Arthur Chen

Manager, International Student Services

GLN-B210

Brock University | International Services and

Programs Abroad

Niagara Region   |  500 Glenridge Ave.  |  St.

Catharines, ON    L2S 3A1

http://www.brocku.ca/international-services/student-se

rvices T  905 688 5550  x4318 |  F  905 688 2074

Email: arthur.chen@brocku.ca

Join our Facebook group for “Brock U International Students” http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/groups/356657894378937/

CIC – Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Graduation Date (CIC point of view) – the date you complete all requirements towards your degree. NOT your convocation date

Off Campus Work Permit (OCWP) – Apply before graduate

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Apply after graduate. Within 90 days from the date you complete all requirements for your degree (Graduation Date)

Implied Status – remain same legal status

International Services office website:

http://www.brocku.ca/international-services/student-services/visas-permits-2

Terms and Facts

Transition: OCWP to PGWP

Upon completion of study, if the OCWP will be still valid, can be used to work full time up to 90 days or till expiry date if not applying for PGWP.

If applied for PGWP within 90 days and before OCWP expires, can keep working full time till receive the PGWP even after OCWP expired – implied status.

Better apply for a OCWP before graduate.

Working in Canada

On Campus – no work permit needed: must be a full-time (of any program include ESL, IELP) student with a valid Study Permit – no working hour limit. But can not be considered as full time working experience when apply for PR. (e.g. TA can work full time hours but can’t be Full Time TA)

Other work opportunities for international students:

*CO-OP/Internship Program

Enrolled in a coop degree program

Letter from internship/coop office to confirm the work component is required for completing the degree

Apply as early as possible, before start to look for job. No need for job offer.

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

3-year open work permit, if the degree is 2-year or longer

Based on degree length definition, not how long student has spent to complete the degree

Need a letter from Registrar’s office or Faculty of Graduate Studies to confirm completion of the degree (no need of job offer)

Apply within 90 days from the date of completion of degree

Can only apply once in lifetime and not extendable after 3 years – if have applied using Bachelor degree, cannot apply again after obtained Master or PhD

While holding PGWP, if the study permit is still valid can keep it till expiry date. Can hold both permits the same time. Also can extend the study permit or apply for a new study permit if will attend school.

While holding PGWP, can take short-term courses (which can be completed within 6 months) without study permit

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

You must have a letter to confirm you have completed all requirements for your degree:

o Graduate students: Eligibility to Graduate Letter http://www.brocku.ca/graduate-studies/current-students/student-forms  (use "General Request Form" on the right side under "Miscellaneous Forms")

o Undergraduate students: Confirmation of Graduation http://www.brocku.ca/registrar/forms

Valid study permit

Currently Full Time student of regular degree program

Full time at a participating public post-secondary institution for at least 6 out of the last 12 months – could be transferred from other institution to Brock.

Maintained satisfactory academic standing

Apply online – get approved by DIR

Off-Campus Work Permit (OCWP)

Off-Campus Work Permit (OCWP)

Visiting, exchange or non-degree students are not eligible

Not eligible if you have a partial or full scholarship from:

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)

Government of Canada Awards Program funded by DFAIT; or

Canadian International Development Agency

Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program

Not for students of English or French as a second language such as IELP

Off-Campus Work Permit (OCWP)

Maximum of 20 hours/week during school terms

Full time during scheduled university breaks (spring, summer, Christmas) while registered as part time or not taking courses

• Graduate students always registered as full time during spring and summer, then can not work full time.

Open work permits

• Can work for any kind of employment

• Can work anywhere in Canada

• Can’t use for coop work (unless the coop work is only for 4 months in spring and summer)

• Do not need job offer to apply

Annual report to CIC (Keep checking your BrockU email)

Required if you earn income in Canada for taxation purposes.

Apply in person at Service Canada office

Need a work permit OR a study permit valid for more than 6 months and an original contract of employment letter (for on campus working situation). - http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/employers/contract.shtml

Has an expiry date. Covered by implied status while waiting for study/work permit renewal

Students only receiving scholarships, will not be able to get a SIN.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Verification Form

1. Complete this Brock EVN form and submit to:

Undergraduate:Office of the RegistrarSchmon Tower 301

Graduate:Graduate StudiesMackenzie Chown D250

2. Also submit online request for EVN

http://www.brocku.ca/international-services/student-services/visas-permits-2/off-campus-work-permit

University does not provide invitation letter.

Student is the inviter who should write the invitation letter.

Students need to check local Canadian consulate responsible for the area to following instruction on how to apply visiting visa for their parents. There should be information on how to write the invitation letter. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/letter.asp

University will provide confirmation of convocation as supporting document in case of inviting parents to come to convocation.

http://www.brocku.ca/international-services/student-services/visas-permits-2/Inviting_relatives_or_friends

Inviting parents or friends (for convocation or visit)

 

Arthur ChenManager, International Student Services

GLN-B210 T  905 688 5550  x4318 |  F  905 688 2074Email: arthur.chen@brocku.ca