Immigration Formalities for Foreign Visitors and Postdocs

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need to obtain a visa to visit Canada. If you will be visiting for more than 120 days, you must obtain a work permit from the Canadian Authorities. More information on work permits can be found here:

You will be applying for an employer-specific work permit and as such we will provide you with an employment number.

Additional Information for Visitors

To initiate the procedures for the employment number, kindly send the following documents to haedrich.alexandra@uqam.ca:

  • a copy of your passport (picture page)
  • a signed and dated CV in English or French
  • a copy of your highest level diploma in English or French
  • a confirmation of employment from the academic institution abroad to which you are attached, stating that you will be maintaining your status and salary during your stay in Canada.

Additional Information for postdocs

Once you accept your postdoc position, we will send you a detailed contract to sign which you will need to obtain your work permit. You will also need a letter stating that you have completed all of the requirements for your Ph.D. diploma, or a copy of your diploma.

To initiate the procedures for the employment number, kindly send a copy of your passport (picture page) as well as your precise starting date to haedrich.alexandra@uqam.ca.

To register at UQAM, we will also need:

  • a copy of your Ph.D. diploma
  • a copy of your passport (picture page)
  • a birth certificate with the names of both of your parents

If you have a three-month waiting period before you are covered by Quebec Health Insurance (see below), you will need a temporary insurance such as the following to cover this period: https://qc.bluecross.ca/travel-insurance. You will need to provide us with a copy of your temporary insurance.

Steps to be taken in person upon arrival:

Register for Quebec Health Insurance

Go to the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) with your passport and work permit to open your file to register for Quebec Health Insurance:

RAMQ
425 De Maisonneuve Blvd West
2nd floor, room 213
Montréal, Québec H3A 3G5

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday : 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you prefer, you can also register on line:

https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/register

There is a three-month waiting period before you will be covered by the RAMQ. This three-month period is called the “waiting period”. A few countries, have agreements with Quebec and their citizens are covered by the RAMQ upon arrival. The full list of these countries is here:

https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/social-security-agreements-other-countries

Register for a Social Insurance Number

Go to the Montreal office of Service Canada with your passport and work permit to obtain a social insurance number.

Service Canada
Guy-Favreau Complex, Suite 034
200 René-Lévesque Boulevard West
Montréal, Québec

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday : 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.