International Academic
Before an international academic may begin employment as an SFU faculty member, the University will need to assist them in obtaining a work permit so that they can legally work in Canada.
To ensure that SFU is in compliance with Canadian immigration regulations and able to support the individual’s work permit application, the faculty recruitment process must follow the guidelines established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and SFU’s applicable policies and collective agreements.
Following are the steps required for hiring an international academic; for full details on SFU faculty recruitment requirements see the SFUFA and SFU Collective Agreement, Article 23: Continuing Academic Appointments and the appointments procedures in the appointments section of the Faculty Relations website.
Step 1
International Academic applies for faculty position. See VP Academic website.
Step 2
Selected international academic receives and accepts job offer.
Faculty Relations provides supporting immigration documentation to apply for work permit.
Step 3
Prospective International Faculty Member applies for work permit.
Step 4
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) required for employment in Canada. SIN can be obtained from a local Service Canada office with a proof of ID and valid work permit.
- Download the PDF below to learn how to obtain a SIN:
Where can I apply for my work permit?
You may submit your work permit application to the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live. For a list of visa offices outside Canada, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp. If you are already inside Canada with a valid work permit, or you or your spouse or common-law partner hold a valid study permit, you may apply for your work permit from inside Canada.
How can I apply for my work permit?
You have two options for applying for a work permit:
- Apply online
- Determine your eligibility and create a Personal Checklist Code by answering the questions in the Come to Canada wizard at http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/getting-started.asp
- Apply online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.asp after creating a GCKey or Sign-in Partner login ID, and registering with MyCIC. Enter your Personal Checklist Code when prompted.
Scan and upload all supporting documentation. Supporting documents should be current and original (unless it clearly states photocopies are acceptable). If your supporting documents are not in English or French, you must include a translation from a certified translator with your application. Refer to your online checklist for acceptable file formats.
- Apply by mail
- Download the required forms from http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5487ETOC.asp
- Submit your application to the Visa Office or Visa Application Centre (VAC) responsible for the country or region where you live.
What documents do I need to apply for my work permit either online or by mail?
The documents you need to apply for your work permit will vary depending on where you are residing when you apply for your work permit. You will be required to submit standard IRCC forms plus supporting documentation.
| Application item | Application submitted outside Canada | Application submitted in Canada | Tips |
| Document Checklist (required for paper-based applications only) | Document Checklist (IMM 5488) |
Document Checklist (IMM 5556) |
Place this document on top of your application package |
| Application Form | Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295) |
Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710) |
|
| Family Information | Family Information (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645) |
N/A |
|
| Passport or travel document | Photocopy all relevant passport pages. Include all pages with photos, signatures, stamps and other markings. | Photocopy all relevant passport pages. Include all pages with photos, signatures, stamps and other markings. |
The work permit will not be issued for longer than the validity of your passport |
| Photo | Online applications require a digital photo. Paper applications may requires 2 photos meeting IRCC requirements. | Online applications require a digital photo. | Refer to the photo specifications in your checklist |
| Fee | N/A | N/A | The current fee for a work permit is $155. |
Required supporting documents may include:
- Proof you meet the requirements of the job being offered (ex. proof of education, work reference letters)
- Offer of employment letter from the SFU Department offering you the position including
- Employment start and end date
- Amount of remuneration
- Location
- Nature of the position
- Employment reference letters from current or past employer(s)
- Employment records
- CV/resume outlining relevant education, qualifications and work experience
- Proof of funds (if you research funding is from an external source, proof of that must be submitted with your application)
Please 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.
When is a medical exam required for a work permit?
You will need a medical exam if you have lived temporarily for 6 or more consecutive months in a designated country in the one year immediately before the date you enter Canada. For a list of designated countries, please see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/dcl.asp
In some cases, there may be restrictions on the type of job you can hold unless you complete and pass an immigration medical exam prior to submitting an application for your work permit. For a complete list of occupations requiring a medical exam, refer to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/medexams-temp.asp#occupational
If a medical exam is required, you must make an appointment with a designated Panel Physician: http://www.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx
Can my spouse or common-law partner work in Canada?
If you hold a work permit, and are employed in a position listed at Skill Level 0, A or B in the National Occupational Classification, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. If this is the case, your spouse must include proof that you are employed in a skilled occupation in their work permit application.
See http://cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/work/opinion/policy.asp or contact Faculty Relations for more information.