Studying & Working in Canada

Study Permit Extension

Application processing times for Citizenship and Immigration Canada vary greatly. As a result, it is recommended that students check the following website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp to determine how soon to apply for a study permit extension. If you have not received approval for a permit extension by the time your current permit expires you should not have any problems as long as the application for the extension was sent before it expired.

Note: Students should ensure that their passport is valid until the end of their study period. If you need to obtain a new passport, it is recommended you begin this process 4 - 6 months before your passport expires.

To apply for a Study Permit extension, you have the option of completing the entire process online and submitting your application electronically, or you may download and print out an application kit and apply by mail.

To find out which documents you need, make sure to read the Guide and Document Checklist from the Application Kit which can be found online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-student.asp

To apply by mail:

Step 1: Print off and complete a study permit extension application  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-student.asp

Step 2: Pick-up an IMM5401 form from the International Centre OR order it from the Immigration Canada Call Centre (1-888-242-2100). Take the IMM5401 form to the bank when you pay the $125 application fee. (It is recommended that at least $1,000 is showing in your bank account.)

Step 3: Get your transcripts (record of your marks/grades) from the current semester and the previous semester if applicable. To get a copy of your transcripts, fill out a Transcript Request Form at the Office of the Registrar or request one online  link:

Step 4: Request a letter of attendance from the International Centre - clich here.

Step 5: Send all documents, including your original letter of acceptance, letter of attendance, IMM5401 form and a photocopy of each of the following: passport, current study permit, proof of funds (bank statement) and transcripts to the following address:

Citizenship & Immigration - Study Permit

Case Processing Centre - Unit 101 Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T9C 1X5

IMPORTANT:

It is recommended that you make photocopies of your application along with all of the documentation that you will be sending, to keep for your own records for future reference.

When mailing your application form to the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Vegreville, Alberta, it is recommended that you use a registered mail service to ensure that you have confirmation that CPC has received your application, and to have a record that the application was sent.

To apply online:

Step 1: Create an E-Pass and log in to MyCIC at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp . Through the MyCIC, you will have the option to apply for an extension of your Study Permit.

Step 2: Pay your Application Fee: You can pay your application fee online with a credit card or at a Canadian financial institution with a Fees Receipt Form which is available at the International Centre or can be ordered online http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-student.asp. If you pay the fee at a financial institution, you will need to input the receipt number, found on the top right corner of the receipt, a letter followed by a number. The letter must be upper case. You will also be asked to scan the receipt (scan receipt copy 2, both sides) and attach it to the online application.

*Note: Call Centre hours: Monday – Friday (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Before you contact the Call Centre, speak with someone at Sheridan’s International Centre for hints about calling Canadian Immigration.

Outside of Canada

If you are planning to travel outside of Canada be aware of the expiry date of your entry visa and current study permit. Once you have submitted an application to Canadian Immigration for a permit extension, it is recommended that you do not leave Canada prior to approval of the new permit as you may have difficulty re-entering Canada.

On-Campus Employment

International students who are registered full-time may work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week on-campus without a work permit. Students can check for part-time jobs currently available at the Career Centre. To begin on-campus employment you will need a SIN card.

Visit the Career Centre:

• Trafalgar Road Campus: Room D103
• Davis Campus: Room B219

Getting a SIN Card

You need a letter from an employer. The letter must include:

• An offer of employment to the student
• Clearly stated acceptance of position by the student
• Name of the supervisor and the student
• Date the student begins work
• Signatures from the employer and the student

2. Take your letter offering employment; your passport and your study permit to HRDC (Human Resources Development Canada) office.

Upon completion of the necessary paperwork and providing your application is approved, a temporary SIN card is mailed to you from the Human Resources office. You will need your temporary SIN number (which is on your SIN card) to fill out your employment forms.
*If you have any further questions, contact the International Centre at your campus.

Co-op Employment

Cooperative education provides students with the opportunity to alternate academic semesters with paid work terms. Upon graduation you will receive a co-op designation on your diploma and will have accumulated related work experience prior to graduation. With over 20 co-op programs, Sheridan provides you with the skills and experience you need to get a head start on your career as well as gain valuable Canadian work experience. For this type of work permit, Sheridan will be listed as the employer and the expiry date should match the expiry of the study permit.

International students need a work permit in order to participate in a co-op work term. It Is important for you to apply for a co-op work permit six to eight weeks before your co-op work term is to begin. A work permit will only be issued if the work is integral to the completion of the program.

Co-op Work Permits

These are the six steps involved in getting a work permit for a co-op work term:

Step 1: An International Student Coordinator needs to confirm with the Co-op department that the student has been approved for a co-op work placement.

Step 2: The student needs a letter of attendance from an International Student Coordinator.

Step 3: The student completes the application for a work permit.
For the guide, document checklist and application form, go to the Citizenship and Immigration website http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work-students.asp to: “Applying for a Work Permit– Student Guide” located under Temporary Residence applications and download the following forms:

• Guide (IMM 5553)
• Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada (IMM 1249)
• Document Checklist [IMM 5583]

Note: There is no application fee for a co-op education work permit.

Mailing Address:

Citizenship and Immigration - Work Permit
Case Processing Centre - Unit 555
Vegreville, AB
T9C 1X6

Step 4: Once you have your work permit (for co-op purposes), you need an offer letter of employment from an employer.

Step 5: Take your passport and study permit to HRDC (for information on HRDC locations, visit the International Centre on your campus).

Step 6: HRDC will issue you a temporary SIN.

If you have any further questions, please contact the International Centre or the Career Centre on your campus.

Post Graduation Employment

If you want to work in Canada after you graduate from your program, you must apply for a post-graduation work permit. A work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program is valid for the same length of your program to a maximum of three years.

For the guide, document checklist and application form, go to the Citizenship and Immigration Website http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work-students.asp to: “Applying for a Work Permit– Student Guide” located under Temporary Residence applications and download the following forms:

• Guide (IMM 5580)
• Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada (IMM 1249)
• Document Checklist [IMM 5583]

You can pay the processing fee online or with a fee receipt form (available at the International Centre), at any bank.

Mailing Address:

Citizenship and Immigration - Work Permit

Case Processing Centre - Unit 555

6212-55th Avenue

Vegreville, AB

T9C 1X6

Note: Applicants need to apply for a work permit within 90 days of completing their program.

For more information, visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp