At the University of Waterloo, we are proud to have a diverse community of postdocs, many of whom have spouses/partners and/or children - a survey of postdocs in March 2023 indicated that 62% of postdocs are married or living with a partner and 17% have children living with them.
Given the large number of postdocs with spouses/partners or children, we are happy to highlight the following information and services to support postdocs and their families.
To support partners and children in feeling a sense of belonging with the Waterloo community, GSPA also strives to ensure approximately one event per term is open to partners and/or children! Keep an eye on the Postdoc e-news for upcoming events.
The Family Health Clinic
The Family Health Clinic, located in Health Services, provides primary care to postdoctoral scholars and their families. Immediate family members who come to Waterloo to support an individual during their academic career at the University of Waterloo are also eligible to register.
The clinic addresses a growing need to support postdoctoral scholars and their families who move to Waterloo Region. Whether you are here for four months or four years, the Family Health Clinic is here to provide primary care to you and your family, including immunizations, documentation, prenatal and well-child checkups. Visit their website to register.
International Spouses of UW
The International Spouses of UW group brings together international spouses of Waterloo students, postdocs, professors and staff members. This is a chance to meet other spouses, learn about Waterloo and go on outings together. The group also plans many events for the whole family!
Local daycares and schools
If you're bringing your children to Canada, there are different school aged programs for your child depending on their age. In Canada, children usually begin kindergarten at the age of five. Certain schools offer a junior kindergarten and will accept children at age four. In Canada, children under the age of 12 may not be left alone. Legally an adult must be present at all times, or the child must be enrolled in school.
Elementary or primary schools offer schooling to children between kindergarten to grade eight. Middle schools (if applicable) accept children from grades five to eight. Secondary schools (commonly known as high schools) offer curriculum to youth in grades nine to twelve. Waterloo Region also has a range of childcare facilities (daycares) for children four years old and under.
Immigration information for families
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.
Other parenting and caregiving resources
The following is a list of other valuable parenting and caregiving resources you may want to access during your time at Waterloo.
- Mini fridge access for milk storage: If you are a lactating person in need of milk storage, you can reach out to equity@uwaterloo.ca to arrange to have a mini fridge put in your office on campus.
- Region of Waterloo parenting resource list: Includes information on prenatal programs, child development services, nutrition tools, and more.
- Region of Waterloo caregiving resource list: Includes information and contacts for Alzheimer’s societies, brain injury associations, long term care planning, and more.
- Waterloo affordable activities list: Provides information on free or low cost family activities including free skates, movies, festivals, and more.
- Kitchener affordable activities list: Provides information on free or low cost family activities similar to the above.
- KW Mom’s Club: Provides a community of local moms with social and educational programs.
- EarlyON: Centres free to all families in Ontario offering a variety of programs and services for children aged 0-6. Families can also connect with early childhood professionals.
- Parenting social media groups: These can be a great place to ask questions about other’s experiences and recommendations. Some examples include Mama’s for Mama’s-Kitchener/Waterloo and Waterloo University Parents Group.