Study permit holders in Canada are responsible for knowing what work is authorized for them. Doing unauthorized work can affect their ability to remain in Canada. The ISSO is here to help international students understand the changing and sometimes complex rules about working.
Study permit holders who maintain full-time student status at Carleton are usually authorized to work both on- and off-campus. This is indicated by a remark on their study permit that refers to Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) for additional details.
Continuing students probably know that for a period of time over the past two years, international students could work full-time off-campus during Fall and Winter school sessions. They should also know that this temporary rule has expired; and that the 20-hour per week cap specified in IRPR is again in effect.
Many students have heard that the Government intends to raise the 20-hour cap to 24 hours, but this requires a change to IRPR, and this legal process takes time. Students returning to classes on September 4 should be mindful that they may have to limit their off-campus work to 20 hours per week for a time.
The ISSO will communicate to students if and when the new rule comes into effect. Students coming to Canada for the first time should be aware that their study permit does not authorize them to work at all until classes start in September. They can learn more about authorized work by attending the ISSO’s International Orientation Day or by talking with an immigration advisor at the ISSO.