Postdoctoral Fellows Onboarding

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. All employees are required by Service Canada to present their SIN card to their employer within three days of starting work.

For more information about obtaining a Social Insurance Number, visit the Service Canada website.

B.C’s Medical Services Plan is mandatory for all B.C. residents.

For information about MSP and how to enroll: BC Medical Services Plan

*New (and returning) residents are required to complete a wait period consisting of the balance of the month in which residence in British Columbia is established, plus two months before benefits can begin. Please find more details: Coverage Wait Period

Find a physician for you and your family: College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC

Find a dentist in your area: BC Dental Association

• Vancouver Coastal Health (serving Vancouver, Richmond, North Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, and Sea-to-Sky)
• Fraser Health (serving Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Mission, Delta, Langley, and Chilliwack)
• BC Women’s Hospital
• BC Children’s Hospital

While at UBC, any earnings received are considered Canadian income, unless otherwise indicated by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in writing prior to arrival.

Please note that, by law, deductions are taken from your salary for Canada Income Tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI). If you receive fellowship earnings, these will not be deducted for CPP and EI.

Please contact a financial advisor or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax and financial information.

You can also access the CRA website for a self-directed online course on understanding taxes, which includes help on how to file a tax return.

If you have any questions about paying income tax in Canada, please refer to CRA’s information for non-residents or contact the International Tax Services Office (collect calls are accepted):

• Calling from Canada and the U.S.: 1 800 267 5177
• Calling from outside Canada and the US: 1 613 952 3741
• Fax: 1 613 941 2505

Get information about taxable benefits related to UBC housing programs.

There are a number of banking institutions and branches for you to choose from in British Columbia. Several banks are located near UBC’s Vancouver campus, including:

• Royal Bank of Canada
• Bank of Montreal
• TD Canada Trust
• CIBC
• HSBC
• Scotiabank

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found on campus and throughout Vancouver.

Contact UBC’s relocation Team and find housing information: Finding Housing

Resources, links, and contacts for help from UBC’s housing and relocation services team in finding a home to buy in Vancouver or Kelowna: Buying a home in BC

Find Vancouver & Kelowna Child Care resources: Child care and schooling options

Please ensure to sign up for Campus Wide Login (CWL) Account and apply for UBC Card, so our staff, Naz Khan (Naz.Khan@ubc.ca) can grant you access to our building and lab.

CWL Sign-up allows you to create a unique login name and password. A CWL and password is required to access your UBC email and a variety of UBC’s online applications.

If you do not have a Campus Wide Login (CWL) Account, please sign up immediately: CWL Sign-up

As soon as you obtain a CWL, please apply for a UBC card for your access to our building and labs.

Once your CWL has been created, please contact our IT Manager, Metha Kijsawangwong: metha.kij@ubc.ca

He will assist you in creating your UBC email account.

This UBC employee orientation hub is a self-directed resource and learning space to assist new faculty and staff in navigating UBC. Regardless of your specific role, this resource hub is designed to support you during your first couple months at UBC. (Canvas access required)

New to UBC Vancouver Resource Hub

• Preventing COVID-19 Infection in the Workplace
• New Worker Safety Orientation
• Preventing and Addressing Workplace Bullying and Harassment Training
• Workplace Violence Prevention Training

• Privacy & Information Security Fundamentals Training Part 1 & 2

• Employment Equity & Inclusion Survey
• Recruiting Experience Survey

You will be notified and instructed by our staff, Naz Khan: Naz.Khan@ubc.ca

What training is required for working in a lab?

• Contact information – How to edit contact Information
• Payment elections – How to update payment elections
• Tax forms – How do I make Provincial Tax Election and Federal Tax Election
• Benefits enrolments – How to enroll in benefits and pension as a new hire

If you are eligible, Workday will notify you to enrol in the UBC employee benefits.

Please check your eligibility: UBC HR Benefits Eligibility and Plan Cost

Benefit plan details: UBC Benefit Plan

Questions?: Contact Benefits

A UBC card identifies you as an active student, faculty or staff member. UBC cards grant you access to:

• UBC Library privileges
• Building access and access to card-controlled rooms
• UBC Bookstore e-Money purchases
• Food Services’ dining convenience and discounts
• Meal plans for Housing residents
• Athletics facilities

Apply for a UBC Card: Apply Online

You will need to pick it up from the key desk at the back of the Bookstore.

• Your UBC card is your library card.
• Obtain your card from the UBC Carding Office
• A valid UBC card is required to borrow books and use library services.
• A valid UBC CWL account is required to access library eResources.