Post-Grad Work Permit
Students Working in Canada
- Do not work without being authorized to do so. If you do, you will be in contravention of the law and may be asked to leave Canada. Citizenship & Immigration Canada recently announced a change that will allow students the opportunity to work up to three years after graduation without having to get a job offer and students are not required to get a job in their field of study. Students must not begin to work until they have received their work permit. Read the detail on the CIC web site.
- International Students who have successfully completed their post-secondary or graduate certificate program have the opportunity to work in Canada for a maximum of three years or the length of their program (which ever is less). The fee for the work permit is $150. Students usually have 90 days after graduation to apply for a work permit. See the announcement by CIC.
- We recommend all students plan to take advantage of this North American work experience opportunity. Getting a job offer is a difficult challenge students must plan for soon after their arrival. Good marks, student participation, good communication skills, a good resume and an ability to establish rapport and carry on a casual conversation is important in securing a job offer.
Social Insurance Number (SIN#)
In order to work in Canada you must have both a Work Permit (unless the job is on campus) and a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply early for the SIN when you begin a job. It can take up to 5 - 6 weeks to issue a SIN, and until you have this number, an employer cannot pay you.
How to Apply
Apply in person for your SIN# at Service Canada (Human Resources Social Development (HRSDC) Office. Visit ServiceCanada.gc.ca for locations and times.
Income Tax
Employment income, scholarships, and bursaries are all subject to Canadian income tax and must be reported on line 130 of a tax return as other income. Chinese students benefit from a Canada-China Tax Treaty, Article 19, that allows Chinese students to deduct this income under line 256 specifying the treaty. Students will be issued a T4A Tax Information Slip from the College.
Tax forms must be completed by April 30th. This detailed information is available at the following government web site. Review the data on the web site then talk to an International Staff for assistance with tax issues. You can also talk to a tax representative directly by calling International Tax Services (Revenue Canada) at 1-800-267-5177.
Summary Steps:
- On your tax return record all employment income from T4's
- Add awards or scholarship income on line 130; (Chinese students deduct same on line 256 quoting article 19 on Canada-China tax treaty)
- Deduct rent paid on Ontario Tax Credit Form
- Complete Schedule 11 for your tuition calculation and carry forward amounts
- Record the tax deducted
- Finish Return to calculate balance owing or tax payable.
Often students are eligible for income tax refunds, so seek council early and check the government web site for the latest tax information.