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.
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.
Primary health care
Postdoctoral scholars, their dependents, and sponsored family members without a physician in Ontario can use primary care services from Campus Wellness. These services include caring for an illness or injury, ongoing condition management, prescriptions and renewals, testing and lab work, vaccinations and immunizations, referrals to specialists when needed, sexual and reproductive health services, and more.
View Campus Wellness locations, hours, and contact information.
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 have children or are expecting a child, it’s important to understand the childcare and schooling options available. 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. In Ontario, children can begin attending kindergarten in the year they turn four and continue attending school until the year they turn 18 and graduate from grade 12. For children four years of age and under, there are several different daycare options available.
Immigration information for families
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:
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Valid passport
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Work permit of the postdoc spouse or partner
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Marriage certificate in English or French
Citizens and permanent residents of the United States or St. Pierre & Miquelon, or holders of passports that 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.
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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.
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Region of Waterloo parenting resource list: Includes information on prenatal programs, child development services, nutrition tools, and more.
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Region of Waterloo caregiving resource list: Includes information and contacts for Alzheimer’s societies, brain injury associations, long term care planning, and more.
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Waterloo affordable activities list: Provides information on free or low cost family activities including free skates, movies, festivals, and more.
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Kitchener affordable activities list: Provides information on free or low cost family activities similar to the above.
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KW Mom’s Club: Provides a community of local moms with social and educational programs.
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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.
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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.