The Off-Campus work permit

By Meriem Kaddouri - January 15 2010

An estimated 1,047,700 foreign students registered for classes in the 2005/2006 school year, and thus represented 64% of total enrolment (University Enrolment, the Daily, Statistics Canada). Canada has be-come a world leader in hosting international students which often bring cultural, intellectual and financial benefits to Canadian campuses.

Although their stay in Canada is usu-ally temporary, international students may face some financial difficulties, hence a sec-ond income source is sometimes needed. Fortunately, the Canadian government has launched its Off-Campus Work Permits for International Students program. Eligible students will be allowed to apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit, giving them the opportunity to work off-campus on a part-time basis - up to 20 hours per week - during the academic year and full-time during holiday periods.

Some conditions apply in order to be eligible for an off-campus work permit. Examining the requirements is a first step for those who are interested in this great opportunity. For example, students must have a valid study permit and attend a participating institution in the off-campus work permit program. An overview of the government website showed that all of Montreal’s universities, as well as many colleges, are involved in this initiative. Also, the work permit is only available for full-time students with a satisfactory academic stand-ing. However, visiting or exchange students are excluded from the program, as well as some students benefiting from scholarships. Students fulfilling the requirements listed above are cordially invited to sign a form authorizing the institution, the province and the citizenship and immigration Canada CIC), to verify and share their personal information. The self-assessment tool on the CIC website is handy to determine the eligibility of students.

Furthermore, the next step of obtaining the off-campus work permit is on-line registration. First, an e-pass from the government of Canada is needed, which allows you to access MyCIC. Once the registration is completed, the student applies on-line as well.

Talking about all of these criteria and de-scribing them may seem tedious and complicated, but the CIC web site is very clear, useful and worth visiting. All of the detailed and necessary information is available on: www.cic.gc.ca. Moreover, the international students' offices in each university are more than happy to help out and direct the needs of students.

So take full advantage of this gainful opportunity and make the most of this valuable experience which will enrich your personality, shape your character, improve your resume, and help you network with people who will become useful references in the future.