IRCC updates for international students

Updates for the off-campus work hours

The temporary policy that allowed eligible students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus was ended on April 30, 2024. During the regular academic semesters, international students can work up to 20 hours per week, and IRCC intends to change the hours to 24 hours per week in Fall 2024.

Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

Starting from February 29, 2024, Mexican citizens coming to Canada will need to apply for a temporary resident visa to enter Canada. You might be exempt from this requirement if you meet one of the following:

• Hold a valid US non-immigrant visa, or
• Have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 year

Mexican citizens holding a valid study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permits.

Spousal open work permit

Starting from March 19, 2024, only spouses of ECU’s master program students can apply for an open work permit. The new policy does not affect bachelor’s degree students' spouses to apply for an open work permit extension if they meet the following three requirements:

• Have a valid study permit
• Are eligible for the post-graduation work permit
• Are a full-time student at ECU
  

Apply for your PGWP through "flagpoling" ended on June 21, 2024

Started from June 21, 2024, international students can no longer apply for their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) through "flagpoling". Check here for detailed information.