Canadian international students may find that their study permit does not explicitly state that they “may work” or “accept employment”. If this is the case, the student will be required to amend their study permit before they can work in Canada. This process involves applying for an Amendment to the Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Temporary Resident Document, and the code for this form is IMM 1436.
It is important to note that permit amendments can only be requested if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes a mistake on a document, so changes sought by a temporary resident cannot be addressed by asking for a permit amendment if the permit is correct.
To be eligible for an amendment on their study permit with work authorization, an international student must have been eligible to work in Canada at the time their study permit was issued and have a study permit missing the correct conditions or remarks related to work.
Applicants should apply as soon as possible because a student cannot work in Canada if their permit doesn’t have the right conditions, and they will not be able to receive a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
The application process for a study permit amendment requires gathering several documents, including a document checklist, and ensuring they are mailed to IRCC. Applicants must also fill out the latest Request to Amend the Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents [IMM 1436] form, print it, complete and hand-sign it before mailing to IRCC.
The application should be mailed through a trackable service to the Operations Support Centre in Ottawa and, if approved, students will receive their new permit in the mail.
It is important to carefully review the new permit to ensure it now includes language specifically stating that they “may accept employment” or “may work” and to save and store a digital copy in a safe and accessible place. Overall, the process is free of charge and applicants are advised to review expected processing times on IRCC’s website.
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