3.2 New to Canada-2
International Postdoctoral Fellows
UBC is proud of its diverse and international body of PDFs. For PDFs arriving from outside of Canada, your employment within Canada may be contingent upon certain requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that these requirements are met prior to starting your postdoctoral appointment and are maintained throughout your time as a PDF at UBC.
Immigration Process
Foreign PDFs are required to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Links to an external site. for entry into Canada. IRCC will normally issue a work permit to PDFs who are employed by and performing work at UBC.
The Immigration Process for Foreign PDFs on the Faculty Relations website outlines the steps involved in obtaining a temporary work permit and Social Insurance Number (SIN). It also provides information on what is expected after the foreign PDF arrives at UBC.
Please visit the Faculty Relations website for complete information on topics such as:
• Work Permit
• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
• electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• Where and how to apply for your visa/permit
• Permit for accompanying dependents
• Implied Status and how it affects MSP coverage
For assistance with the immigration process or relocation support, please contact:
Trisha Kasawski, Senior HR Associate
trisha.kasawski@ubc.ca
250.807.9819
Employment for International PDF Spouses/Partners
If you are accompanied by your spouse (or common-law partner), and provided your offer is valid for at least six months, s/he will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit, which allows the spouse/partner to search for and take up employment in Canada. Application for a spousal open work permit requires proof of your relationship (i.e. a marriage certificate or a statutory declaration of common law relationship
Links to an external site.) and a copy of your work permit (unless PDF and spousal applications are made concurrently). A medical examination might also be required depending on the desired field of work,
Links to an external site. especially when pursuing employment in health services, child care, primary or secondary education. If you or your spouse/partner plan to stay for more than 6 months and have lived in one or more of these countries or territories
Links to an external site. for at least 6 months in a row within the last year of applying, you might equally need a medical examination. More information and is available through Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Links to an external site..
Spousal Employment Support
- WorkBC Centre Kelowna Links to an external site.
- BC Jobs and Careers Links to an external site.
- Kelowna Community Resources Links to an external site.
- Aspire Recruitment Solutions Links to an external site.
- YMCA of the Okanagan Links to an external site.
- Okanagan Staffing Services Inc Links to an external site.
- Service Canada Job Bank Links to an external site.
- Accelerate Okanagan (for careers in technology) Links to an external site.