International Postdoctoral Fellows with a closed work permit

If you hold an OPEN work permit: The following information on immigration procedures does not apply to you. Even though your working conditions will change when your fellowship is converted to a salary, your open work permit remains valid.

Current status: 

For international postdoctoral fellows with a CLOSED work permit whose fellowship is to be converted to a salary

Updated: July 7, 2026

As your working conditions will change (in terms of the type and/or amount of compensation) following the conversion of your fellowship into a salary, certain immigration procedures will be necessary in order to: 

• Ensure compliance with your conditions of stay and employment in Canada 
• Prevent any potential interruption to your employment should your personal circumstances require you to apply for a new work permit
• Ensure that the UdeS remains in compliance as an employer that hires temporary foreign workers

Every immigration case is unique (depending, for example, on the remaining validity of your current permit, the remaining duration of your contract as a postdoctoral fellow, a change to your permit type, etc.). This is why the UdeS will offer you individualized support.

The USherbrooke International team is here to provide you with information and guidance on each of the necessary immigration steps, based on your personal circumstances.

Key dates to remember: 

• Between July 13 and 17, 2026: You will receive an automated email from the UdeS asking you to approve your new agreement online, which provides for compensation in the form of a salary. Please approve it as soon as you receive it, no later than July 20, 2026. 
• By July 20, 2026 at the latest: You must complete, sign and return the “Formulaire de reconnaissance” to immigration@USherbrooke.ca. The USherbrooke International team will contact you regarding this to send you the form and the instructions to follow. 
• July 30, 2026: Payment of your compensation in the form of a salary. Government deductions will be made at source. 
  • Please note: You should expect the net amount you receive to be lower than the amount you would receive from your scolarship. The same applies to subsequent pay periods.
  • See: Detailed explanations on pay and transitional measures 
• Summer and fall 2026:  Depending on your personal circumstances and any other immigration-related procedures to be completed, USherbrooke International will contact you. 
• Date to be confirmed:  Payment of union dues will begin once the SAREUS union has officially notified the UdeS of the dues rate (as a percentage of salary paid). These new union dues will be automatically deducted at source (i.e., directly from your pay) with each pay period. 
• Fall 2026 (before February 16, 2027, for the 2026 tax year):  As an international salaried postdoctoral fellow, you may be eligible, depending on your field of expertise and subject to certain eligibility criteria, for a tax exemption from the Government of Quebec. Look into it!

Need help? 

If you have any questions or specific needs, please do not hesitate to contact our staff.