Frequently Asked Questions

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.

-If you are allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months.

-If so, they will put the date you must leave in your passport. They may also give you a document.

-If you do not get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

-If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border services officer after you finish at the kiosk.

-If you wish to overstay your authorized stay, you must request an extension at least 30 days before the authorized end of your stay. If you are coming from a visa-exempt country (you used eTA to enter), you are still required to extend your stay as a visitor if you need to overstay your original authorized length of stay.

A prenuptial agreement is a contract signed before marriage that states how assets will be divided and finances handled in the event of separation or divorce. It is legally binding if signed fairly and with legal advice.

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You must file an extension application before your current permit expires, providing evidence of the reasons for staying longer in the country.

The co-op is a professional internship (work experience while you are still a student), it does not affect your residency nor does it count towards your residency (with very specific exceptions in Quebec). Your benefit is that you gain work experience in the professional area of study, which will benefit you in the future when you graduate to find your first job.