Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization.

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion) + Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

Even if students do NOT meet the minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), they can still can get conditionally accepted in the program of their choice with the condition of completing the University of Waterloo's English program prior to starting their chosen program.

Students need to plan their accommodations well in advance of their arrival as all accommodation options fill up quickly, well before the start of the semester. On-Campus Residence Accommodations On-Campus residence accommodations are provided per discretion by the school. Off-Campus Accommodations The local area has a variety of off-campus rental housing options including single homes, duplexes, apartments and rooms for rent. Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own and should arrive well before the start of term to do so. Homestay There are a wide variety of homestay options available, and our partners do their best to match students and hosts according to their interests and preferences. Homestay hosts include single people, young couples with children and pets, and older couples. All homestay accommodations have been inspected, and all adults in the home have completed a required criminal reference check.