Students allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during school year, and full-time during breaks, under two-year pilot project
Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions have signed agreements with the province to implement a two-year pilot program that will let international students work off campus.
Diane McGifford, the province’s Advanced Education and Training Minister, said the program will benefit students and the province alike.
“Students will acquire Canadian work experience and develop closer ties to the communities in which they study,” said McGifford. “The province and post-secondary institutions will share the benefits of being more attractive to international students. The rich their experiences in Manitoba, the more international students become ambassadors of all our province has to offer.”
The program is a joint initiative with the federal government designed to help make Canadian educational institutions “destinations of choice” for international students.
Under existing rules, international students can only work on campus at the post-secondary institution they attend. The Manitoba pilot project will let full-time international students apply for an open work permit after completing one year of study at a public college or university. The permit will allow them to work off campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week during the regular academic session and full-time in summer and winter vacation periods.
An advisory committee with federal, provincial and institutional representation will manage the pilot and provide ongoing evaluation over the next two years.
Diane McGifford, the province’s Advanced Education and Training Minister, said the program will benefit students and the province alike.
“Students will acquire Canadian work experience and develop closer ties to the communities in which they study,” said McGifford. “The province and post-secondary institutions will share the benefits of being more attractive to international students. The rich their experiences in Manitoba, the more international students become ambassadors of all our province has to offer.”
The program is a joint initiative with the federal government designed to help make Canadian educational institutions “destinations of choice” for international students.
Under existing rules, international students can only work on campus at the post-secondary institution they attend. The Manitoba pilot project will let full-time international students apply for an open work permit after completing one year of study at a public college or university. The permit will allow them to work off campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week during the regular academic session and full-time in summer and winter vacation periods.
An advisory committee with federal, provincial and institutional representation will manage the pilot and provide ongoing evaluation over the next two years.
