<p>Good news! New legislation lets international students studying in Canada work off campus and allows them to stay and work for two years after graduation. In the past, internationals could work on campus or in co-op / internships but not "regular" part time jobs.</p>
<p>I think that the new rules included being able to work during the summer. That could be a good thing. Anyone seen anything in writing?</p>
<p>I've been unable to find anything about any recent changes to the policy for Ontario. The situation varies province to province and there are a few provinces where off-campus jobs have been possible for a while now. </p>
<p>If it's proposed in Ontario, then it's likely not to be effective immediately. These things are almost always phased in. It's important to be totally aware of the conditions of these work permits when issued because if they're violated, you could lose your study permit and not be allowed to remain in the country. The provinces where off-campus jobs are allowed have stipulations about already having attended school in Canada for at least a year before the work permit may be applied for so it's likely that if it changes in Ontario, the process would be the same. And you have to remember, as it's stated on that site, your academics have to remain your main focus in order to keep your study permit. I'm not sure if it's changed but I know in the past that study permits were only good for the school year and students were not able to remain for the summer months unless specific arrangements were made and permission granted. </p>
<p>Lastly, those of you who need to apply for these visas, do it now! Immigration is notoriously slow for these things. :)</p>
<p>Alwaysamom is right about the "attend school for two semesters before you are eligible" rule. It does say that. This is an expansion of the pilot that existed in a few provinces in the past to all of Canada. In general it certainly signals increased flexibility. It is my understanding that summer work will be allowed but permission should always be secured before working outside of one's own country. Lack of documentation, in advance, of permission to work can get one booted out of the country, not just in Canada, but around the world.</p>