Student guide for work permit applications in Canada.

Presently after several changes in the year 2008 a student studying in Canada can apply for work permit for a longer period of time.

A work Visa is a pass required for able to get a job under a vacancy announcement by the Canadian employers and also from the CIC website. If you are a student studying and want to overcome your expenditures by working there in Canada then applying for work permit is very easy for you. This article is based on details on how to apply for work permit in Canada while studying, its application and also its process.

A work permit is a printed approval to work in Canada issued by an officer to a person who is not a Canadian citizen or stable occupant of Canada. This endorsement is obligatory regardless of whether the employer is placed in Canada or not. It is usually valid for a particular job and for a limited period of time. A work permit may be issued based on an opinion on the labor market (confirmation of the Job Service Canada) or other requirements.

To be able to apply for work permit the student or applicant should consider choosing any of the following three categories.

I: Off Campus work permit program:

You should have a valid study permit under this program. You are required to have taken full time of mandatory study period for a specific class. Also you may have applied for a work permit of a participating institution. You are not eligible if you fail to meet all these categories.

II: Co-op work program:

This is like internship program. Work experience is a mandatory component of some programs of study, such as co-op programs and internships.

In these cases, an open work permit can be issued with reference to the institution as employer. In cases where multiple shifts are required throughout the program, the work permit can be issued for the same period as the study permit.

III: Post-graduation work employment program:

The Program for post-graduate work is designed to provide graduate students with Canadian work experience. Students can work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.

First of all it is necessary which kind of documents are required to continue under the above said program. According to CIC website following documents are necessary to be fillable for applying this program.

1: Document Checklist.

This is a checklist document. In this form you are required to fill all the necessary attachments and then tick them on the form. The form asks you to attach your application for a work permit as detailed on this form. In this form there are spaces for all the above categories. So you are requested to only fill your specific category like for “Off Campus work permit” program fill only the requirement spaces under this heading and leave the else. You may also put a cross in the check box if any detail or document in not required.

Similarly the form asks you to attach necessary photo copies required by the CIC department and that is also mentioned on the leaflet. Further is you have completed optional use of a representative form you may also attach it with your application. After filling this form do check that you have filled it with full confidence and with best of your knowledge. Because if you have mistakenly ticked any other check box and have forgotten to attach it with your application, then your application in susceptible to be rejected owing to a significant deficiency.

2: Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada.

This for is generally used to apply for more than one services which are as follows.

A: If you want to extend you temporary stay in Canada.

B: You are asking for your initial study permit or you may wish to extend your study period.

C: You seek an initial work permit or extension in current temporary work Visa.

D: You want to restore you status as a temporary resident, student such as visitor or student or worker.

E: Another temporary resident permit with two passport size Photos.

You will fist tick any of the above five categories but you may not apply as for more than one in a single form as it is only for one person obviously. Fill in your name and other credentials with confidence. Then in the end put your original signature as a confirmation of your consent with details you provided.

3: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law - Allowance for the survivor.

This form lies under the group of Canada Pension Plan. You are only required to fill this form unless you are declaring a start of common law or ending it. Complete this form to make an official statement as to the dates when your common-law began or ended the two (if applicable). You would be declaring whether you are in relation with any person of not. Thus this is for only sponsorship and if you are sponsoring any one from outside. This form is under the act of immigration and refugee protection act of Canada. It is good for any refugee who seek asylum in Canada and further work permit to make living.

4: Use of a Representative:

As you know there is no need to hire any representative in case of immigration to Canada. But if you think any of such could help you then this form is to provide all the credentials regarding any representative you use.

Generally a representative is one who has provided you initial information for applying any kind of immigration to Canada. Also in some cases a representative may conduct your business on your behalf. This is strictly under the direction of CIC and CBSA. Additionally, only one representative is allowed per applicant.

In this form there is option for both, if you are appointing a representative or cancelling the appointment of the representative. Further complete the form filling in your info and respective section for any category you have chosen and leave the irrelevant as it is.

5: Received from fees payment methods:

Next comes how you will pay for the fees for these forms. There are two methods as follows.

A: Payment of fees through the Internet:

If you have a reader PDF, a printer and a card Visa, MasterCard or American Express, you can provide Payment of fees at a financial institution in Canada

B: Payment of fees at a financial institution in Canada:

If you cannot or do not want to use the Internet, you must obtain an original receipt (IMM 5401) in order to pay your fees to a financial institution. You cannot get this form online, because only an original receipt which is given a serial number can be used. You can order an original receipt by mail online.

This application must be submitted by students who are already in Canada and who wish to apply for a work permit in one or more of the above said categories (In Roman).

You essentially put on for work permits within 90 days later the issue date of your concluding record or written authorization of graduation, either comes first issued, designating that you have met the necessities of your program. Your study certification must be valid at the time of proposal of your request for work license.

If you are a full-time student attending a university or college, you do not need a work permit if the employment offered is on the campus of the college or university where you are registered on time full, as long as the study permit is valid.

Processing Centre in Vegreville handles most applications it receives, but a few are sent to a local office for clarification. If your request is sent to a local office, an officer of this office will contact you to obtain additional information or clarification. The local office may take up to three months to contact you.

Citizens of the United States do not need a passport or travel document to enter or return to Canada. Permanent residents of the United States do not require passports or travel documents if they are entering or returning to Canada from the United States or Saint Pierre and Miquelon. However, they must provide documentary proof of citizenship or permanent residency, such as a national identity card or a certificate of registration of aliens (green card).

A social insurance card is required to work in Canada. You must obtain a Social Insurance Number from Service Canada. To work on campus, you must submit a valid study permit and a job offer, to work off campus; you must present your driver's off-campus work because Service Canada will require proof that you have the right to work in Canada. It is recommended to apply for the card in person and to provide three weeks of treatment.

Certain medical examination is required under each field you are attempting to apply for a job in Canada and is a mandatory measure.

All the forms are self-explanatory, instructions are provided when necessary. You can attach a separate sheet if the space provided on the forms are insufficient, taking care to place the letter or number of the question you are answering. Your application may be returned or refused if it is not properly completed or if all required documents were not provided. Fill the screen or print clearly in block letters with black or blue ink.

After sending your request, no further action is required unless otherwise noted. The failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the work permit or study or the requirements of the Act, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its regulations can result in the taking of a enforcement action by the Border Services Agency of Canada and have a negative effect on applications that you may have later under the Immigration Act and the protection of refugees. Also if you move before your application has been processed, you must give us your new address by contacting the Call Centre.

Source (CIC).