SAIT and BorderPass join forces to support students seeking international study

Calgary, AB (Monday, April 8, 2024) — A new partnership between the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and BorderPass will offer new international students access to a trusted online platform, streamlining the study permit application process.

From arriving in Canada to beyond graduation, BorderPass will complement services offered by SAIT's International Centre through a transparent and innovative platform — guided by leading Canadian immigration lawyers.

"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with BorderPass to offer direct applicants a secure and streamlined experience as they apply for study permits,” says Patrick Sullivan, Associate Vice President, International, SAIT. “This collaboration will extend immigration support through the entire international student life cycle, and enhance clarity and transparency for applicants as they navigate the study permit processes."

The platform will assist students on their entire journey — from letter of acceptance to post-graduation employment — by tracking study permit progress, assisting with visa applications and providing access to early planning tools for settlement. The additional protection against fraud ensures international students can feel safe and secure as they make arrangements for studying abroad.

In the initial roll-out, new international students will receive access to BorderPass services while actively enrolled at SAIT, including:

  • study permit application preparation, review and filing services through BorderPass with support from Canadian immigration lawyers
  • notifications of key dates, continuous monitoring and management of visas and immigration documentation in BorderPass’ Document Vault to help ensure compliance
  • access to professional legal immigration experts, including one-on-one consultations and email/chat support with prompt response times
  • guidance, tips and visibility on permanent residency pathways and relevant employment outcomes through the platform
  • essential services for newcomers including social insurance number registration, high-level tax advising and additional support through a network of trusted providers.

“Canada is in a unique position to enhance the international student experience by aligning educational pathways with current and future labour market demands through collaborative efforts among learning institutions, government, and employers,” says Sally Daub, BorderPass Co-Founder. “This alignment promises enriched opportunities for students, fosters innovation and diversity within our academic institutions, and contributes to the nation's economic and social fabric. BorderPass and SAIT are at the forefront, underscoring our collective commitment to an environment where international talent is nurtured to help all Canadians prosper.”  

Establishing collaborative partnerships which align with SAIT’s commitment to student success supports SAIT’s 2020-25 Strategic Plan and aligns with goals set by the International Centre. International enrolment brings talent, ideas and substantial economic, academic and social value to SAIT and our community.


About SAIT

Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education and research — serving nearly 40,000 students annually — SAIT offers certificate, diploma, post diploma, apprenticeship and applied degree programs, baccalaureate degrees, corporate training and more than 1,000 continuing education courses, along with four dedicated, award-winning areas of research and capacity for new and emerging research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge required to fulfill the demand for talent. SAIT is honoured to be recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024, and to be ranked fourth by Research Infosource Inc. in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for 2024. CEOWORLD Magazine ranked the SAIT School of Business #49 on the list of Best Business Schools in the World for 2024, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism placed #14 on their list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World for 2024.  

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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.