CANDA STUDY

If you are planning to come to Canada as an international student, please gather here for these 5 key things I want to tell you.

Many students get to Canada before they find out, and land in “trouble”. So, I want you to avoid anything that can affect your status here

1) Go to a school & do a program that is eligible for Post Grad Work Permit PGWP

We say this all the time, but many people still fall for Agents and get into schools that are not eligible for work permits after graduation

They get to Canada before knowing they were misled

1b) To get a PGWP both your school & program must be eligible

Check your school's status at http://bit.ly/CanadaDLI & ask the school if your program is eligible

Avoid Agents saying they will look for jobs & work sponsorship for you after school. It’s not easy. Avoid the STRESS!

2) When can you start working in Canada?

Have funds to spend in the first few weeks/months, you can only work when your program has started

If you enter (before resumption), hoping to work & save, you are NOT able to work

Tough, but don’t break that law, the consequences are SEVERE!

2b) You are under less pressure when you're working & saving for future cost

So, have funds for tuition, rent, and other expenses for, at least, 1st term

Tuition & rent are due as you arrive, so having first-term fees will reduce the pressure on you

Prepare to avoid being stranded

3) How many hours can you work?

From Sep 1, 2024 students can now work up to 24 hours per week OUTSIDE school (when school is in session), and full time during scheduled breaks

Canada is generous with this and the hours are for work done OUTSIDE of school

Don’t violate it

4) Changing School/program after arriving in Canada

For now, you can change school/program, or defer after getting to Canada

NB: You cannot defer school simply to work & start school later. Check number 2 above

If you changed schools entirely, you must inform IRCC through your portal

4b) I deliberately wrote “For now” above.

There are unconfirmed reports that there may be changes to the policy guiding changing schools after arriving in Canada

Nothing official yet, but we’ve heard it may include having to apply for a new study permit

Be on the lookout.

5) Know when to renew, extend, or change your status

This is very very important. Some students may need to renew their passports and visas, extend their study permits, or change their status in Canada

So, always keep your visa/permit's expiration dates in mind.

5b) The law requires you to have status always & you must apply for visa/permit extension at least 30 days before the expiration of the status

This is to allow time for your renewal before the current one expires, or so that you are covered by maintained status.

Remember, you are a temporary resident and a study permit holder. You have a long way to go to

Don’t let a short-term gain rob you of long-term benefits.

IRCC may not say anything immediately, but they know where to wait for you. IRCC does not forget