Want to study in Canada?
Dear Mr Brown:
I am interested in studying at Centennial College in Toronto, Canada. I was told that I can work part-time while I study. However, my understanding is that I can only work on campus for the first term. How can international students cope if they cannot work off campus for up to six months as not everyone will be able to work on campus? What options do international students have for employment?
— KR
Dear KR:
The current regulations governing international students in Canada imposes the restriction of having to study for six months before an off-campus work permit may be applied for. However, the regulations will change significantly as of June 1, 2014, which will cement Canada as the country of choice for students around the world.
New advantages
The key change is that international students may work off campus to assist with their tuition and living expenses from the beginning of their studies. Study permits will automatically authorise international students to work off-campus (for up to 20 hours per week during their full time studies and full-time during breaks.)
Other noteworthy changes include:
* International graduates will be authorised to work full-time after their studies are completed until a decision is made regarding an application for a Post-Graduate Work Permit; and
* Visitors to Canada may apply for a study permit from within Canada for pre-school, primary or secondary level or to complete a course or programme of study that is a condition for acceptance at a designated learning institution.
Key benefits
The federal Government of Canada has implemented a Can$20-million campaign to attract and boost the enrolment of international students in Canada as it has been proven that international education has always led to employment creation and economic prosperity. The provincial Government of Ontario, for example, has declared an interest in achieving a 50 per cent growth in international students studying in Ontario. It is important to note that the education system in Canada is the responsibility of the provinces and territories.
The key benefits for studying in Canada are:
* Canadian Schools are top-rated and respected worldwide.
* Studying can lead to Permanent Residence.
* Students may work during their studies.
* Studying in Canada is cheaper than in the US.
* Scholarship can be applied for.
* Admissions to colleges and universities are based on CXC and GCE results for post-secondary programmes and degrees and transcripts for graduate programmes, rather than on SAT results
Work options
The work options for students will include:
* Working during studies without the need to apply for a separate work permit.
* Working on campus during studies.
* Co-Op Work experience for certain programmes at designated institutions in which work is an integral part of a programme.
* Postgraduate Work Permit in which graduates may work full-time in Canada after their studies.
* There are also Bridge Work Permits for graduates to maintain their status and continue working in Canada while they await a final decision on their permanent residence application.
New restrictions
There are some important measures that will also be taken to protect the integrity of the International Education System in Canada. As such, it’s important to take note of the following:
* The failure of an international student to continue studies in Canada could result his or her removal from Canada.
* Study permits will only be issued for designated educational institutions to receive international students.
* Instead of being valid until expiration, a study permit will become invalid 90 days after the completion of studies, unless authorisation has been obtained to remain in Canada.
For further information, please visit jamaica2canada.com.
Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC is an immigration counsel, education agent and managing director of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM — a Canadian immigration and education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com