Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Updates to International Student Programs

No, if you already have a study permit or are applying for a study permit extension, you do not need a PAL.

Yes, all full-time academic programs offered to international students across all RRC Polytech campuses qualify for a PGWP. The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of your program. For specific eligibility criteria and duration details, please refer to the IRCC website.

If you applied before March 19, 2024: Your spouse or common-law partner may still be eligible for an open work permit if you were enrolled in any program level (certificate, diploma, post-graduate diploma). However, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

Important Update (March 19, 2024): Effective March 19, 2024, spouses and common-law partners of international students enrolled in certificate, diploma, and post-graduate diploma programs are no longer eligible for open work permits. Learn more about the latest updates on spousal open work permit criteria.

a. If your spouse or common-law partner holds an open work permit and you are enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program, they may qualify to extend their work permit. Please review the specific eligibility criteria for an open work permit extension.

International students may be eligible to work in Canada while studying if the study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus. You must also meet all the other requirements. You can start working in Canada only when you start your academic program. You cannot work before your studies begin. During regular school terms/semesters, you can work up to 20 hours per week. During scheduled breaks in the school year such as winter and summer holidays, or a fall or spring reading week, you can work fulltime. You must be a full-time student both before and after the break to work full-time.

Intensive English for International Students is a language program and is not eligible for off-campus work.

If you have a valid Letter of Acceptance and have not applied for a study permit, you will need a valid PAL to apply for your study permit. RRC Polytech will request the PAL on behalf of eligible students from the Province of Manitoba. Qualified students will receive the PAL directly from the College. If you are an accepted student for future intakes and have not received your PAL, you may send your inquiry to international@rrc.ca.

You do not require a PAL if you are already in Canada with a valid study permit. Additionally, international high school students in Canada transitioning to RRC Polytech do not require a PAL.

Yes, the Province of Manitoba has begun to issue PALs for RRC Polytech’s fall 2024 students. RRC Polytech will request the PAL on behalf of eligible students from the Province of Manitoba. Qualified students will receive the PAL directly from the College. To request your PAL, please email international@rrc.ca.

International students do not need to submit a separate application for their PAL. Once you have received your Letter of Acceptance from RRC Polytech and if you do not have a study permit, RRC Polytech will request the PAL on behalf of eligible students from the Province of Manitoba. Qualified students will receive the PAL directly from the College. To request your letter, please email international@rrc.ca.

No, the PAL cannot be changed once it has been issued. You must ensure that all information, such as your date of birth, address, name, etc. are correct and matches your passport information when submitting your application to RRC Polytech.

Effective March 19, 2024, spouses and common-law partners of international students enrolled in certificate, diploma, and post-graduate diploma programs are no longer eligible for an open work permit. For detailed spousal open work permit criteria, please refer to the Government of Canada’s official guidelines.

For Fall 2024 students, PAL will remain valid until the deadline specified. It is important to apply for your study permit before the expiry date on your PAL to ensure eligibility and compliance with IRCC’s regulations.