Applying for the International Student Work Opportunity (ISWO) program

To be eligible for the ISWO program, you must:

• Have no Canadian work or volunteer experience.
• Be registered as an active undergraduate international student (degree seeking) at McMaster University.
• Live in Canada during your entire employment period to accept a job opportunity.
• Have a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Upload a current resume as part of your application.

Not eligible? Find other ways to gain experience

If you aren’t eligible for an ISWO position, don’t worry. There are other ways to gain experience and, in some cases, earn money.

Experiential learning opportunities can help you build skills, network and fill your resume. At the Student Success Centre, we work with campus, community and employer partners to connect you with Canadian work and volunteer experiences. Some of these opportunities can be paid, depending on funding availability. Learn about these opportunities on the Experience Building page, Campus Jobs and Experience page and OSCARplus.

• Fall/winter
• Spring/summer

Funding can be used for approved positions (payroll or honorariums) and may include:

• McMaster Work Program
• ISWO postings on OSCARplus
• Co-op positions
• Experience-building opportunities on OSCARplus

Note: All funding requests must be approved and confirmed by the ISWO coordinator prior to the job offer and start date.

1. The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada. A SIN is unique to a specific individual and legally cannot be used by anyone else. You need a SIN to secure an ISWO position.
2. If you have concerns about work permits, study permits or other immigration-related topics, contact the immigration team (immigration@mcmaster.ca).

• OSCARplus
• Job Search and Application Strategies

1. Sign in to Mosaic and click the Aid & Awards tile.
2. Log in to AwardSpring using your MacID.
3. If this is your first time using AwardSpring, you must create a profile or common application to be eligible for “Scholarships” on the platform.
4. Fill out all the required information under all the tabs (Privacy, Application Tips & Personal Information, Academic Information, Financial Information, Qualification Questions, Consents and Declarations).

If you would like to be considered for financial need-based funding, return to your profile application on AwardSpring > Financial Information to check the box which reads, “Would you like to be considered for aid that requires you to demonstrate financial need?” Then, fill out the required information.

Income tax notices of assessment (NOA)

You can submit income tax notices of assessment or tax forms verified by Canada or another country/government for the most recent completed tax year.

If your income was $0 and you didn’t file income taxes or you’re not required to report your income for tax purposes, you must draft a signed and dated letter detailing how you pay for your daily living costs.

• Examples of daily living costs include housing, food, utilities, transportation, etc.
• Examples of financial resources include parents/guardians, work, savings, awards, etc.

Bank and financial statements

If you’re submitting documents in a foreign currency, please provide a current conversion from the foreign currency to Canadian dollars (CAD). Here’s a suggested approach.

1. Select a trusted currency conversion source (some bank websites have them).
2. Make an accurate conversion from the foreign currency to CAD for every figure mentioned in your statement/document.
3. Translate your document in English (if applicable).

1. Once you’ve completed your AwardSpring profile, select the Scholarships tab.
2. Enter “International Student Work Opportunity” in the search bar.
3. Select the application for the appropriate term and year.
4. Fill out the ISWO application and submit.
5. Your application will appear as in progress.

You will receive a notice that your application is in progress. You can expect to find out about your application acceptance or denial via AwardSpring and a follow-up email. Applications are reviewed weekly.

We encourage equity-deserving and international students to contact the Career Access Professional Services team (careeraccess@mcmaster.ca) for employment support, including application assistance, accommodation, requests for information in alternative formats, interview preparation and more.

1. You don’t have your SIN.
2. You won’t be in Canada at the time of employment.
3. You didn’t upload your resume.
4. You’ve already gained paid work experience in Canada.
5. If your situation changes or if you have questions regarding your application denial, please contact us at experiential@mcmaster.ca.

Funding restrictions apply to the following scenarios:

• If an employer wishes to hire a non-ISWO approved student.
• If the student already has paid Canadian work experience.
• If there is limited budget availability.