Top 5 things international students need to know about their immigration status.

  1. Stay full-time. Going part-time could result in you having to surrender your Off-Campus Work Permit (OCWP) or losing your eligibility to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Speak with International Relations before considering a switch.
  2. Do not let your study permit expire. If you let your permit expire you are required to go into restoration which requires a fee, written explanation and processing period. During the restoration period you may not study and in some cases a restoration is not granted.
  3. Apply for your Off-Campus Work Permit after 6 months of full-time study. Make sure to check the blog for step-by-step application instructions.
  4. Be cautious about volunteering and unpaid work. In many cases you are not permitted to participate in unpaid work or volunteer activities. Review this web page or speak with International Relations if you are unsure about your volunteer opportunity.
  5. Stay up-to-date. Information changes often and what applied to your friend or a past student may not necessarily work for you. Refer to the CIC website, check the blog, attend visa and permit information sessions, or book an appointment with Lindsay Hillcoat, Associate Director, International Relations (lhillcoat@schulich.yorku.ca) to review your next steps.