Permits and Visas

You may work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) if you meet all other conditions to work part-time (full-time enrolment, etc.)

On April 22, the Canadian government announced that effective immediately until August 31, 2020, international students are able to work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session if they work in an essential service or function such as health care, supply of food, etc.

To determine if your work falls under an essential service or function, please consult Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada's Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada during the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Yes, you are still required to have a valid study permit throughout your study in order to be eligible for a PGWP even if your courses are delivered online due to COVID-19. Please make sure to apply for an extension if your study permit will expire before you can complete your program.

You may take our online program in your home country without a study permit. However, if you are interested in qualifying for a PGWP, you must have a valid study permit or have been approved for a study permit before starting your program.

IRCC announced that if your courses have moved to online-online format due to COVID-19, you will still be eligible for a PGWP.

If you have a study permit or have been approved for a study permit for a program starting in the spring, summer or fall, but cannot travel to Canada due to travel restrictions, you will still be eligible for a PGWP. If you are in this situation, you can begin your program online and complete up to 50% of your program while outside of Canada if you cannot travel to Canada sooner.

You don't have to give your biometrics until the VAC in your area reopens. IRCC will automatically extend your deadline to give biometrics and your application will not be refused or closed if you are unable to give your biometrics due to COVID-19 closures.

The Canadian government announced that international students who held a valid study permit or had been approved for a study permit before March 18, 2020 will be exempt from the travel exemption therefore will be able to travel to Canada. Like all other travellers entering Canada, international students who are exempt from the travel exemptions will undergo the necessary health checks and have a concrete plan to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Canada.

Since the information is changing rapidly, please make sure to check the IRCC website regularly."

While you may be able to continue your study online in your home country, there are many factors to consider before making the decision to leave Canada. Therefore we highly recommend you connect with our International Student Advisors (ISAs) if you are thinking of returning home. Please write to sage@centennialcollege.ca or book a telephone appointment with an ISA.

This will be considered non-essential travel at this time and since non-essential travels between Canada and the US is currently suspended, you should not go to the US land border for this purpose.