Canada issues work permit and employment warnings for international students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued reminders to international students regarding work permit regulations and eligibility. For students seeking part-time employment to cover living expenses, officials emphasize that work authorization is not automatic. Students must ensure their specific study permit includes conditions allowing for on-campus or off-campus work. Working without proper authorization or exceeding permitted hours can jeopardize a student's immigration status and future residency prospects in Canada.

Additionally, the regulations surrounding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have undergone significant changes. To qualify for a PGWP, students must have attended a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on the IRCC-approved list and completed a program of at least eight months. The duration of the permit is tied to the length of the study program, with programs of two years or longer typically qualifying for a three-year permit. Master's programs of eight months or longer also qualify for a three-year permit, though the total duration is subject to passport validity.