International postdoctoral fellows

International postdoctoral fellows working in Canada

• Non-Canadian residents must have a work permit to work in Canada legally.
• International postdocs must have a Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) work permit prior to coming to Waterloo to assume a postdoctoral fellowship.
• The work permit can only be issued at the Port of Entry as the postdoc is entering Canada.
• If the postdoc was at University of Waterloo as a student and intends to remain in Canada to pursue a postdoctoral position, he or she must apply for a Canadian work permit, even if the student authorization (study permit) is still valid.
• Postdocs who already hold a work permit and wish to extend their stay in Canada should complete an IRCC work permit application online.
• Additional information on how to change one's current status and amend application and contact information can be found on the IRCC website.
• Residents of the United States and St. Pierre & Miquelon, or holders of passports which only require an eTA to enter Canada, may apply for a work permit directly at a Port of Entry to Canada.

Visa/immigration procedures

1. Obtain a valid passport. 
2. Secure a formal appointment letter from a recognized Department/School/institute of the University of Waterloo and proof of submission for the Offer of Employment/LMIA exemption (IMM5802 submission) made to support the work permit application for the postdoc.
3. IRCC must be assured that financial support will be sufficient for any individual entering Canada. The University of Waterloo minimum annual salary of $30,000 allows a postdoc to prove adequate minimum support after arriving in Canada; the appointment letter will indicate whether there is any additional funding. 
4. Complete the IRCC work permit application online or submit it to the closest Visa Application Centre. 
5. Provide the non-refundable application processing fee. This fee is separate and different from the Offer of Employment/LMIA exemption fee paid for by the University fo support the work permit application for the postdoc.
6. Postdoctoral Fellows do not require a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada.
7. Help and guidance can be provided by University of Waterloo's Visa and Immigration Support Services (Legal and Immigration Services).

Work permits for spouses/partners

Spouses or partners accompanying postdocs to Canada are eligible to search for employment once they arrive in Canada. Information on the Spousal Employment Authorization initiative can be found on the IRCC website.

To apply for an open work permit, spouses or partners must provide IRCC with an application processing fee and the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Work permit of the postdoc spouse or partner
• Marriage certificate in English or French

Citizens and permanent residents of the United States or St. Pierre & Miquelon, or holders of passports which only require an eTA to enter Canada, may apply for a work permit directly at a Port of Entry to Canada. Such residents do not need to apply for a work permit at the consulate Visa Application Centre or online in their home country. Apply at the Port of Entry to Canada and provide  the Canadian Border Services Officer at the Port of Entry all documentation and payment as follows: application processing fee, citizenship card, passport, degree certification,  postdoc appointment letter, and proof of Offer of Employment/LMIA exemption submission (IMM5802 Submission e-receipt).  

Refer to the IRCC website for further information.

Minor children

When entering Canada with an adult holding a valid work permit, school-aged children do not need a permit to study in Canada. Indicate on the work permit application that dependent children will be entering Canada with the applicant. When entering the country, parents/ guardians must provide each child's birth certificate, citizenship card, health records, and passport. For more information, please refer to the IRCC website.