SFU Faculty

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 

Hiring department obtains approval for position and commences with advertising process according to appointments process (see Faculty Relations website).

Advertising Requirements:

• Have Faculty Relations Advisors review the advertisements
• Include in the advertisement this statement: "All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority;" 
• Advertise for a minimum of two months before offering a position and continue advertising until a decision on the labour market impact assessment is made by ESDC.
• Advertise in Universities Canada’s University Affairs and the CAUT Bulletin (print and/or online) in addition to other relevant publications;
• Post advertisement on the VPA website until the immigration process is complete;
• Circulate notices of the position to Canadian universities;
• Advertise vacant positions in Canada;
• Make sure position advertised abroad is also advertised simultaneously in Canada;
• Meet all conditions of applicable collective agreements.

Step 2 

Faculty Relations: 

Faculty Relations will determine the appropriate immigration process and prepare the application paperwork.

There are two types of work permits; those that require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and those that are exempt from a LMIA. 

1) LMIA required:

When a LMIA is required the employer must submit an application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada which demonstrates they are unable to find a qualified Canadian candidate and there is a need to hire a temporary foreign worker.  If the LMIA application is successful, the employer will receive a “positive LMIA” document which verifies the need to hire a temporary worker.

2) LMIA exempt:

In most cases an LMIA is required, however, some international academics may fall under the International Mobility Program and have an exemption from the LMIA.  Please contact Faculty Relations Advisor to determine whether an LMIA is required or if the position is LMIA exempt.  Faculty Relations will provide the LMIA number or Offer of Employment number, depending on the circumstances.

Step 3 

Prospective International Faculty Member applies for work permit.

Step 4