Volunteer requirements and opportunities for international students

Are there requirements for volunteering in Canada?

Check with the organization you are interested in volunteering with to find out if you will require any of the following:

Work Permits

• Some volunteer placements may require you to have a work permit
• Visit this page for more information: Volunteer work conducted by foreign students: When is a work permit and an ESDC confirmation required?
• If you still have questions about your eligibility to volunteer in Canada, please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

Police check

In Hamilton, you can visit Central Station (155 King William St., Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A7) to obtain a police
check. You must bring:

• Proof that you are a student at McMaster (e.g., student card, transcript).
• Proof that you currently reside in Hamilton (e.g., rental statement showing your address).
• A letter from the agency you plan to volunteer at, which proves you will be volunteering with them.

If you have tried this and cannot obtain a police check in Hamilton, you will need to obtain one from the
RCMP. Visit this page for more information: Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Criminal record checks.

Tuberculosis (TB) test

McMaster students can obtain a TB skin test through the Student Wellness Centre (PGCLL, enter through
the McMaster Children’s Centre entrance). Call 905-525-9140, extension 27700.

You must have UHIP coverage or other Canadian provincial health insurance in order to access the services at the Student Wellness Centre. Visit this page for more information: McMaster Student Success Centre – International Student Services – Health Insurance (UHIP).

Ideas to get started in volunteering