One of the most asked questions by recent graduates is “If they are authorized to work off-campus?”
The answer to that is it depends on an individual's situation whether you are or are not able to continue working after completing your study program. There are several rules that govern when students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus.
Let's learn more about some scenarios!!
Students who have not applied for a subsequent study or work permit or a program of study
First of all, let's talk about a scenario in which you have completed the final academic requirements for your program of study but have not yet received written confirmation of program completion from your institution, and if you meet the eligibility requirements to work off-campus as per section R186(v) of Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), then you may work off-campus on a part-time basis until you receive this confirmation.
However, if your study permit becomes invalid as per R222 before you receive this confirmation, you must stop working the day your study permit becomes invalid.
Another thing to keep in mind is as soon as you receive the written confirmation of program completion from your institution, you are no longer permitted to work in Canada as you do not meet the eligibility criteria. You can start working again but must become eligible under section R186(w) by applying for a subsequent work permit such as post graduate work-permit (PGWP).
Students who have completed a program of study and will be starting a new program of study within 150 days of receiving a written confirmation of program completion from their current institution
In another scenario, if you have completed a program of study and will be starting a new program of study within 150 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion, you may work off campus on a full-time basis until the start of the new program if you meet following requirements:
meet the eligibility criteria to work off campus [R186(v)]
you received written confirmation of program completion from your current institution (for instance, a transcript or an official letter)
you have submitted an application to change conditions, extend their stay or remain in Canada as a student before your current study permit expired, or you still have a valid study permit
you have been issued a letter of acceptance to a subsequent program of full-time study at a DLI and will be starting the new program within 150 calendar days of receiving notification of program completion from your current institution
However, if your new program of study starts more than 150 days after you receive written confirmation of program completion, you can only work off campus during the first 150 consecutive days after receiving this confirmation. You must then either apply to change your status or leave Canada until your new program begins.
Lastly, if you have applied to extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must stop working if your study permit application is refused.
If you have any questions or need help with your immigration application, JSSG Immigrations Inc. is here to assist you. Our professional immigration consultants can assist with your work permit application.
JSSG Immigrations Inc.