International student seeking to study part-time and work full-time.

[austindunn]

Hello,

I'm an international student from the US studying at McGill University in Montreal, where I have been for 3 years. I have recently started a job that I would like to continue through the next year, but in order to manage that I would have to take fewer courses (ie study part time). I understand that it is not possible to study part-time on a student visa. Is it possible to get my student visa status changed within the next 3 months so that I can continue working and switch to studying part time? Thanks!

 

[scylla]

No - not possible.

If you want to work full time before you complete your studies, your employer will have to obtain an approved LMIA and then you'll have to apply for a closed work permit. A closed work permit does not allow you to work part time towards a degree.

 

[Pures Toro]

Dear Friend,

The Canadian study permit has a clause that allows a student to work 20 to 24 hours maximum in a week. If you violate that clause and caught you can be deported. There is no provision in CIC to switch to part time studies and full time work. So the only way to do it is work illegally, which is not advised at all for international students.

Its your call.

 

[scylla]

Dear Friend,

The Canadian study permit has a clause that allows a student to work 20 to 24 hours maximum in a week. If you violate that clause and caught you can be deported. There is no provision in CIC to switch to part time studies and full time work. So the only way to do it is work illegally, which is not advised at all for international students.

Its your call.

It's 20 hours a week. Anything over 20 hours is illegal work.

 

[austindunn]

There are really no options for me whatsoever? Could I apply for permanent resident status?

 

[scylla]

Do you qualify to apply for permanent residency? Have you researched the requirements?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/apply.asp

You need a minimum of one year of full time work experience to qualify - and you cannot count any of the work experience gained while in Canada as a student.

Again, you can go the closed work permit route. However this will take convincing your employer to obtain an approved LMIA (long and expensive process with no guarantee of approval) - and you also would not be able to continue your studies once the work permit is approved and you start working full time.

Otherwise you really don't have any options.

 

[Pures Toro]

Dear Friend,

Applying for PR is a way out, but its a lengthy process which may take a lot of time, which you do not have. Have you considered taking a break for the semester, you can work full time when on a scheduled/approved break. That's the easiest way out of this predicament.

It's 20 hours a week. Anything over 20 hours is illegal work.

I agree according to the guidelines you are allowed only 20 hours. But in practical life they exempt up to 24 hours once or twice on your off campus. It should not be reoccurring.

 

[dental15]

Hello,

I'm an international student from the US studying at McGill University in Montreal, where I have been for 3 years. I have recently started a job that I would like to continue through the next year, but in order to manage that I would have to take fewer courses (ie study part time). I understand that it is not possible to study part-time on a student visa. Is it possible to get my student visa status changed within the next 3 months so that I can continue working and switch to studying part time? Thanks!

It's impossible. However, there is another way. You must have a valid LMIA from your employer + You must have a valid study permit as you take a full time course. This case, it will work. Many international students doing it like full time work and full time study. Totally, you will get two permit which is closed work permit with lmia and study permit. Good luck