Immigration FAQ's

Extending your study permit is an online process completed through IRCC. For a detailed step-by-step guide, visit the Confederation College website. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the IRCC website. 

No, a GIC is not required to extend your study permit. You can demonstrate proof of funds through various options outlined on the IRCC website, such as: 

• Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name. 

• Recent bank statements (last 4 months). 

• Proof of tuition and housing payments. 

• A letter confirming financial support or a scholarship. 

If your country has foreign exchange controls, you must prove you can access sufficient funds. 

As a guideline, you’ll need at least $20,635 CAD, plus tuition for your remaining semesters (usually one year). If you have dependents, this amount increases. For complete details and financial thresholds, visit the IRCC website. 

As of November 8, 2024, IRCC requires post-secondary students to apply for a new study permit if transferring to a new Designated Learning Institution (DLI). 

For more details and guidance, visit the IRCC website. 

International students may start attending the new DLI while their study permit is being processed, provided they meet the following conditions: 

• Have been accepted to a DLI for the Winter/ Spring 2025 semester; 

• Have applied for a new study permit; 

• Have a study permit that remains valid and that doesn’t have the DLI name printed on it, and 

• Meet all their existing study permit conditions. 

Students wishing to transfer to a new DLI in September 2025 or later must have their new study permit approved before starting their new program.    

Some exceptions apply.  For more information, please visit the IRCC website.  

You can only start working in Canada on or after the first day of the semester i.e. when you start your program of study. You cannot start to work before your studies begin. 

You can work off-campus if: 

• You are a full-time student at Confederation College and actively enrolled in your studies. 

• You do not work in any restricted jobs listed on your study permit. 

• Have a Social Insurance number (SIN) 

If you have graduated from one program and are starting a new program, you can work full-time between programs if you meet all the following requirements: 

• You were eligible to work off-campus during your previous studies. 

• You have a valid study permit or applied to extend it before it expires. 

• You received written confirmation from your DLI that you have successfully completed your first program. 

• You have a letter of acceptance for a new full-time program of study at Confederation College. 

• Your new program will begin within 150 calendar days of receiving confirmation that you completed your previous program. 

For more information about working off-campus as an international student, please visit the IRCC website.  

You can’t work off campus without a work permit if any of these situations apply to you: 

• Your study permit says you aren’t authorized to work off campus while you study 

• you’re only enrolled in an English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) program 

• you’re only taking general interest courses 

• you’re only taking courses required to be accepted into a full-time program 

• Your situation changes and you no longer meet all the requirements to work off campus 

If any of these situations apply to you, and you want to work while studying in Canada, you need to apply for a work permit. 

As of November 8, 2024, you are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week during regular school terms/semesters and full-time during a scheduled break without a work permit. You cannot work fewer hours one week and more hours the following week.  The regulation is clear – it is 24 hours per week. For more information, please visit the IRCC website. 

During your full-time studies, you can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week. If you have two off-campus employers, you must divide the 24 hours between them. You cannot work 24 hours per week for each employer; the regulation clearly states 24 hours in total. 
 

You can work on your school campus, without a work permit, if you:  

• have a study permit listing a condition that says you’re allowed to work on- or off-campus.  

• are a full-time post-secondary student at Confederation College.  

• have a valid study permit, and  

• have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).  

There are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work on campus, if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. 

You can learn more about working on campus, via the IRCC Website.  

You can work remotely for an employer outside Canada as long as you still meet the conditions of your study permit. This type of work doesn’t count towards your 24 hours per week off-campus work limit. 

Full-time students can work full-time during regularly scheduled breaks between academic sessions 

However, if your program does not include a scheduled break and you take a break on your own, it is considered a leave from studies. In this case, you are not allowed to work on or off campus during that time. 

The most accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the IRCC website. 

Maintained status (formerly called "implied status") allows you to stay in Canada legally after your permit has expired, as long as you applied for a new permit before your original one expired. While waiting for a decision on your application, you can remain in Canada under the same conditions as your expired permit including being able to work. You can read more about it via the IRCC Website. 

Yes, you can work part-time while waiting for the results of your final semester. However, you must stop working as soon as you receive written confirmation of program completion. 

If you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) while holding a valid study permit, you can start working full-time. 

For more information, visit the IRCC website. 

Once you receive your new permit, you can renew your SIN at your nearest Service Canada location. You can learn more about this via the SIN webpage. 

You can continue to work part-time (24 hours per week)  until you receive your graduation letter. After receiving your graduation notification, you can no longer work unless/until  you apply for your PGWP. You can work full-time once you’ve submitted your PGWP application. 

For more details, visit Confederation College’s PGWP page. For the latest information, please visit the IRCC website. 

As of November 1, 2024, new eligibility criteria apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To qualify, you must: 

• Graduate from a PGWP-eligible program. You can see a full list of eligible programs here. 

• Study full-time for all semesters (part-time only in your final semester). 

• Hold a valid study permit. 

Yes, you can work full-time once you have submitted your application and are waiting for a decision on your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application as long as, at the time of PGWP application:  

• You had a valid study permit. 

• You had successfully completed your program of study. 

• You were eligible to work off campus without a work permit. 

• You did not exceed the allowed number of off-campus work hours. 

Please visit the IRCC website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.  

If you need to prove to an employer that you’re eligible to work while waiting for your PGWP, provide them with a copy of all the required documents listed on the IRCC website.  

Yes! The International Education Centre (IEC) hosts workshops to guide students through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Emails about upcoming workshops are sent to your school email, so be sure to check it for details! 

No, but you must have the following to re-enter: 

• A valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in your passport, or 

• If you're from a TRV-exempt country, a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. 

If you only have a single-entry TRV, you’ll need to apply for a new one before traveling outside Canada. For more information, please visit the IRCC website. 

A valid TRV or eTA allows you to re-enter Canada.  However, to remain legally in Canada, you must have a valid temporary residence status (e.g. study permit, work permit or visitor record). 

Start by printing your Confirmation of Enrolment or graduation letter (if applicable) from your Banner account and getting your latest transcript from the Information Hub. 

For detailed instructions and a template, please visit the Confederation College Website. You can also find more information via the IRCC website.