Scheduled Break

[lferfga]

If I apply for coop work permit now, can I start work while waiting for the result?

Does your program have a co-op/internship requirement? If not, you won't be able to get the letter for the work permit.

It's hard to give you advice about whether summer is a scheduled break or not because it's really up to your department. My situation is very similar to yours (MEng at UofT, by the way), and it's not considered a scheduled break. Other than that, we can't really tell you it's one way or the other, unfortunately.

 

[sector18]

Does your program have a co-op/internship requirement? If not, you won't be able to get the letter for the work permit.

It's hard to give you advice about whether summer is a scheduled break or not because it's really up to your department. My situation is very similar to yours (MEng at UofT, by the way), and it's not considered a scheduled break. Other than that, we can't really tell you it's one way or the other, unfortunately.

Thank you so much for your reply!
It is pretty tricky, Co-op/internship is not required for our program. But we have the option to enroll in the Co-op program. And our program is course-based.
BTW, is your program 1-year program? Is the summer registration mandatory? As I know for Ph.D programs and most research-based graduate programs offered at UofT require students to register annually on a full-time basis until all degree requirements have been completed, is this for your case?

 

[lferfga]

Thank you so much for your reply!
It is pretty tricky, Co-op/internship is not required for our program. But we have the option to enroll in the Co-op program. And our program is course-based.
BTW, is your program 1-year program? Is the summer registration mandatory? As I know for Ph.D programs and most research-based graduate programs offered at UofT require students to register annually on a full-time basis until all degree requirements have been completed, is this for your case?

Mine is a two year program. They have a 1 year option and a 2 year option for the same program and both of them are full time, so I went with the longer one.
Summer is not mandatory, but it's also not considered a scheduled break. So I'm staying full time to be safe since I would not be considered a full time student over the summer if I didn't take any classes.

 

[sector18]

Mine is a two year program. They have a 1 year option and a 2 year option for the same program and both of them are full time, so I went with the longer one.
Summer is not mandatory, but it's also not considered a scheduled break. So I'm staying full time to be safe since I would not be considered a full time student over the summer if I didn't take any classes.

Thank you for the information!

 

[selvakk]

I tried to link the T2202A table with the definition of a scheduled break. I got three different T2202A tables from my friends.


Thank you so much for your information! However, I cannot find such a calendar showing summer is a scheduled break for both graduates and undergraduates (The undergraduates definitely have the scheduled break based on the email from the international student advisor) OTZ.

I do find that on the official pages of some university officially states that summer is a scheduled break for undergraduates and for graduates everything depends on their department. However, my university even did not explicitly states scheduled break exists for undergraduates.

I guess if the University is not clear and your department is of no help then it would be better to stay on the safe side and just work part time.

Perhaps look at taking a bit of the course load in the summer do that you have less work in the following semester.

You could learn a second language or start doing a online course that will help your career. You need to make the most of your time.

 

[sector18]

I just got a clear answer from the co-op coordinator in our program. He confirmed that the summer is a break and international student could work full-time. Thank you for everyone's reply and opinion!

 

[lferfga]

Good for you, I wish my school also had the same policy

 

[canuck78]

Generally if your program doesn't have mandatory classes during the summer it is a scheduled break. For a 2 year masters I imagine you would finish a semester early if you took full-time classes during the summer.

 

[sector18]

Good for you, I wish my school also had the same policy

Thanks. BTW, is that possible for you to participant in an co-op program?

 

[sector18]

Generally if your program doesn't have mandatory classes during the summer it is a scheduled break. For a 2 year masters I imagine you would finish a semester early if you took full-time classes during the summer.

 

[sector18]

Generally if your program doesn't have mandatory classes during the summer it is a scheduled break. For a 2 year masters I imagine you would finish a semester early if you took full-time classes during the summer.

Sounds like there exist multiple definitions for the scheduled break. The definition found on the UBC website is "This definition is for immigration purposes to denote students who are not required to be enrolled during program breaks. Students are considered to be ‘actively pursuing studies’ while on a scheduled break." But I like your definition!

 

[canuck78]

Sounds like there exist multiple definitions for the scheduled break. The definition found on the UBC website is "This definition is for immigration purposes to denote students who are not required to be enrolled during program breaks. Students are considered to be ‘actively pursuing studies’ while on a scheduled break." But I like your definition!

Harder too define because students now start in winter and summer semester.

 

[sector18]

Harder too define because students now start in winter and summer semester.

That is so true! The intensive programs, research programs, and Ph.D.programs also work in a different way than a regular course-based master program. So, I am so curious about how CIC notice if a student qualifies for a scheduled break.

 

[canuck78]

That is so true! The intensive programs, research programs, and Ph.D.programs also work in a different way than a regular course-based master program. So, I am so curious about how CIC notice if a student qualifies for a scheduled break.

There is likely more flexibility with the more advanced degrees for thesis and research time. CIC is less concerned with the advanced degrees in my opinion as long as you graduate within a reasonable amount of time and don't break the rules like working full-time while studying.

 

[sector18]

There is likely more flexibility with the more advanced degrees for thesis and research time. CIC is less concerned with the advanced degrees in my opinion as long as you graduate within a reasonable amount of time and don't break the rules like working full-time while studying.

They always work like a black box and you never know how they works.