Visit the International Experience Centre (IEC)
Find us on the first floor of Needles Hall, across from The Centre, open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Popular services
Our immigration consultants can help you through the process of applying and renewing documents — for free!
A peer-support program to help international students feel at home in Waterloo.
To change the world, you have to know the world. Shake up your surroundings and internationalize your degree.
Intercultural competence is for life, as we expand our worldview and intentionally focus on applying skills in all spheres of our lives, at home and abroad.
News and events
Events
Breakfast Seminars
Kickstart your day with a hot breakfast as you learn about navigating life and studies in Canada as an international student.
Food for Thought
A community gathering supported by a chef, students will develop food literacy through cooking tasty, nutritious, culturally specific meals on a budget. Come join us to learn about meal prepping, importance of nutrition while studying, grocery shopping tips, and safe food storage techniques.
Immigration Information Sessions: Post-Graduation Work Permit
Are you an international student who will be completing your program soon? Are you hoping to remain in Canada and work full-time? Join Waterloo's immigration consultants to learn what options are available to you.
News
Public Policy Allowing Some Work Permit Holders to Study without a Study Permit
As of September 4, 2026, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy which allows certain work permit holders to study without a study permit for 6 months or less.
Extending an open work permit Issued under the CUAET measures
The special measures for temporary residence that were in effect until March 31, 2026, have now been extended. IRCC issued an announcement on April 1, 2026, that Ukrainian nationals or eligible family members of a Ukrainian that arrived in Canada on or before December 31, 2024, may be eligible to extend their open work permits.
Important immigration update for co-op students
As of April 1, 2026, a separate co-op work permit is no longer necessary. IRCC has announced that moving forward, co-op students may instead use the work authorizations included on their valid study permit to perform co-op work placements. IRCC will no longer be issuing co-op work permits. Instead, you can use your valid study permit, as long as it has a condition or remark which indicates you may perform on-campus work.