Employment for spouses and partners

UBC recognizes that relocation is stressful for all members of the family, not least for the spouse or life partner accompanying a newly-hired UBC employee. We can help steer your partner toward local employment opportunities and resources.

Career help and opportunities at UBC

UBC's Housing and Relocation Services team has local knowledge of employers inside and outside the university and may be able to direct people to networking contacts.

Housing and relocation contacts

For any questions please reach out to Housing and Relocation Services.

At the Okanagan campus, contact jacky.ivans@ubc.ca or 250-807-8928 or visit the housing and relocation services office at ADM002 - 1138 Alumni Ave.

UBC's dual careers program can assist partners in exploring faculty and staff job possibilities at the university, as well as other career options in the Greater Vancouver area.

UBC Career job searches and resources

Look for UBC career opportunities including postings in the areas of clerical/secretarial, technical, trades, management and professional positions, and for faculty positions.

UBC Okanagan’s human resources department has auxiliary casual positions for short-term temporary placements that can be either part time or full time. Most of the placements are secretarial and clerical positions, but we also have demand for administrative, clinical secretarial and facilities maintenance staff.

Applying for a spousal work permit

On moving to BC for a job at UBC, your spouse will be eligible to apply for a spousal work permit if:

  • you're accompanied by your spouse (including common-law partners), and
  • your work permit is valid for at least six months.

When applying for a spousal work permit, you'll need to provide proof of your relationship (i.e. a marriage certificate or a statutory declaration of common law relationship) and a copy of your work permit (unless the applications for the temporary work permits are made concurrently).

If your spouse has not yet received a job offer, they can request an open work permit which will allow them to accept any job depending on whether or not a medical exam was taken. Further information is available on the IRCC website.

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