Off-Campus Work Permit Program

Eligible international students attending McMaster University can apply to participate in the Off-Campus Work Permit Program while completing their studies. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for international students to acquire experience in the Canadian labour market while attending school.

To work off-campus, eligible students must apply for an off-campus work permit. Once in possession of an off-campus work permit, students are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during the regular academic year (September April) and full-time (winter/summer holidays, reading week etc). Students who wish to work as volunteers do not need to apply for a work permit unless the volunteering job is normally performed by paid employees.

To apply for an off-campus work permit, students must first obtain another document. It is called "Eligibility Verification". As of February 3, 2009, international students can only request this document online at their own "MyCIC" account on CIC's website. Students must first create a "personal profile" and then proceed to request an "Eligibility Verification". Students will be notified by an e-mail from CIC saying "You have a new message in your MyCIC account". Students then should re-login to their "MyCIC" account to check whether they are eligible and get their Eligibility Verification Number (EVN). Once in possession of an EVN, students have the choice of applying for an off-campus work permit online or by mail.

 

 

Who Can Apply

As an International Student, you are considered eligible for an Off-Campus Work Permit if you:

  • possess a valid study permit;
  • have maintained a satisfactory academic standing;
  • have studied at McMaster full-time for at least six months out of the 12 months preceding their application;
  • have received an Electronic Verification Number from CIC;
  • continue to fulfill the terms and conditions of your study permit and work permit, as applicable; and
  • continue to meet the eligibility requirements while participating in the program. In other words, be in good academic standing and not a part-time student.

 

How to apply for an Eligibility Verification

  • Login to "MyCIC" on CIC's website
  • Create a personal profile with a secret password
  • Respond to the questions on the screen
  • CIC will send you an e-mail informing you that there is a notification on your "MYCIC" account. If eligible, CIC will also provide an Eligibility Verification Number (EVN)
  • Use the Eligibility Verification Number (EVN) to apply for your Off-Campus Work Permit online or by mail.

 

How to apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit

After being contacted by e-mail with an EVN, there are two options to apply for an off-campus work permit:

1.      Re-login to "MyCIC" account on the CIC's website and apply for an off-campus work permit online, using the Eligibility Verification Number provided in your "MyCIC" account. To use the online interface, you will need to have ALL documents on the "Document Checklist" scanned in one of the acceptable formats (PDF, TIFF, JPG or doc) and upload the files online. Only ONE file will be allowed per document type. For example, if you are required to provide 5 (five) pages of your passport, you must scan all 5(five) pages as ONE file. The maximum file size for each file is 1 MG (one Megabyte). If you experience technical difficulties using this online application, e-mail Webmaster-CICNet@cic.gc.ca. Please note that the online method is faster than the mailing method (Option 2).

McMasters Mills Library has many scanners available to students.

OR

2.      Download an Application Package which includes an instruction guide and a Document Checklist and mail the off-campus work permit application to the following address:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Case Processing Centre Vegreville
6212-55th Avenue, Unit 203
Vegreville, Alberta
T9C 1X6

This application package includes the following items:

 

Where to send an Off-Campus Work Permit Application

*IMPORTANT*: Please note that the following address is ONLY for submission of this type of permit:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Case Processing Centre Vegreville
6212-55th Avenue, Unit 203
Vegreville, Alberta
T9C 1X6

How to Find a Job

To find a job, you should explore the resources that are available to you both on campus and in the surrounding community. Some of these resources include McMaster Career Services (Gilmour Hall 110), local newspapers, and online job search boards.

OSCAR - Career services provides the OSCAR website that has a number of full-time and part-time jobs throughout the school year and summer.

Job Fairs There are a number of job fairs on- and off-campus throughout the year, so you should check the Career Services website, as well as your McMaster email account, to ensure you know when and where these fairs will take place.

Newspapers Newspapers are a great place to look because they often have a classified section that has local job postings updated regularly.

Online Looking online is fast and easy. Companies often post jobs on their websites and you can easily apply by clicking on a link and submitting your resume. You can also check online work sites such as workopolis.com, where new positions are frequently added.  


What to do after finding a job?

You can look for jobs before receiving an off-campus work permit, but you can only start working after receiving an off-campus work permit.  The off-campus work permit will be valid for the same period as study permits.  After finding a job and receiving an off-campus work permit, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.).


How to Apply for a Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.)

To apply for a Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.), you will either have to download an application form from the Service Canada, or visit one of the local offices located at 2255 Barton Street East, or 1550 Upper James Street, both in Hamilton, Ontario.

 
Termination

If after being issued an off-campus work permit, you become ineligible, you must:

 Inform the employer that you are no longer authorized to work
 Surrender your work permit to CIC


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Am I eligible for the program?
A: You are eligible for the program only if you meet the following criteria:

  • You must have a valid study permit;
  • You must have studied full-time at McMaster University for at least six months out of the 12 months before you apply
  • You must maintain satisfactory academic standing (at McMaster, our records must show that you are allowed to continue and that there is nothing preventing you from registering);
  • You must be enrolled in an academic program of study; and
  • You must comply with the conditions of your study permit and your work permit, if applicable.


*Note: If you fail to comply with the conditions of your study permit, you will be found to be in non-compliance and will not be able to re-apply for the program.

Q: Does a work permit guarantee a job position?
A: No. A work permit does not guarantee a job position. It is your responsibility to find a job.  International students should attend one of the several workshops offered by McMaster's Career Services , or talk to a Career Services counselor. This is the place where you can learn how to write resumes, how to behave during job interviews and how to capitalize on transferrable skills.


Q: How do I know whether I am eligible to apply for an off-campus work permit?
A: Provided that there are no irregularities with your academic status, you will see a notification when you log in to "MyCIC" account and obtain your Eligibility Verification Number with instructions on how to proceed to apply for your off-campus work permit.  In the meantime, decide whether you will submit your application online or by mail. Remember that mailing it may result in processing delays. If sending it by mail, you will need to print your "Eligibility Verification" and attach it to your complete off-campus work permit application.


Q: If I receive an off-campus work permit, how long is it valid for?
A: Your off-campus work permit, like any other document issued by CIC, has an expiry date. Normally, it is the same as your study permit's expiry date.


Q: Is there a fee to apply for the work permit?
A: Yes. The fee is $150. You can pay on line at https://services3.cic.gc.ca/epayweb/Welcome.do?&lang=en
If you cannot, or if you do not wish to pay online, you must obtain an "original receipt" form (IMM 5401) in order to pay at a financial institution. This form is not available on CIC's website because you must use an "original receipt" form, with a unique serial number. You may order an original receipt by mail, or pick it up at CIC's office at 55 Bay Street North.

Q: Once I apply for the work permit, how long will it take for my application to be processed?
A: Generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks. To check your application status, please visit: http://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/ECAS.jsp


Q: Can I apply for a job off-campus right away, or do I have to wait until I receive my work permit?
A: You can apply for a job right away, but you cannot legally work off-campus until you receive a work permit. If you begin to work off-campus before you receive your off-campus work permit, you could lose your eligibility to participate in the Off-Campus Work Permit Program.

Q: Are there any restrictions on where I can work, or on the type of job that I can apply for?
A: If approved, you will receive an open work permit from CIC.  An open work permit allows you to work anywhere in Canada as long as you remain a full-time student in satisfactory academic standing while classes are in session and you comply with the conditions of your work permit.

In some cases, there may be restrictions on the type of job you can hold. For example, you may be required to undergo a medical examination for some occupations. If you have questions, contact the CIC Call Centre at:

1 888 242 2100.


Q: Are there any restrictions on how many hours I can work once I receive my off-campus work permit?
A: Once you receive your off-campus work permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during an academic term. You can work full-time during scheduled breaks, including spring-summer or winter holidays and reading weeks.


Q: If I have a work permit for a co-op program, do I also need to apply for an off-campus work-permit in addition to the one I have?
A: Yes, you have to apply for an off-campus work permit because it is a work permit ONLY for the Off-Campus Work Permit Program. Please see Co-op and Internship for more information. 


Q: I am considering studying at a Canadian university or college. Can I apply for a work permit at the same time as I apply for my study permit?

A: No, you cannot apply for a study permit and a work permit at the same time under the Off-Campus Work Permit Program. In order to qualify for the program, you must already hold a valid study permit and have been a full-time student at a participating institution for at least six months out of the last 12 months before you apply.


Q: What do I have to do if I am asked to surrender my Work Permit?
A: You must voluntarily surrender your work permit to the nearest local CIC office, either in-person or by mail, if you have become ineligible to the program requirements (e.g., you are no longer studying full-time, or you ceased to maintain satisfactory academic standing).  Call 1-888-242-2100 to find out where the nearest local CIC office is located.  You will need to attach a note to your work permit, explaining the reason for surrendering it.  This will allow CIC to accurately record your compliance.


Q: Why is it good that I comply with the regulation?
A: Being ineligible and surrendering your work permit does not mean you will never be eligible again.  By complying with the regulation, you are actually making yourself eligible to reapply when you meet the requirements again. If you DO NOT comply to the regulation, you may never be eligible to participate in the off-campus program again.  Non-compliance may also result in difficulty to obtain permanent residency (if you ever apply) or other work permits in the future, andlaw enforcement action may also be taken by CIC.


Q: When can I re-apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit?
A: You can reapply after at least 6 months counted from the time you have surrendered your work permit, provided that you have once again been a full-time student for at least six months out of the twelve months preceding your new application.



Q: What do I do once I find a job?  
A: Ensure that your work permit is valid and apply for a Social Insurance Number. Please keep in mind it may take a while to receive your permit so it is important to plan accordingly. Don't forget that it is illegal to work in Canada without a work permit and that such practice will jeopardize your file with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  


Q: How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.)?  
A: You can apply for a SIN card by picking up the application form at any post office or by downloading it here, or visit one of the local offices located at 2255 Barton Street East, or 1550 Upper James Street, both in Hamilton, Ontario.


Q: What do I have to include in my Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.) application?
A: Complete the application form, and enclose your original document(s) and fee payment (if required).


Q: Is there an application fee for Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.)?
A: Application fee is conditional. For instance, there is no application fee to apply for a first-time social insurance number. For a replacement of SIN card, there is a $10 fee. For more information, please see the Service Canada website.


Useful tips

  • The following tips may help to ensure that the Case Processing Centre (CPC) receives your completed application quickly.
  • Choose the online method to avoid processing delays.
  • If you prefer to mail your application, mail it to CIC use a method that will provide you with a confirmation of receipt, such as Express Post, available through Canada Post.
  • Advise CIC as soon as possible about changes to your personal information (e.g., phone number, address etc.). Follow this link.
  • Be sure that your application contains all of the necessary information and documents (refer to the Document Checklist).
  • If your application is currently in process, check its status by using the e-client Application Status.


Useful websites: