We’re excited to have you join the University of Waterloo postdoc community!
We know that starting a new postdoc position can require a lot of thought and logistics, especially if you’re moving to the Waterloo region for your appointment. This checklist, along with our checklists for once you arrive in the Waterloo Region and once your contract begins, is meant to support a smooth transition to your University of Waterloo postdoc appointment.
Please note that some items on the checklists are applicable only to international postdocs, postdocs moving to Ontario from out of province, postdoctoral scholar employees (types A or B), or postdoctoral scholar associates. As such, it is recommended that you review our postdoctoral scholar guidelines first to confirm whether you have received an appointment as a postdoctoral scholar employee (type A or B) or a postdoctoral scholar associate.
Apply for your work permit (international postdocs)
If you are an international postdoc, you can begin your work permit application once you receive the proof of submission for the Offer of Employment/LMIA exemption (IMM5802 submission e-receipt). If this is a subsequent contract (sometimes referred to by staff or faculty as a “reappointment”), new documentation to support your work permit application will be required.
If you are coming to the University of Waterloo from another country, Legal and Immigration Services provides expert legal advice and consultation to members of the University of Waterloo community, including information for international postdocs. They can help with guidance on things like applying for work permit or securing a work permit extension.
If you have questions about visas or immigration, contact Legal and Immigration Services at lis-imm@uwaterloo.ca. Please note that information about immigration requirements cannot be provided until you have received an offer, as details of the appointment (duration, funding type, etc.) are required to advise appropriately.
Secure housing / accommodations
If you are moving to the Waterloo region for your postdoctoral appointment, one of your first tasks is likely to find housing!
In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, as well as rules for landlords and tenants, which apply to most private residential rental units in the province. The RTA requires tenants to provide a minimum of 60 days’ written notice before terminating the tenancy. As a result, rental opportunities are often listed 60-90 days before the occupancy date.
Explore our resource for finding housing and settling into the Waterloo Region for more information and support.
Connect with the postdoc community
We look forward to formally welcoming you to the postdoc community when your contract starts and hope to see you at the events we regularly host for postdocs. In the meantime, once you have formally received an offer, we invite you to join our University of Waterloo LinkedIn Community to begin connecting with other Waterloo postdocs.
Optional: Explore schools and childcare options
If you are relocating to the Waterloo Region with children or are thinking of starting a family during your time in Waterloo, explore our resources for families to learn about schools and childcare in the Region.
Childcare is in high demand in the Waterloo Region with most licensed childcare centres having waitlists – if you may be requiring childcare, it is recommended you put your name on waitlists as soon as possible.
Learn about coming to Canada (international postdocs)
If you’re an international postdoc, and especially if you’re coming to Canada for the first time, you may wish to review our information about Coming to Canada, which includes overviews of essential aspects of living in Canada, such as weather, finances, languages and food!
Book transportation to Waterloo Region
The Waterloo Region has its own airport, but most travellers to the region fly into the Toronto Pearson Airport (Pearson). Pearson is approximately one hour from Waterloo by car, depending on the traffic. However, there are several methods to book travel from the airport to Waterloo:
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Bus: GO Transit is the most popular bus between Pearson and Waterloo. GO Transit e-tickets can be purchased online up to 7 days before the travel date.
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Taxi: Several Taxi services, such as Waterloo Taxi or United Tax, offer a flat rate for trips to/from Pearson. Trips can be booked in advance directly with the taxi company.
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Train: The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) offers a direct train ride from Pearson to Union Station in Downtown Toronto. From Union Station, trains are available to Kitchener on VIA Rail or GO trains.
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Airways Transit: Airways Transit provides door-to-door shared rides or private vehicle transportation to/from Pearson (up to 8 passengers). Services are booked in advance.
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Car: Take ON-401 West towards London and then take exit 278 to merge onto ON-8 West toward Kitchener/Waterloo.
Explore your travel options and book in advance for the smoothest travel experience.
International travellers: Please note that wait times to get through customs and immigration (for international travel) can vary significantly. Ensure you have all appropriate documentation to enter Canada.
Calculate your "take home" pay
The salary provided to you in your appointment letter represents the gross annual salary, or the amount you receive before deductions. To support creating a budget, it’s important to understand what your net or “take home” pay will be after taxes and deductions.
You can learn more about salary and deductions on our accepting your offer page.