Study Permit Information
International Students in Canada must apply for a Canadian study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in order to study at a post-secondary institution in Canada.
- The official letter of acceptance provided by Southeast College must accompany your application for a study permit to verify you plan on studying at a designated learning institution in Canada. Southeast College is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI Number O145024872092).
- It is strongly recommended that you submit your study permit application at least three months prior to the start of classes to allow adequate time for processing. For more information on the study permit process please visit www.cic.gc.ca.
- Please note that in addition to the letter of acceptance you will have to prove that you have the financial resources to cover the full program tuition and fees as well as living expenses for the duration of your study period. You will also have to verify that you do not have a criminal record, that you do not pose a security risk to Canada, and that you are in good health.
- International Students must apply for their study permit prior to May 15, 2023 for programs starting in September 2023.
Work Permits to Work Off-Campus and Post-Graduation
You and your employer must make sure you can work off campus without a work permit before you start working. If you start working off campus but don’t meet the requirements, you may have to leave Canada.
You can only start working in Canada when your study program has started. You can’t work before you start your studies.
If you’re able to work during your studies, it’ll say so in the conditions on your study permit.
To work in Canada as a student working off-campus
Full-time international students can work off-campus without a work permit:
- up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and
- full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.
To qualify, you must:
- have a valid study permit,
- be a full-time student,
- be enrolled at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level or, in Quebec, a vocational program at the secondary level, and
- be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration.
You must stop working on the day you no longer meet the eligibility requirements listed above (e.g., if you’re no longer a full-time student during an academic session).
Additional Websites for more information regarding study permits and working in Canada as an International Student:
Studying and working in Canada as an international student – Canada.ca