canada; cannot extend; must wait 12 months before reapplying |
Note: Eligibility for these exemptions is determined solely by IRCC and subject to change. KPU recommends contacting the nearest Canadian consulate for confirmation.
Before You Arrive
Visiting Faculty should:
- Confirm visa or permit requirements with a Canadian consulate
- Obtain their invitation letter from KPU host
- Plan travel, accommodations, and insurance
- Coordinate their arrival with the KPU host department