Maple News reports: International students in Canada may occasionally discover that their study permit does not properly reflect their eligibility to work, even if they meet all the requirements. This oversight can prevent students from legally working in Canada and obtaining necessary documents like a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
If your study permit is missing work-related conditions or mistakenly includes restrictions against employment, you’re allowed to request an official amendment from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This request must be submitted using the IMM 1436 form, known as the Application to Amend Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents.
It’s important to note that such amendments are only granted when the mistake was made by IRCC. This means students cannot request changes based on personal preferences or future eligibility. You must have been eligible to work in Canada at the time the permit was issued in order to request a correction.
For instance, let’s say you were enrolled in a full-time designated learning institution (DLI) and met all the work eligibility conditions but your study permit lacks phrases like “may work” or “may accept employment.” Alternatively, it may incorrectly state that you are not authorized to work. In such cases, you should seek an official amendment through the appropriate IRCC channels.
Acting swiftly is essential. Without a correctly worded study permit, you cannot begin employment or obtain a SIN, which is required for any lawful work. There is no fee to apply for an amendment, but processing times can vary. Students are encouraged to monitor IRCC’s official page for updates on application wait times.
This situation can be stressful for students who plan to support themselves through part-time work or wish to gain Canadian work experience during their studies. Maple News advises international students to check their permits immediately upon arrival or issuance and resolve any discrepancies as soon as they’re noticed.
To avoid processing delays, ensure all supporting documents, including your original study permit and proof of eligibility to work, are submitted with your amendment application. Successfully amended documents will include the appropriate remarks confirming your right to work on or off-campus, in alignment with Canadian immigration regulations.
Maple News continues to bring clarity to immigration procedures so students can navigate their Canadian journey with confidence.