This page will help you navigate through the various requirements for getting started as an international postdoctoral fellow at SFU. If you require assistance, please contact us at gradstudies@sfu.ca or 778-782-3042.

Applying for a Work Permit

• Apply early as the process can take months (see average times), or longer if you are informed by your visa office to do a medical examination and/or obtain police certificates
• Find the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live (see list of offices). US citizens and permanent residents of the US may apply for work permits at their port of entry into Canada (land border crossing or airport). Temporary residents already in Canada on a valid study or work permit may apply online (see eligibility to apply for details)
  
• Download the application for a work permit and collect the necessary forms and  documents required. Typical documents include:
  
  • a valid passport (ideally valid for the duration of your stay)
  • a detailed letter of invitation from SFU which states the amount of remuneration, location, nature and expected duration of the term of employment
    
  • proof of funds (if your research funding is from a foreign source, proof of that needs to be submitted as part of the application)
    
  • official proof that you have successfully completed (or will shortly complete) the requirements for your doctoral degree in a related field.
  • postdoc work permits do not require a positive labour market opinion (LMO). Simply write exemption code C44 on the document checklist where it asks for the file number /positive labour market opinion from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC). (see academic exemptions)
• Consult the website of the Canadian visa office serving the country or region where you live to determine if you are required to provide additional forms or documents and find out about their estimated processing times.
  

Bringing Family

• If you wish to bring your family, they will need to fill out their own temporary residence form (Temporary Resident Visa, study permit or work permit). However, you may send all family member application forms in the same envelope with only one payment receipt for the total amount.
• Spouses and common-law partners of postdoctoral fellows (with employment contracts that are longer than six months) are eligible to apply for open work permits without the need for pre-arranged employment. (see Citizenship & Immigration Canada website for further details)
  
• It is recommended that any school-age children (ages 5- 18) obtain study permits (see Minor Children Studying in Canada)

Social Insurance Number

• A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number required for employment in Canada. When you receive your work permit, you can apply for your SIN in person from a local Service Canada office. Download  instructions (pdf).
  

Medical Insurance Plans

• You (and any accompanying family members) must have adequate medical insurance for the duration of your stay.
  
• Apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) upon arrival in Canada. Please be aware that there is a 3 month waiting period before coverage will begin (2 full months, plus the remainder of the month of arrival).
  
• During the waiting period for MSP, you are required to carry your own medical insurance or purchase private coverage through GuardMe.
• Note that Grant PDFs are eligible for employment benefits through the university and should apply to the BC MSP through SFU Human Resources. See Section 3.3 of the Postdoctoral Fellows policy. You will still require private coverage during the 3-month waiting period for MSP.
• For more information, please visit the SFU Medical Insurance site.

Moving to BC

• The Welcome BC Newcomer's Guide provides a helpful overview for newcomers to the province
  
• Also check out the International Student Handbook for campus-specific tips on housing, banking, transportation, schooling & childcare, and much more. 

Register at SFU

• Upon arrival, complete the PDF registration form and email it to the Office of  Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellows, postdoc@sfu.ca. This will allow you to get an SFU email account and provide access to the library and other university services.
  

Extending Your Work Permit

• If you need to renew your work permit while in Canada, you may do so online. We advise that you start the process 3 months in advance, if possible. If you need assistance, the International Student Advisors are happy to help.

Travel Tips: Applying for a new Temporary Resident Visa

• If you are a citizen of a country which requires a temporary resident visa (TRV or entry visa) in addition to a work permit, ensure it is valid for re-entry into Canada. (See list of countries)
• If you plan to travel outside of Canada or the US, you can apply for a new single or multiple-entry TRV at the visa office responsible for your home country, or by mailing your passport and application to the Case Processing Pilot in Ottawa. If possible, apply at least 2 months in advance of your trip. See the CIC website for instructions. A handout is also available on the International Services for Students' website. If you have questions, please contact an International Student Advisor.