Foreign Postdoctoral Fellows must hold a doctoral degree and be appointed to a time-limited position granting a stipend or salary to compensate for periods of teaching, advanced study and/or research. In accordance with CIC, the Postdoctoral Fellow must have completed their doctorate and be working in a related field to be exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).  A work permit is required.

Steps for Unit

1) All Foreign Postdoctoral Fellows will receive a letter of appointment. The letter is issued by the Unit Head, following a recommendation by the Department Head, where appropriate.

 2) Letters of appointment for Foreign Postdoctoral Fellows will contain the following phrase:

This offer is subject to compliance with the immigration laws of Canada and is conditional on any approvals, authorizations and/or permits in respect of your employment that may be required under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and in the regulations made pursuant to that Act. Please note that it is your responsibility to maintain your immigration status in order to retain this position. If you have any questions please contact the Office of Faculty Relations at 864-4732.

3) The Office of Faculty Relations will be copied on all letters of appointment for foreign Postdoctoral Fellows. Upon receipt of the letter a representative from the Office of Faculty Relations will contact the Foreign Postdoctoral Fellow to provide information on applying for a Work Permit.

Steps for Foreign Postdoctoral Fellows who reside outside of Canada

4) Upon receipt of the letter of appointment the Foreign Postdoctoral Fellow must apply for a Work Permit at the visa office responsible for the country or region where s/he lives. Additional documents (i.e., TRV, medical examination, police certificate, etc) may also be required.  Requirements for additional documents can be obtained by contacting the visa office.

5) If a Work Permit is approved, the Canadian visa office will issue a letter which must be presented to an immigration official at the Canadian port of entry. The actual Work Permit is issued at the port of entry.

Steps for Foreign Postdoctoral Fellows who reside inside of Canada   

 6) Upon receipt of the letter of appointment the Foreign Postdoctoral Fellow must apply for a Work Permit. Information on required documentation and the application process to apply within Canada can be found by contacting the Office of Faculty Relations or CIC.