Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you must have a study permit and be enrolled full-time in an academic, professional or vocational training program at a DLI.

However, your study permit must clearly state that you have the ability to work off-campus. If so, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while:
-Your program is in session, and
-Full-time during scheduled breaks in the academic calendar.

You may work for any employer in Canada that is not on the list of ineligible employers.

In addition, if your program has a mandatory work component for graduation you must have the appropriate work permit for your co-op.

You may be eligible for an open work permit if:

-You are an international student who graduated from a DLI and are eligible for the PGWP
-You are a student who can no longer meet the costs of your studies (indigent student - conditions apply)
-You have an employer specific work permit and are being abused or are at risk of being abused in connection with your work in Canada (conditions apply)
-You applied for permanent residence in Canada and are in the process.
-Is an immediate dependent relative of someone who applied for permanent residence
-Is the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student the spouse or common-law partner of an Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program applicant.
-Is a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or family member.
-Are under an unenforceable removal order
-Are a holder of a temporary residence permit
-Are a youth worker participating in special international mobility programs (famously known as a working holiday)

In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.

It is the unique identification code that Canada issues to all persons who have applied in the past for immigration processing (whether temporary or permanent). If you have never applied to Canada then you do not have a UCI yet.

No, before you apply for a closed (employer-specific) work permit, your employer must give you:

-A copy of your employment contract or job offer
-1 of the following:
*A copy of a labor market impact assessment (LMIA)
*An offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)

A will is a legal document that expresses how a person's assets should be distributed after death. It is important to have one to prevent the government from deciding the distribution under intestate succession laws.